Freshman goaltender Josh Fleming (Montreal, Quebec) continues to make a strong early impression, as he was named to the Mike Richter Award Watch List, the Hockey Commissioners Association announced Wednesday.
The Mike Richter Award is presented annually to the top goaltender in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey, and Fleming is one of just 29 netminders nationwide selected for the initial watch list. To qualify, goaltenders must carry a goals-against average below 2.40 and a save percentage above .917, with additional candidates eligible to be added prior to the first official vote.
Fleming’s inclusion comes on the heels of another standout performance. Last Friday, the rookie recorded his second shutout of the season in a 3-0 victory over Minnesota, marking the first time Penn State has ever shut out the Gophers. The performance further cemented Fleming’s reputation as one of the nation’s most reliable young goaltenders.
On the season, Fleming is tied for the national lead with a .938 save percentage. His 1.91 goals-against average ranks second in the Big Ten and seventh nationally, placing him among the elite goaltenders in college hockey despite his freshman status.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Penn State’s goaltending depth has also been a major strength. Fleming and sophomore Kevin Reidler (Gävle, Sweden) have combined for a .918 team save percentage, ranking third in the Big Ten and tied for seventh in the nation.
The award Fleming is chasing is named after Mike Richter, who played his entire NHL career with the New York Rangers from 1989 to 2002 and led the franchise to a Stanley Cup championship in 1994. Richter also starred internationally, earning MVP honors at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey while leading the United States to the title. He is enshrined in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
With conference play heating up, Fleming’s early-season success has positioned him and Penn State firmly in the national spotlight.
