Backup goaltender Billy Gorn stopped 34 shots to earn his second career AJHL shutout as the Olds Grizzlys defeated the visiting Calgary Canucks 4-0 on Nov. 25.
The 18 year old from Edmonton was making just his ninth appearance of the year. He got the start after relieving starter Jesse Gordichuk in the third period during a 7-6 overtime victory against the Bonnyville Pontiacs on Sunday.
“You just have to battle hard in practice,” Gorn said post-game about staying ready in case his number's called.
“I always try to make every save and bear down in practice and never take one off. And have a good preparation right before the game, have a good warmup.”
Head coach Brett Hopfe said Gorn's been a good soldier on the team and has made strides in his development since making the team out of midget hockey.
“It's a tough position, being a second-string goalie. He's a type of kid that never complains. It's a big step for him. He played AA hockey last year. You make a junior A team, it's a big step, Hopfe said.”
“From the beginning of the year until now, you can see how hard he's worked in practice and how much he's listened to our goalie coach.”
Austin Kernahan's 10th goal of the year and Christopher Gerrie's 16th was all the offence the Grizzlys would need, though the team potted a pair of empty-netters during the final five minutes of the third.
It was a sharp contrast to game on Sunday, where the Grizzlys surrendered three powerplay goals.
“Our penalty kill was much better,” Hopfe said, pointing out the number of shots his skaters blocked.
“Even more importantly, Billy would make the first save and we clear the puck out from in front of the net and only limit them to one shot.”
In general, Hopfe said he'd take a 2-0 victory over a 7-6 one.
“As a coach, it gives you less grey hair for sure. As a player, they like to get as many points as they can. It was nice getting a win tonight and limiting the goals against.”
