SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Curtis McElhinney of the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights has been named the Rbk X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month for April.
In seven starts to close out the 2006-07 regular season, McElhinney was 6-1-0 with a 1.26 goals-against average, a .940 save percentage and one shutout, helping the Knights claim the best record in the Western Conference one year after missing the Calder Cup Playoffs.
McElhinney stopped 26 of 27 shots in a 2-1 victory at Iowa on Apr. 3, then pitched a 1-0 shutout vs. San Antonio on Apr. 6. He suffered his only loss of the month on Apr. 7, a 1-0 overtime decision to Houston, then closed out the season with three more victories, including a 24-save performance on Apr. 15 to lead Omaha to a 4-2 win at Chicago and the West Division championship.
In recognition of his achievement, McElhinney will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Ak-Sar-Ben Knights home game.
The highlight of McElhinney’s month may have come on Apr. 5, when he was named a Second Team AHL All-Star for the 2006-07 season. The 23-year-old native of London, Ont., finished his second pro season with a record of 35-17-1. He ranked third in the league in wins, second with a 2.13 goals-against average, fourth in minutes played (3,181) and tied for first with seven shutouts.
Other nominees for Rbk X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month include Michael Garnett of Chicago, Yann Danis of Hamilton, Dan Ellis of Iowa, Barry Brust of Manchester, Craig Anderson of Rochester, Josh Tordjman of San Antonio, Dan LaCosta of Syracuse, Todd Ford of Toronto, Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Thomas Greiss of Worcester.
