In a surprising move, the Savannah Ghost Pirates have acquired goaltender Michael McNiven from the Wheeling Nailers. The 26-year-old netminder, hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, brings experience and skill to his new team.
This season, McNiven has appeared in six games for the Nailers, posting a goals-against average of 3.98 and a save percentage of 0.859. While these numbers may not be the most impressive, it is important to consider the larger picture of his career.
Last season, McNiven played eight games in the ECHL with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, where he showcased his abilities with a goals-against average of 2.54 and a save percentage of 0.913. Prior to that, he spent two seasons in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, where his performances were a mix of ups and downs. In the 2020-21 season, he played 13 games with a 2.59 goals-against average and a 0.895 save percentage. However, in the following season, his numbers dropped slightly to a 4.04 goals-against average and a 0.869 save percentage in eleven games.
Throughout his career, McNiven has played a total of 41 games in the ECHL, representing various teams like the Brampton Beast, Adirondack Thunder, Jacksonville IceMen, Norfolk Admirals, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and the Wheeling Nailers. One notable achievement for McNiven came during the 2019-20 season when he was named ECHL Goaltender of the Week during the period of October 28 to November 3.
As McNiven joins the Savannah Ghost Pirates, the team’s dedicated fans, known for their spirited support, eagerly anticipate his contributions. The Ghost Pirates’ current goaltender, Michael Bullion, will surely appreciate the support in the net during upcoming games. It remains to be seen how McNiven will perform in his new role and whether he can help elevate the team’s performance.
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