Jack Ivankovic (MIS) and Carter George (OS) both captured significant shutouts for their teams this weekend.
Rookie goaltenders Jack Ivankovic and Carter George both shut the door this weekend in massive shutout wins.
Jack Ivankovic - 48 Save Shutout against Otters
Mississauga Steelheads "backup" goaltender Jack Ivankovic lifted his team to a 5-0 win against the Erie Otters on Saturday.
Ivankovic shut the door with 48 saves and zero goals against in this game. The 2007-born goaltender captured his first career OHL shutout with this performance.
Ivankovic was selected in the first round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, and is regarded as one of the highest-touted goaltenders that the OHL has seen in recent years.
His technicalities and mechanics are incredible for his age. He has that ability to completely take over games and perform when called upon. Last season with the U16 Mississauga Sens, Ivankovic consistently took over games and stole wins for his team.
Ivankovic's potential was too high for the Steelheads to pass on him with the 7th overall pick. Even though they have top 2024 NHL Draft eligible goaltender Ryerson Leenders obtaining the starting position, Ivankovic has answered when he has been called on.
Carter George - 50 Save Shutout against Barrie Colts
Top 2024 NHL Draft eligible goaltender Carter George also had himself a night against the Colts on Thursday.
George put up a phenomenal 50-save shutout as the Attack took a 3-0 victory.
Carter George has had Barrie's number at Sadlon Arena, not allowing a single goal in the building. This is George's third shutout of the season.
The former Thunder Bay King is a more solid and stable goaltender in net, compared to super active and flexible. He never allows himself to get out of position in the net, and he is always covering as much net as possible.
Most goals against go through him, not around him. His stability in the crease is easily relied upon for his team, and he rarely lets games get out of hand.
With Owen Sound's systems and in their style of play, George does take a lot of shots each game. They don't play too much of a lockdown game in the middle of the ice, they forecheck and pressure tightly outside. There have been several of games this year where George lets in 4 or 5 goals, but he still manages to make 40+ saves.
Carter George is at the top of the list along with Ryerson Leenders ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, when looking at goalies from the OHL. Both are very different goaltenders. George is solid, stable, and covers a lot of net. Leenders is very athletic, agile, and takes risks.
The future of the OHL in the goaltending department is looking much brighter than in recent seasons, and it is an exciting time for young goalies in Ontario.