WHL Western Hockey League

WHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

January 3, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today that Kelowna Rockets goaltender James Porter has been named WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending December 31, 2017.

Porter, a 5-foot-11, 157-pound product of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, won both his starts during the week, helping the Kelowna Rockets take over the B.C. Division lead. In addition to the two victories, Porter posted a 0.48 goals against average, .987 SV% and one shutout.

Wednesday against the Kamloops Blazers, Porter stopped 46 of 47 shots sent his way, adding four more saves in the shootout as the Rockets topped their regional rivals by a 2-1 score in the shootout. Porter had silenced the Blazers through the first 40 minutes, stopping all 29 shots, but gave up a late goal in the third period, finishing with 14 saves in the final period and stopping all three shots in overtime. For his efforts, Porter was named the game's first star.

Two days later, Porter silenced the Blazers for all 60 minutes, stopping the 28 shots sent his way to earn his second career WHL shutout. In addition to being named the game's second star, Porter earned first star honours of the night across the WHL.

The rookie goaltender who was selected by the Rockets in the seventh round, 153rd overall, in the 2015 WHL Draft has impressed between the pipes this season for the division-leading Rockets, posting a 15-5-2-0 record with a 3.22 goals against average and 0.904 SV%. He's also record two shutouts and stopped 114 of the last 115 shots sent his way.

The Rockets return to the ice Wednesday, January 3 (7:05 p.m. PST) when they play host to the Tri-City Americans.

WHL On the Run Player of the Week

Dec. 27 - Dec. 31: Braylon Shmyr, Saskatoon Blades

Dec. 11 - Dec. 17: Nolan Volcan, Seattle Thunderbirds

Dec. 4 - Dec. 10: Stelio Mattheos, Brandon Wheat Kings

Nov. 27 - Dec. 3: Calen Addison, Lethbridge Hurricanes

Nov. 20 - Nov. 26: Cody Glass, Portland Winterhawks

Nov. 13 - Nov. 19: Jayden Halbgewachs, Moose Jaw Warriors

Nov. 6 - Nov. 12: Aleksi Heponiemi, Swift Current Broncos

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5: Jermaine Loewen, Kamloops Blazers

Oct. 23 - Oct. 29: Brett Howden, Moose Jaw Warriors

Oct. 16 - Oct. 22: Tyler Steenbergen, Swift Current Broncos

Oct. 9 - Oct. 15: Tyler Soy, Victoria Royals

Oct. 2 - Oct. 8: Kale Clague, Brandon Wheat Kings

Sept. 25 - Oct. 1: Tyler Steenbergen, Swift Current Broncos

Sept. 22 - Sept. 24: Kole Lind, Kelowna Rockets

WHL Goaltender of the Week/Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week nominee

Dec. 27 - Dec. 31: James Porter, Kelowna Rockets

Dec. 11 - Dec. 17: David Tendeck, Vancouver Giants

Dec. 4 - Dec. 10: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips

Nov. 27 - Dec. 3: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips

Nov. 20 - Nov. 26: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips

Nov. 13 - Nov. 19: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips

Nov. 6 - Nov. 12: Brody Willms, Moose Jaw Warriors

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5: Cole Kehler, Portland Winterhawks

Oct. 23 - Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips

Oct. 16 - Oct. 22: Dawson Weatherill, Spokane Chiefs

Oct. 9 - Oct. 15: Logan Flodell, Swift Current Broncos

Oct. 2 - Oct. 8: Cole Kehler, Portland Winterhawks

Sept. 25 - Oct. 1: Tavin Grant, Prince George Cougars

Sept. 22 - Sept. 24: Griffen Outhouse, Victoria Royals

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