South Carolina Stingrays

Congrats, Vitek Vanecek, ECHL’s Goaltender of the Week

(South Carolina Stingrays)

Congratulations to Caps prospect and South Carolina Stingrays netminder Vitek Vanecek, who was named the ECHL’s goaltender of the week on Tuesday. He only surrendered one goal in two victories last week. It was also the second time the 20-year-old Vanecek earned the honor.

via the Stingrays:

He previously was named the ECHL Rookie of the Month in November. Vanecek earned a pair of victories for South Carolina last week, allowing just one goal in his two appearances. He earned a 28-save shutout in a 4-0 win at Greenville last Thursday, and followed up the performance by stopping 26 shots in a 3-1 win over Atlanta on Saturday night. Vanecek went 2-0-0-0 with a 0.50 goals-against average and a .982 save percentage last week.

The Czech Republic native was a second round selection (39th overall) of the Washington Capitals in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. In his first professional season in North America, Vanecek has been a large part of the Stingrays success, posting a 14-7-3-1 record with a 2.08 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. He has also posted a pair of shutouts. His goals-against average is tops among rookie goaltenders and he ranks fourth in the league overall.

Earlier this season, Vanecek represented the Czech Republic at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Vanecek and the Stingrays conclude a five-game homestand with a pair of games versus the Florida Everblades this weekend. The battle for first place is at 7:05 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Friday is Comic-Con Night, and Saturday is Social Media Night. The Stingrays are also home Sunday at 3:05 p.m. versus Greenville for Undie Sunday! Fans are encouraged to bring a packaged pair of new undergarments to throw on the ice after the Stingrays first goal for those in need. Fans are encouraged to call 843-744-2248 or visit StingraysHockey.com for ticket info.

Bobby Shea’s ‘Super Mario’ Fight

Stingrays Week 20 Recap: Top Dog

Ben Sumner

Ben Sumner is the editor of Capitals Outsider. He also works for The Washington Post and contributes there when he gets a scoop.

Related Articles

Back to top button