HARTFORD, CT - The American Hockey League announced today that Connecticut Whale netminder Chad Johnson has been named the Reebok/AHL Goaltender of the Month for October.
Johnson made five appearances during October and compiled a 3-0-2 record, tying for the league lead among qualified goalies in both goals-against average (1.69) and save percentage (.942), while helping the Whale to first place in the Northeast Division.
Johnson made his first start of the season on Oct. 9 and made 41 saves in a 1-0 shootout victory over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, his sixth career shutout. Following shootout losses to Albany (28 saves) and Bridgeport (23 saves), Johnson turned aside 27 of 28 shots in a 4-1 win over Springfield on Oct. 23, and closed out the month with a 28-save effort in a 3-2 shootout win over Worcester on Oct. 29.
Drafted by Pittsburgh in 2006, Johnson was acquired by the New York Rangers on June 27, 2009, and is in his third professional season after playing collegiately at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. The 25-year-old native of Calgary, Alta., has a career record of 43-37-7 in 92 AHL games with Connecticut, and has also appeared in six NHL contests with the Rangers.
In recognition of his achievement, Johnson will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Whale home game.
The Whale return to action at the XL Center this Friday night, November 4, hosting the new St. John’s IceCaps in a 7:00 game. That will be a special "Power Ghouls" Night, complete with an on-ice costume parade and a special buy-one-get-one-free ticket with costume.
Friday night’s game will feature a Halloween costume parade on the ice during the first intermission, and prizes will be awarded for best kid’s costume and best adult’s costume. Also, fans who come in costume can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free offer on Upper Level tickets for Friday’s game. That discount is available for both kids’ and adults’ tickets, through the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center only.
CL&P employees who present their company ID at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center will also be extended the buy-one-get-one-free offer on Upper Level tickets for Friday night.
Tickets to Friday night’s game, and all 2011-12 Whale home games, are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.
