Lee Backstops FM Jets to Three Points
November 20, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) Most players who come to the North American Hockey League are vying for one of the few roster spots available at Division I institutions and its this pursuit that drives them through the daily practices and games. Few enter the league with one of those already in hand, but that is the case for Fargo-Moorhead Jets goaltender Austin Lee (Bloomington, MN).
The rookie signed a letter of intent last spring to attend WCHA Minnesota State-Mankato beginning as early as next season, just about guaranteeing him a chance to play at the highest level of collegiate hockey. However, despite already achieving the goal of many junior hockey players Lee definitely isn't playing like a player who lacks that particular motivation.
Lee continued a strong season by backstopping the FM Jets (16-6-1, 33pts) to a win and a loss in a shootout against the Alexandria Blizzard last weekend. He made 24 saves in the FM Jets' 4-1 victory at home on Nov. 17. Then on Nov. 18 in Alexandria, Lee made 39 saves as the FM Jets' earned a point in a 2-1 shootout loss.
For the weekend, Lee compiled a .984% save percentage and extended his personal unbeaten streak to nine games. Lee hasn't lost a game in regulation since Oct. 6.
Lee leads the NAHL in save percentage at .941% and is third in goals against average at 1.92. Lee, along with the team's other goaltenders Beau Christian (Moorhead, MN) and Elliot Okland (Fargo, ND), has spearheaded a defense that has allowed only 60 goals against.
Along with Lee's strong netminding, the FM Jets saw a pair of rookies come through last weekend. Andrew Muir (Hallock, MN) recorded his first junior hockey point when he recorded an assist in the Nov. 17th win.
Fellow rookie Mark Johnson (Bloomington, MN) scored his second goal, late in the third period on Nov. 18 to force the shootout.
Nearing 50
Matt Moreland (Grand Forks, ND) scored a goal in the FM Jets' Nov. 17 victory and now has 48 for his career. Moreland is looking to become the fifth FM Jet in team history to reach 50 career goals.
Struggling Power Play
The FM Jets haven't scored on their last 31 power plays. This is a streak that covers four full games with the last power play goal coming against North Iowa on Nov. 10th.
Shootout Issues
The FM Jets 2-1 shootout loss on Nov. 18 at Alexandria was the team's first shootout this season and their 12th all time. The FM Jets' are 6-6 in shootouts, having lost three straight dating back to last season.
Offensive Defenseman
Ryan Adams (Deloraine, MB) is sixth in the NAHL in defensemen scoring with 14 points (2 goals).
No Shorties
Prior to Brett Burgau's short-handed goal on Nov. 17 for Alexandria, no team had scored a short-handed goal against the FM Jets' since Traverse City's Matt Hughes scored one on opening day on Sept. 13.
Last Week
Nov. 17 Alexandria Blizzard 4-1 Win
Nov. 18 @ Alexandria Blizzard 1-2 Shootout Loss
This Week
Nov. 25 Alexandria Blizzard 7:05pm
North American Hockey League Stories from November 20, 2006
- IceDiggers continue road swing - Alpena IceDiggers
- Wildcats Beat Tornado - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Lee Backstops FM Jets to Three Points - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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