Amarillo, Tx– Two Wranglers earned honors for the NAHL’ Player of the Month’ as Carter Clafton was named Goalie of the month, and Rihards Simanovics was an honorable mention for Defenseman of the month.
Clafton posted a 3-and-0 record, stopping 71 of 74 shots he faced in September. Simanovics tallied two goals and three assists in six games last month.
“Carter’s early success this season is a result of him building his game this summer and working very closely with our Goalie Consultant Erik Shardt,” Head Coach Harry Mahood said.
Throughout the first six games of the season, the Wranglers’ defense has helped both netminders shut down opposing offenses.
“We have been successful thus far because of the collective buy-in from every member of our team. Our group competes every day in practice and holds each player accountable to our standards,” said Clafton.
In all three of his starts this season, Clafton has surrendered just one goal posting a .959 save percentage and helping Amarillo get off to a 6-and-0 start to the year. The quick start has generated plenty of interest around the goalie.
“Carter is an excellent student and has been receiving plenty of D1 interest, and we look forward to his continued growth and working with him to find the best fit for school and hockey,” Mahood said.
Rihards Simanovics has been a key addition to the Wranglers’ blue line, with a pair of powerplay goals and five points overall in the first six games.
The combo of solid defense and goaltending has helped propel the Wranglers to the best start by a junior team in Amarillo with a 6-and-0 mark.