SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Jeff Zatkoff of the Manchester Monarchs has been named the Reebok/AHL Goaltender of the Month for December. In seven appearances during the month, Zatkoff went 5-2-0 with a 1.70 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage.
Zatkoff stopped 209 of 221 shots in December as the Monarchs continued to battle for first place in the Eastern Conference. His month was highlighted by a 38-save effort in a 2-1 shootout win over Worcester on Dec. 4, and a 40-save performance in a 3-1 win over the Sharks on Dec. 18. Zatkoff has not allowed more than three goals in any of his last 16 outings.
A third-round draft pick by Los Angeles in 2006, Zatkoff owns a 10-4-1 record for the Monarchs this season, including a 6-0-1 mark on home ice, and currently ranks third in the AHL with a 2.04 goals-against average and second with a .935 save percentage. The 24-year-old native of Detroit, Mich., is in his fourth professional season and is 41-32-6 with five shutouts in 87 career AHL appearances.
In recognition of his achievement, Zatkoff will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Monarchs home game.
