The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that Alexandria Blizzard goaltender Jacob Meyers has been named the Brian’s Custom Sports NAHL Goaltender of the Month for February. Meyers, 20, posted a 5-1-0 record in six games played during the month of February. Meyers (6’1/180), a Quinnipiac recruit, also posted two shutouts during the month and stopped 171 of a possible 178 shots, which was good for a 96.1% save percentage and a goals against average of just 1.17.
“I think Jake has maintained a tremendous focus all season long. He comes to the arena prepared for practices and games, and that contributes to what he has been able to do on the ice,” said Blizzard head coach Doc DelCastillo. “Technically he is very good, but he also has a maintained a very strong mental composure that is essential for success for goaltender in this league.”
Meyers only loss in the month of February came when he gave up just a goal in a 2-0 loss (empty-net goal) against Bismarck, making 25 saves against the division leaders. The rest of the month was nothing but wins, which included being named the league’s #1 star this past week as the Minnetonka, Minnesota native posted a perfect couple of performances in goal to help Alexandria to a weekend home sweep of the Coulee Region Chill. He stopped a perfect 60 of 60 shots over the weekend. It included back-to-back 30-save performances during Friday night’s 2-0 win and Saturday night’s 10-0 win.
“I think finalizing my commitment to Quinnipiac earlier in the season took a big load off my shoulders and allowed me to just concentrate on hockey and becoming an better goalie the rest of the season,” said Meyers. “I think once you understand and become accustomed the daily schedule and grind of junior hockey, then it becomes gradually easier to focus 100% on development and your performance on the ice. I think I have really gotten to a point the past 3-4 month where I am comfortable with my game.”
Meyers has won his last four starts, all coming in the month of February, which included two wins over division-leading Bismarck. Meyers ranks in the Top 4 in almost every NAHL goaltending category including: wins (26), goals against average (2.02), save percentage (93.1%) and shutouts (6). “Anytime you have a goalie that doesn’t give up a goal, it makes it easy on everyone else,” said Blizzard head coach Doc DelCastillo. “Despite the scores, Jacob faced a lot of shots and his saves gave us momentum. He gives the team a lot of confidence when he is in goal.”
With one month left in the regulation season and the Blizzard more than likely looking at a 2nd place finish in the Central Division, Meyers said his mindset is not going to change for the final month and the playoffs. “I think I just want to keep doing what I have been doing. The team has been playing real well and we feel like we are in a pretty good place right now, so we just want to keep doing what we are doing and see where that takes us.”
