Standing at just six-foot and playing in the GOJHL for the Ayr Centennials in his NHL draft year, the path forward for Cambridge, ON native Jacob Steinman must have seemed rough if he wanted a chance at playing at the next level. A try-out with the Moncton Wildcats organization would change everything, where he would become the team's starter and now this season, become the league's very best goaltender.
Across Steinman's overage season, he posted a .923 save percentage playing on one of the best teams (Moncton Wildcats) and one of the worst teams (Halifax Mooseheads) that the QMJHL had to offer. In the latter half of the season, Steinman's consistent play and game stealing was the defining reason why the Mooseheads were able to make the playoffs.
While he didn't get the opportunity to stay with the Wildcats and add a QMJHL championship to his award cabinet, he has been rewarded with a much earned win of the Patrick-Roy Trophy for goaltender of the year. Hopefully he can add to hiss collection with the NCAA's Bowling Green State, where he'll continue his hockey career next season.
The finalists for the ward included Shawinigan's Felix Hamel and Drummondville's Riley Mercer
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