Mirwald Named WHL's Goaltender of the Week for 2nd Time

January 8, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release

Vancouver Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald
(Vancouver Giants, Credit: Rob Wilton)

The 20-year-old recorded back-to-back wins over Calgary and Brandon last week, putting up a 1.97 goals-against average, .958 save percentage and a 48-save shutout. This marks the second time in three weeks that Mirwald has earned Goaltender of the Week honours.

Mirwald kicked off 2024 with a 43-save performance in a 5-4 overtime win against the Calgary Hitmen on Wednesday at the Langley Events Centre. In the extra frame, he made a game-saver on a 2-on-0 breakaway, sliding across the crease to deny Carter Yakemchuk the hat trick and the victory. Mirwald was named third star in the win.

The Saskatoon, Sask. product showed no signs of wear and tear three days later when the Giants packed their bags for a trip to Brandon. The Wheat Kings rained 29 shots on Mirwald in the second period alone, but the goalie stood tall with a series of highlight-reel stops, including a deft pad stop on Andrei Maliavian and a quick-thinking double-handed grab to deny Luke Shipley when Mirwald was without his stick. Mirwald would snag first star and his second shutout of the season with a 48-save clean sheet.

Over his last six starts, Mirwald is 4-2-0-0 with a .948 save percentage and 1.99 goals-against average.

Mirwald is 13-15-1-0 in his first season as the Giants' starter with a 3.20 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. He is second in minutes played (1780), shots faced (1086) and saves (991).

The 6-foot-1 netminder was originally drafted by Moose Jaw in the seventh round of the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft. He was acquired by the Giants in June of 2022 in exchange for a conditional 2026 6th round draft pick.

The Giants (15-21-2-0) currently sit in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. They can continue their East Division road trip on January 9 when they visit Prince Albert (17-18-0-2).

Vancouver Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald (Rob Wilton)	Vancouver Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald (Rob Wilton)	Vancouver Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald (Rob Wilton)
Vancouver Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald (Rob Wilton)	Vancouver Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald (Rob Wilton)

Western Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2024

• Blazers Trade Sydor to Lethbridge for Swetlikoff and Two Draft Picks - Kamloops Blazers
• Hurricanes Acquire Langkow, Prospects and Picks from Giants for Zimmer; Release Renas - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Giants Acquire Veteran Forward Zimmer from Hurricanes - Vancouver Giants
• Winterhawks Weekly: Stunners - Portland Winterhawks
• Hurricanes Trade Swetlikoff, Picks to Blazers for Sydor - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• January 8 - Canes Chatter Presented by Peka Rollshutters - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Hitmen Trade Sean Tschigerl to Hurricanes - Calgary Hitmen
• A Letter from Ex-Silvertip Ty Gibson - Everett Silvertips
• Hurricanes Acquire Tschigerl from Hitmen - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Julius Miettinen Named WHL Rookie of the Week - Everett Silvertips
• McKenna Named Tempo WHL Player of the Week - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Mirwald Named WHL's Goaltender of the Week for 2nd Time - Vancouver Giants
• WHL Announces Weekly Awards Winners - WHL
• Rebels this Week - Red Deer Rebels
• Wheat Kings this Week: Final Non-Conference Opponent Precedes Roster Deadline - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Pats Unveil New Online Store - Regina Pats
• Silvertips Take Down Cougars 4-2 in Home Win - Everett Silvertips

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.

Other Recent Vancouver Giants Stories

• Giants Select Local Goal Scorer & Two-Way D-Man in First Round of WHL Prospects Draft
• Giants Don't Lose a Player in Expansion Draft
• Three Giants Win Gold with Canada at U18s
• Canada to Play for Gold at U18 World Championship
• Canada Advances to Semifinal After OT Win over Czechia