Steinbach Pistons’ outstanding goaltender Roman Bengert was a runner-up for the CJHL Top Goaltender Award, the CJHL announced today. Nipawin Hawks’ goaltender Kristian Stead won the award.
Stead, a 20-year-old Merritt, B.C., product, was earlier tabbed a double award honouree for his efforts in the SJHL in 2016-17. Not only was he named his league’s top goaltender for his contributions between the pipes, but Stead was also chosen as the SJHL’s Most Valuable Player. The Nipawin netminder led all SJHL goalkeepers in wins with 29. Stead also shared top spot in league save percentage at .936 and led the way in the 12-team SJHL in shutouts with seven while his 1.97 goals-against average ranked him third overall.
Stead has committed to attend the University of Alaska-Anchorage on NCAA Division I Scholarship where he will play for the Seawolves hockey program.
Bengert, who hails from Cole Harbour, NS, led the MJHL in three goaltending categories: wins (38), minutes played (2,743) and shutouts (five). In fact, his 38 wins were tops among all CJHL goaltenders. His efforts resulted in him winning the MJHL Top Goaltender Award and he was also named a first-team, all-star selection. Bengert was twice chosen MJHL Goaltender for the month and picked up one league Player of the Week honour.
At six-foot-three-inches, Bengert casts a large physical presence in the net. Next season he’s committed to Lake Superior State University of the NCAA.
