The ECHL announced today that Taylor Gauthier, who plays for the Wheeling Nailers, has been designated as the Warrior Hockey Goaltender of the Week for the period spanning March 11-17. This recognition signifies Gauthier’s fourth time receiving this weekly award and establishes him as the first goaltender in Nailers’ history to achieve such an honor four times in a single season. Moreover, he joins a select group as he is only the fifth goalie in ECHL history to ever accomplish this remarkable feat.
In his career, Gauthier now matches Peter Delmas’ achievement in receiving this accolade four times, making him the second Wheeling goaltender to do so. Delmas had done so throughout three seasons. The current ECHL record for the most career honors stands at seven.
Gauthier has played a significant role in 42 games for Wheeling so far this season, demonstrating a record of 24 wins and an impressive .923 save percentage, which includes an overtime victory. That victory came on March 15th when a goaltending showdown unfolded between Wheeling’s Taylor Gauthier and Iowa’s Drew DeRidder, each captivating the crowd with a scoreless game in regulation. However, Gauthier ultimately outshone his opponent, achieving his fourth shutout of the season and securing his 23rd win for the Nailers by deflecting all 27 shots he faced. The team secured its sixth overtime victory of the season, marking the club’s first 1-0 win post-regulation since March 21, 2018.
Gauthier presently holds the joint-fourth position in single-season wins (24), shares the fourth rank in shutouts (4), and secures the fifth position in minutes played (2,477). Notable accomplishments in the league this season include Gauthier’s top ranking in goals-against average (2.23), wins (24), shutouts (4), saves (1,104), games played (42), and minutes played (2,477). Additionally, Gauthier currently shares the third spot in save percentage (.923). Impressively, in 23 out of 42 appearances, Gauthier conceded two goals or fewer, while in 36 out of 42 games, he allowed three goals or fewer.
The Nailers are set to begin a four-game stretch at home beginning with their game on Tuesday morning (3/19) at 10:45 AM, when they will face off against the Indy Fuel during their traditional Education Day Game.
