Hayden Hawkey Named 2013-14 USHL Goaltender of the Year
May 9, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
Chicago, IL - The United States Hockey League today announced that Hayden Hawkey of the Omaha Lancers has been named the 2013-14 USHL Goaltender of the Year as determined by a vote of League coaches and general managers.
Hawkey finished the regular season with a 22-6-3 record, finishing sixth in victories among all USHL goaltenders. He led the League with a 1.99 goals-against-average and became the first goaltender in the USHL Tier 1 era (2002-present) to finish the season with a sub-2.00 GAA. It is the lowest GAA for a season since Marty Magers posted a 1.62 GAA during the 2001-02 season with the Omaha Lancers. Hawkey also led the League with a .926 save percentage, the best mark ever in the Tier 1 era for a Lancers goaltender and the highest in the League since the 2010-11 season when Ryan McKay recorded a .928 SV% for the Green Bay Gamblers.
It was the first season in the USHL for Hawkey who stopped 29 shots in his League debut on October 19th, 2013 in a 3-2 win against the Indiana Ice. A week later in his second USHL start, and home debut, he turned away all 22 shots in the 2-0 victory over the Tri-City Storm to post his first shutout. Hawkey would win each of his first 12 starts in the USHL, recording a 1.92 GAA and .929 SV% over those 12 victories.
In February, Hawkey posted consecutive shutouts as he made 22 saves in the 1-0 victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints on February 21st and then followed up with a 30-save effort in the 5-0 win against the Waterloo Black Hawks on February 22nd. He finished the season with three total shutouts.
"The stellar numbers for Hayden Hawkey speak for themselves as he produced one of the most impressive performances over a single season in League history," said Skip Prince, USHL President and Commissioner. "A number of goaltenders had outstanding years for their clubs, and in a league loaded with offensive talent, Hayden raised the bar for his position to a whole new level. Congrats to him and the Omaha Lancers on this honor."
The goaltender was at his best in front of the Lancers faithful as he posted a 13-4-1 record with a 1.77 GAA and .929 SV% in games played at the Ralston Arena. He won each of his first eight starts on home ice. During the season, he earned victories against 14 different USHL Member Clubs and combined with teammate Cole Bruns to help the Lancers finish tied for first in the League with a 2.35 goals allowed per game average.
Hawkey came to the Lancers after being selected in the ninth round (127th overall) of Phase 2 in the 2013 USHL Draft. The Parker, Colorado native played youth hockey in the Colorado Thunderbirds organization prior to his time in the USHL. Hawkey, who celebrated his 19th birthday in March, is committed to play NCAA hockey at Providence College following his USHL career.
It is the ninth time in USHL history that a netminder for the Omaha Lancers has been named the USHL Goaltender of the Year - Drew Palmisano (2006-07), Jeff Lerg (2004-05), Dominic Vicari (2002-03), Dan Ellis (1999-2000), Tony Zasowski (1998-99), Mike Correia (1995-96), Aaron Vickar (1994-95), and Bob Petrie (1992-93).
United States Hockey League Stories from May 9, 2014
- 2014 USHL Clark Cup Final - Game One Recap - USHL
- Hawks Rally in Game One - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Ice Can't Hold Lead, Black Hawks Take Game One - Indiana Ice
- U.S. Men's National Team Beats Belarus, 6-1, to Open Men's World Championship - U.S. National Team
- Hawkey Named 2013-14 USHL Goaltender of the Year - Omaha Lancers
- Hayden Hawkey Named 2013-14 USHL Goaltender of the Year - USHL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
