A standout season in Fernie has earned Ghostriders netminder Leo den Besten top honours from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
The KIJHL announced this week that den Besten has been named the league’s top goalie, one of several awards recognizing on-ice excellence.
Den Besten, a St. Albert, Alta., native, played a key role for the Fernie Ghostriders, leading all KIJHL goalies with a 2.01 goals-against average in 25 games. The first-year netminder posted a 16-5-1 record with three shutouts and a .932 save percentage, ranking No. 1 in the league, while logging 1,400 minutes.
His arrival helped stabilize the Ghostriders early in the season, said head coach-general manager Chad Scharff.
“Leo had an amazing year. It was no secret at the start of the season we struggled to keep the puck out of our net and the moment Leo arrived it changed the dynamic of our team,” said Scharff. “We played with more confidence and freedom as a group knowing that Leo would be there for us to make a save. Through working with our goalie coach Theo Zubot, Leo’s game continued to get stronger and stronger, which makes him so deserving of this award.”
Den Besten was named to the KIJHL’s team of the week four times and put together a four-game winning streak from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7.
“From the Fernie Ghostriders MVP to the league’s Top Goalie, the Ghostriders are proud of you Leo! Congratulations!”
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
