(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022-23 PHPA Game Saving Goalie Award as voted by PHPA Members at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. 

The PHPA Game Saving Goalie Award is presented to one goaltender from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences who is known to consistently make the big save at the biggest moment of the game.  He can steal a win for his team, frustrate opponents, and is regarded as the hardest goaltender to play against.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Pat Nagle, Reading Royals

Pat Nagle had an impressive season for the Reading Royals while also appearing in nine AHL games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.  The 35-year-old posted a 21-7-0 record including a 2.61 goals against average (GAA) and .908 save percentage in his 12^th professional season.  Last season, Nagle was named to the United States Men’s National Team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Nagle.  “It means that much more coming from my peers.  There are so many talented goalies within the league who could have easily won.  I truly appreciate all the help from my teammates and those behind the scenes for the recognition.”

ECHL Western Conference: Adam Scheel, Idaho Steelheads

Adam Scheel, from Lakewood, Ohio was outstanding for the Idaho Steelheads this season, putting together a 28-8-0 record that included a league leading five shutouts, helping his team finish first overall in the Regular Season.  Scheel posted a 1.97 GAA and .932 save percentage, leading the league in both categories.  His dominance continued into the playoffs as he backstopped the Steelheads to the Kelly Cup Finals.

“It’s a huge honor to be voted for this award by my peers as there are multiple great goalies within the Western Conference who are more than deserving of this recognition,” said Scheel.  “I want to thank my teammates, coaches, training staff, and Steelheads fans for making this such a memorable season and allowing me the opportunity to accept this award.” 

AHL Eastern Conference: Joel Hofer, Springfield Thunderbirds

Joel Hofer completed his third professional season as one of the most consistent goaltenders in the AHL.  Hofer played 47 games with Springfield, putting together a 27-15-5 record, with a 2.50 GAA and a .921 save percentage.  The 22-year-old also started 6 games for the St. Louis Blues this season and 2 games for Canada at the 2022 Men’s World Championships. He represented the Thunderbirds at the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic in Laval, Quebec.

“It’s a huge honor and privilege to be chosen for this award by my peers,” said Hofer. “The AHL is such a competitive league and for me to be selected from great players means a lot!”

AHL Western Conference: Dustin Wolf, Calgary Wranglers

Dustin Wolf had a dominant second professional season, finishing the season with an incredible 42-10-2 record, ranking first in the league in wins, GAA (2.09), save percentage (.932), and shutouts (7).  He received both the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Award as the AHL’s Outstanding Goaltender and the Harry “Hap” Holmes Award presented to the goaltender on the team which allows the fewest goals per game during the Regular Season. 

On April 13, 2023 Wolf made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames, recording his first NHL win in the same game. 

“I’m very honored to be recognized by my peers for this award,” said Wolf.  “There’re so many incredible goaltenders in the Western Conference and to be recognized by the players you play against day in and day out is super special.”

-www.PHPA.com-

About the PHPA

Since its inception in 1967, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) has continued to serve as an advocate of player interests.  Currently, the PHPA is the certified, U.S. National Labor Relations Board collective bargaining representative for over 1,600 players across 60 teams throughout the American Hockey League and ECHL.  Visit PHPA.com, follow the PHPA on Instagram (@thephpa), Twitter (@thephpa), and tune into the PHPA Podcast.