(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-24 Game Saving Goalie Award as voted by PHPA Members at the conclusion of the 2023-24 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.

AHL Eastern Conference: Hunter Shepard, Hershey Bears

Hunter Shepard built on last year’s Calder Cup Championship where he was named Playoffs MVP, with another dominant season. He earned the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Award as the AHL’s Outstanding Goaltender, and the Harry “Hap” Holmes Award presented to the goaltender(s) on the team which allows the fewest goals during the regular season. Shepard posted a jaw dropping 27-4-3 record with five shutouts while leading the league with a 1.76 GAA and a .929 save percentage. The 28-year-old also started four games for the Washington Capitals this season and is looking to lead the Bears to consecutive Calder Cup championships.

AHL Western Conference: Tie – Chris Driedger, Coachella Valley Firebirds & Dustin Wolf, Calgary Wranglers

Chris Driedger put together an incredible season, leading the Coachella Valley Firebirds to the top of the Western Conference. He dominated the crease with a 2.26 GAA, a .917 save percentage, and an impressive 24-7-7 record. Driedger continued his strong performance into the postseason, helping the Firebirds win reach the Calder Cup Finals. The former third-round pick from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft has played in 67 NHL games, including two this season.

Dustin Wolf also had an impressive year in his third professional season, finishing the AHL season with a 20-12-3 record, 2.44 GAA, and a sparkling .922 save percentage. Wolf was instrumental in the Wranglers clinching a playoff berth in the Calder Cup playoffs. The former 2019 seventh rounder also suited up for 17 NHL games with the Calgary Flames.  Wolf represented the Wranglers at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic.   

ECHL Eastern Conference: Cam Johnson, Florida Everblades

Cam Johnson continued his reign over the ECHL posting a 27-15-4 record with a .921 save percentage and a league leading 2.21 GAA. The 29-year-old from Troy, Michigan, is coming off back-to-back ECHL Kelly Cup Championships and Playoff MVPs. Before turning pro in 2018, Johnson spent four years at the University of North Dakota. Johnson dominated in the playoffs once again helping the Everblades make ECHL history as the first ever three-peat champions.

ECHL Western Conference: Cale Morris, Kansas City Mavericks

Cale Morris had an impressive season for the Kansas City Mavericks while also appearing in seven AHL games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The 28-year-old from Larkspur, Colorado owned a 21-7-2 record including a 2.63 GAA, .919 save percentage, and one shutout. Morris’ performance helped the Mavericks become the ECHL’s 2023-24 Regular Season Champions. Since concluding his college career at the University of Notre Dame in 2020, Morris has appeared in 104 professional games between the AHL (28) and ECHL (76).

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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 1,800 players across 60 teams throughout the American Hockey League and ECHL.  Visit PHPA.com, follow the PHPA on Instagram (@thephpa), X (@thephpa), and tune into The PHPA Podcast.