Consistency is one thing—dominance is another. This season, Cam Johnson made a compelling case for both.
The Florida Everblades netminder has been named the recipient of the ECHL’s Nick Vitucci Award as Goaltender of the Year for the 2025–26 campaign, marking the second consecutive season he has earned the honor. In doing so, Johnson becomes just the second goaltender in league history to win the award in back-to-back years, joining Jeff Jakaitis, who accomplished the feat in 2013–14 and 2014–15.
Voted on by ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors, and members of the media, the award recognizes the league’s top performer between the pipes. It has carried Vitucci’s name since 2022, honoring one of the most decorated figures in league history. Nick Vitucci’s legacy spans more than two decades, beginning with the league’s inaugural 1988–89 season, when he led the Carolina Thunderbirds to a Riley Cup championship. He would go on to win a record five titles and was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in its first class in 2008.
Johnson’s résumé this season left little room for debate.
He led the league in wins (31), minutes played (2,965), and goals-against average (1.84), while also finishing fourth in save percentage (.923). His goals-against mark stands tied for the third-lowest in a single season in ECHL history, underscoring just how difficult he was to beat on a nightly basis.
Beyond the numbers, it was his reliability that separated him. Johnson allowed two goals or fewer in 37 of his 49 appearances, providing Florida with a steady backbone throughout the year. He was named ECHL Goaltender of the Week twice and continued to climb the league’s all-time ranks, now sitting tied for third in career shutouts with 20.
His 30-win campaign also carried historical weight—Johnson became only the eighth goaltender in league history to reach that mark in multiple seasons.
Kansas City’s Jack LaFontaine finished as the runner-up in voting, followed by Wheeling’s Taylor Gauthier, Maine’s Brad Arvanitis, and Atlanta’s T.J. Semptimphelter.
The league will round out its major awards on Friday with the announcement of the Warrior Hockey Most Valuable Player.
