Four goaltenders from in-state college hockey programs picked up nominations for the Mike Richter Award honoring the nation's top goalie.
Gophers junior goaltender Adam Wilcox, Minnesota State junior Stephon Williams, Bemidji State freshman Michael Bitzer and St. Cloud State sophomore Charlie Lindgren were among the 28 nominees announced by Let's Play Hockey and the Herb Brooks Foundation on Friday.
Wilcox, who was a finalist for the inaugural award last season, has a 17-9-3 record, 2.50 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, four shutouts and 723 saves. Williams is 19-4-2 with 1.64 goals-against average, .926 save percentage, three shutouts and 514 saves. Bitzer is 12-9-2, has a 1.83 goals-against average, .927 save percentage, four shutouts and 530 saves. Lindgren has a 14-13-1 record, 2.30 goals-against average, .916 save percentage, two shutouts and 679 saves.
The 28 nominees combine for a 2.13 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage and a grade-point average of 3.15. Connor Hellebuyck of Massachusetts-Lowell won the inaugural Mike Richter Award. Complete 2015 watch list.
Criteria for the Mike Richter Award:
Candidates must display outstanding skills on the ice
Candidates should be in good academic standing at an NCAA college or university
Consideration should be given to academic achievement and sportsmanship
Candidates must comply with all NCAA rules; be full-time students at an NCAA college or university; and complete 50 percent or more of the season
Consideration should be given to the candidate's activities in the community
