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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Fortin's Positive Outlook Paying Dividends Down the Stretch

March 21, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Dimitri Fortin has been biding his time looking for an opportunity, but the 17-year-old netminder came up big for the Moose Jaw Warriors at a key moment last weekend.

Fortin earned a pair of wins over Saskatoon and Regina and won WHL Rookie of the week honours after posting a 1.70 goals against average and a .938 save percentage.

"I haven't been playing much, but then just keep on working during practices and when I do get to play just got to give it my all," Fortin said.

On Saturday, Fortin was thrown into the fire with the Warriors trailing 3-0 in the first period against the Blades. He settled in with a big save just moments after entering the net and went on to stop all 24 shots that he faced in the 6-3 comeback victory for the Warriors.

The Winnipeg product said the big early save was key.

"It got the nerves out for sure, I was kind of nervous going in, but I just did my thing and made all the saves," Fortin said.

The rookie goalie now has 6-3-0-1 record with a 3.19 goals against average and a .903 save percentage in 10 games this season. He's also won three of his four starts so far in March.

"It's huge for me, just helps my confidence, but then just also helps the team moving forward, we've got playoffs coming up and if I can help as much as I can, I just do my job and that's it," Fortin said.

Fortin was pushed down the Warriors' goaltending depth chart when the team acquired 19-year-old Evan May at the WHL Trade Deadline to serve as a veteran back-up behind 18-year-old starter Jackson Unger.

Despite the move, the Warriors chose to keep Fortin to allow him to develop with Goaltending Coach Matt Weninger.

With May suffering an upper body at the beginning of the team's road trip last month, Fortin has stepped up.

"It's been a challenge, but I've just kept working on myself, just be a good teammate and help the team out when I get to play," Fortin said.

Fortin has been a positive influence in practice and the locker room.

"I just help the guys out, if they need to take shots after practice, I'm there for them and just always try to be positive," he said.

Fortin and the Warriors will close out the regular season this week, starting on Thursday in Brandon and then wrapping up with a home game against the Pats on Saturday.

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2024


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