Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Red Wings Prospect is Top ECHL Goalie; Controversial OT Goal Wins For LA

Detroit prospect wins Nick Vitucci Award

Published

12 months ago

April 22, 2023

Bob Duff

Red Wings prospect John Lethemon is the ECHL goalie of the year. (Photo courtesy Manitoba Moose).

A Detroit Red Wings prospect is the top puckstopper in the ECHL and his name isn’t Sebastian Cossa.

Late in the season, the Red Wings were making the decision to sign goalie John Lethemon to an NHL contract. It’s certainly appearing that the 26-year-old Lethemon may be a late bloomer.

The Toledo Walleye netminder is the 2022-23 winner of the Nick Vitucci Goaltender of the Year award as ECHL Goaltender of the Year. The Goaltender of the Year award is presented annually to the netminder selected to be the best at his position as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members.

Your Nick Vitucci Goaltender of the Year award winner…

JOHN LETHEMON ⭐

👉 https://t.co/hXsixayNvs pic.twitter.com/bqlSRrLdKf

— Toledo Walleye (@ToledoWalleye) April 20, 2023

Lethemon, who was named to the All-ECHL First Team last week, went 18-1-3 in 26 appearances with the Walleye. He posted a 1.99 goals-against average and a save percentage of .930 while finishing tied for second in the league with four shutouts.

He allowed two goals or less in 15 appearances and ended the season with a win in 14 consecutive decisions, which is the third longest streak in ECHL history. Lethemon also earned a late-season recall to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

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Red Wings Offseason

Detroit may not be in the playoffs, but some of the team’s prospects still are. The North Bay Batallion pulled even with the Barrie Colts in their OHL second-round series at 2-2. Coming back from a 3-1 third-period deficit for a 4-3 double-overtime win, center Pasquale Zito (166th overall, 2021 NHL entry draft) drew assists on both of North Bay’s third-period goals.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Despite the absences of captain Patrice Bergeron and forward David Krejci, the Boston Bruins still beat the Florida Panthers 4-2 in Game 3 of their playoff series.

Florida: Paul Maurice, coach of the Florida Panthers, was offering no update on the condition of defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He didn’t play the third period against Boston on Friday after colliding with Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy.

Pittsburgh: Whether they look backward or forward, there’s uncertainty for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Montreal: Why the Montreal Canadiens were the clear winners in the Mike Matheson and Jeff Petry trades.

Los Angeles: Ater a long review tdetermining whether Gsbe Vilardi was playing the puck with a high stick, Trevor Moore’s overtime winner counted for the Los Angeles Kings, giving them a 2-1 lead over Edmonton.

Vegas: Injured forward William Carrier isn’t with the Vegas Golden Knights, who are in Winnipeg for Games 3 and 4 of their playoff series.

Colorado: The latest injury update on Colorado Avalanche forward Lars Eller.

Calgary: Currently the assistant GM of the team, Craig Conroy is getting strong consideration to fill the vacant GM’s chair with the Calgary Flames.

San Jose: What should the San Jose Sharks be expecting from Erik Karlsson as an encore to his spectacular 2022-23 campaign?