Riopel named CCM/ECHL Goaltender of the Week

Nick Riopel of the Kalamazoo Wings is the CCM ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Feb. 20-26. It is the fourth time in his career that he has received the weekly honor.

Riopel went 2-0-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage last week as the K-Wings moved into fourth place in the Central Division standings.

The 28-year-old stopped 29 shots in a 4-2 win at Quad City on Friday and made 26 saves in a 4-1 victory over the Mallards on Saturday.

A native of Beloeil, Quebec, Riopel has appeared in 22 games for the K-Wings this season posting a record of 11-9-1 with one shutout. He ranks 11th in the league with a 2.80 goals-against average

Under contract with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, Riopel has seen action in 119 career ECHL games with Kalamazoo, Rapid City and Greenville going 62-47-6 with three shutouts, a 2.81 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. He has also appeared in 21 career AHL games and in 68 career games in Europe.

Selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Riopel was named QMJHL Most Valuable Player with Moncton in 2008-09 when he led the league with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.

Also Nominated: Tom McCollum (Adirondack), Garrett Bartus (Fort Wayne) and Jake Paterson (Toledo).

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Oct. 14-16 Jake Hildebrand, Indy Fuel

Oct. 17-23 Brandon Halverson, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Oct. 24-30 Doug Carr, Wheeling Nailers

Oct. 31-Nov. 6 Jamie Phillips, Tulsa Oilers

Nov. 7-13 Jake Hildebrand, Indy Fuel

Nov. 14-20 Adam Morrison, Rapid City Rush

Nov. 21-27 Kevin Carr, Alaska Aces

Nov. 28-Dec. 4 Riley Gill, Allen Americans

Dec. 5-11 Riley Gill, Allen Americans

Dec. 12-18 Clarke Saunders, Colorado Eagles