Midwest Division Star of the Week: Gavin Moffatt, Goaltender, Wisconsin Windigo
For the second consecutive week, a Wisconsin Windigo player has been named NAHL Bauer Midwest Division Star of the Week. Last week, it was forward Victor Widlund. This week it is Windigo goalie Gavin Moffatt taking the honors. Moffatt, 18, had his best weekend of the season to date as he helped the Windigo to a weekend home sweep of the Janesville Jets. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of Darien, CT, allowed just one goal in the two wins, stopping 61 of 62 shots. On Friday, Moffatt made 33 saves through regulation and overtime then stopped all three shooters in the shootout in a 2-1 shootout win. On Saturday, he made 28 saves for his first shutout of the season in a 3-0 win. In six games played this season, Moffatt has a 3-3-0 record with a 2.30 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. “Gavin was great this weekend. He shows up every day and puts in extra work all week and is being rewarded for that. I’m happy for him,” said Windigo head coach Blake Hietala.
The Wisconsin Windigo’s twelve-game home stand commenced on a high note. The Windigo swept in-state rival Janesville Jets at the Dome in Eagle River, WI. In the honor of the great tradition of the opening weekend of deer hunting season in Wisconsin, the Windigo were adorned in blaze orange and camouflaged jerseys. Gavin Moffatt took the net both nights for his fifth and sixth starts of the season and quickly took center stage, allowing just 1 goal over the entire weekend. The Windigo improved its record to 10 wins 12 losses and 1 overtime loss on the season.
Friday, November 18: Janesville Jets 1 at Wisconsin Windigo 2 (OT-Shootout) The Jets struck first just 1:41 into the opening frame when they took advantage of a Windigo defensive miscue in the neutral zone. That would be all the scoring the Jets could muster, as Windigo goalie Gavin Moffatt was a fortress for the balance of the weekend. Sam Jacobs (assisted by Ben Anderson and Zach Burfoot) answered at the 17:04 mark of the first, on a perfectly placed shot to the top corner as he pulled the trigger in stride while streaking down the left side. A fast paced and tight checking game ensued, as Janesville outshot the Windigo 34 to 27 in the contest. After 5 minutes of 3-on-3 overtime play, the game was decided in a shootout. The lone shootout goal was scored by Zach Burfoot to clinch the victory in dramatic fashion.
Saturday, November 12: Janesville Jets 0 at Wisconsin Windigo 3 – For a second straight night, Windigo goalie Gavin Moffatt was on fire as he stopped all 28 shots that came his way, earning his first shutout of the season. After a scoreless first period in which the Jets carried the advantage in shots 12 to 8, the Windigo took a 1-0 lead 11:35 into the second with a goal from Connor Mahony (assisted by Chris Kernan and Mario DiMaggio). “Kernan made a great effort to set up our first goal. He fought off a check to maintain possession of the puck as he carried it into the zone and fed Mahony with a nice pass,” commented Windigo head coach Blake Hietala after the game. Kernan would score himself 3:48 into the third period as he buried the puck off a backdoor feed from Will Schumacher. Luke Levandowski had the second assist on Kernan’s goal. Mahony sealed the win with his second goal of the night on an empty netter from 180 feet away. Moffatt pitched a shutout, turning away all 28 shots he faced. Jets goalie Selby Warren made 22 saves in the loss. “What can I say about Moffatt’s performance in net this weekend? He hasn’t played for nearly a month. He did have a little time to prepare for a start, as we knew that Max Beckford would be doubtful for this weekend due to an injury suffered at Janesville last Saturday. Moffatt demonstrated why he earned a roster spot this season.” noted coach Hietala after the game.
Up Next: November 25 – 26 hosting the Chippewa Steel The Windigo will host the Chippewa Steel on Friday and Saturday, November 25-26. Puck drop on Friday is 6pm and at 7pm on Saturday. On Friday, area youth hockey players will be admitted free if they wear their jersey and can skate with the team after the game. Tickets are available online at www.wisconsinjuniorhockey.com/tickets or at the door. Limited reserve section access is available for $15 and general admission is $10.