WHL Portland Winterhawks

Jan Špunar Named WHL Goaltender of the Month

Published on November 1, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Medicine Hat, Alta. - The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is proud to recognize goaltender Jan Špunar, who was today named WHL Goaltender of the Month for September and October. The league's announcement follows below.

Špunar, 19, went 7-2-0-0 with a 1.63 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and one shutout to start the season. Heading into November, he leads the WHL in GAA and SV%, while his seven victories are tied for third among all WHL goaltenders.

The product of Olomouc, Czechia, began the campaign with a seven-game winning streak, which stretched from Saturday, September 30 through Saturday, October 21.

The 6-foot-3, 199-pound Špunar has allowed two or fewer goals in eight of his nine appearances this season.

He made a season-high 42 saves Friday, October 6, backstopping the Winterhawks to a 4-1 victory over the Everett Silvertips.

Špunar recorded his first career WHL shutout on Sunday, October 15, turning aside 22 shots in a 7-0 triumph over the Tri-City Americans. He was named WHL Goaltender of the Week for his efforts during a week in which he also stopped 26 of 27 shots in a 4-1 win over the Kamloops Blazers on Friday, October 13.

Wednesday, October 25, Špunar was identified by NHL Central Scouting on its Preliminary Players to Watch List for the 2024 NHL Draft. Given a 'W' rating, NHL Central Scouting currently projects Špunar as a potential sixth- or seventh-round candidate for the 2024 NHL Draft.

The second-year import attended training camp with the NHL's Montreal Canadiens this fall.

Originally selected by the Winterhawks in the first round (52nd overall) of the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Špunar has been between the pipes for 40 career WHL Regular Season games with the Winterhawks, going 24-9-2-1 with a 2.38 GAA, .914 SV% and one shutout.

Heading into November, the Portland Winterhawks rank third in the WHL's Western Conference with a record of 8-4-0-0. Thanks to Špunar's contributions, the Winterhawks are the stingiest team in the WHL's Western Conference, having allowed a mere 32 goals against in 12 outings (2.67 goals against per game).

Jan Špunar and the Portland Winterhawks return to action Wednesday, November 1 (7 p.m. MT) when they continue their Central Division road trip in Medicine Hat.

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 1, 2023


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