The ECHL announced earlier today that Joe Vrbetic of the Trois-Rivieres Lions has been named goaltender of the week as he went 2-0 with a 1.50 goals against average and .945 sv% while turning away 52 of the 55 shots he saw as the Lions picked up their first-ever sweep of the Newfoundland Growlers over the weekend. Vrbetic has had a solid start to the season, going 5-1 with a 3.11 goals against average and .897 sv%; his one loss was in a game where he gave up seven goals on 30 shots to the Reading Royals. His five wins currently lead the ECHL. Vrbetic has been a huge part of the Lions’ early success this season after an off-season that saw not one but two coaching changes; the Lions have a 7-1 record and hold the top spot in the North Divison with 14 points, five more than the second place Norfolk Admirals.
Vrbetic isn’t the only goalie who’s been playing well as Zachary Bouthillier has gotten two starts for the Lions this season and has gone 2-0 as he’s made 30 saves in both appearances that he’s made this season. The Lions will visit the Maine Mariners on Friday before heading to Glens Falls to play the Thunder on Sunday afternoon.
