SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Chad Johnson of the Connecticut Whale has been named the Reebok/AHL Goaltender of the Month for October. Johnson made five appearances and went 3-0-2, tying for the league lead among qualified goalies in both goals-against average (1.69) and save percentage (.942) while helping the Whale to first place in the Northeast Division.
Johnson made his first start of the season on Oct. 9 and made 41 saves in a 1-0 shootout victory over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, his sixth career shutout. Following shootout losses to Albany (28 saves) and Bridgeport (23 saves), Johnson turned aside 27 of 28 shots in a 4-1 win over Springfield on Oct. 23, and closed out the month with a 28-save effort in a 3-2 shootout win over Worcester on Oct. 29.
Drafted by Pittsburgh in 2006, Johnson was acquired by the New York Rangers on June 27, 2009, and is in his third professional season after playing collegiately at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. The 25-year-old native of Calgary, Alta., has a career record of 43-37-7 in 92 AHL games with Connecticut, and has also appeared in six NHL contests with the Rangers.
In recognition of his achievement, Johnson will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Whale home game.
