Purpura dominated the crease with a near-perfect week, shutting down opponents and earning league-wide recognition for his stellar play.
Goaltender Vinnie Purpura has been a steady presence in the net for Savannah since being traded, but during the first week of February, he elevated his game to another level — and the league took notice.
Purpura was named the Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for March 30-April 5 after having a week of 2-0-0 with one shutout, a 0.50 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .987, dressing in two games last week.
It was a week that showcased not only his consistency as a netminder but also his ability to make key saves when his team needed them the most. The 27-year-old Lemont, Illinois native stopped all 41 shots in a 1-0 win at Greenville on Tuesday and made 35 saves in a 2-1 victory against Atlanta on Saturday.
For Purpura, the weekly honor reflects what has been a strong season overall. The 27-year-old goaltender has split time between the Reading Royals and Savannah Ghost Pirates this season, ranking near the top of the ECHL in both goals-against average and save percentage.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Purpura uses his size to his advantage, taking away shooting angles while still showing the mobility and quickness needed to make second and third saves. Over his ECHL career with Savannah, Reading, and Adirondack, he has compiled a strong record and established himself as a reliable presence in net. The record and performance that Purpura has made for himself this season have earned him an AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers.
Vinnie Purpura during warm-ups Photo Credit: Savannah Ghost PiratesPurpura’s path to professional hockey was not linear. Before turning pro, he played collegiately at Boston University and Long Island University, where he developed his game and gained valuable NCAA experience.
Now in his professional career, Purpura continues to prove he can be a difference-maker at the ECHL level. His Goaltender of the Week performance wasn’t just about statistics — it was about timely saves, composure under pressure, and giving his team a chance to win every night.
If his recent stretch is any indication, Purpura is not just having a good week — he’s putting together the kind of season that can make a real impact down the stretch and into the playoffs.