CALGARY, AB. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Chris Driedger, of the Calgary Hitmen, has been named the VAUGHN WHL Goaltender of the Month for January.

The 17-year-old top NHL prospect posted a 6-0 record through January with two shut-outs.  Driedger’s 1.29 goals-against average and 0.954 save percentage led all WHL goaltenders in January, allowing just eight goals on 173 shots-against in 371 minutes played.  His efforts also earned him 1^st Star selection three times through the month.

Driedger’s consistent play helped the Hitmen to a 13-1-0-0 record in January and now found themselves in third spot in the WHL Eastern Conference standings with a 31-17-2-1 record for 65 points.  A Winnipeg, MB native, Driedger was originally a 4^th round WHL Draft pick of the Tri-City Americans before the joining the Hitmen at the start of the season.  A late roster addition for the 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this past week, he stopped all 14 shots faced in his 30 minutes of play in the showcase event.

His accomplishments make Chris Driedger a deserving choice as the VAUGHN WHL Goaltender of the Month for January. 

2011-12 VAUGHN WHL Goaltender of the Month
January:  Chris Driedger, Calgary Hitmen
December: Ty Rimmer, Tri-City Americans
November: Brandon Glover, Calgary Hitmen
September/October:  Nathan Lieuwen, Kootenay Ice