The Western Hockey League announced today that Wheat Kings goaltender Jiri Patera has been named the WHL Eastern Conference Goaltender of the Year and a nominee for the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy (WHL Goaltender of the Year).
Patera, who wrapped up a two-year career in Brandon finished the 2019-20 campaign with an impressive 24-12-5 record in 41 games and set a Wheat Kings club record for the best Goals Against Average in a single season (2.55). His .921 Save Percentage and 24 wins were both the best in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the WHL while the product of Prague, Czech Republic also posted the second most shutouts in the league (5).
Patera led all Eastern Conference goaltenders with 24 victories throughout the season.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound draft pick of the Vegas Golden Knights allowed one goal or fewer in 12 of his 41 games this season. From December 30, 2019 to January 24, 2020, He also won eight-straight games as part of a 10-game winning streak for the Wheat Kings.
Former Wheat King goaltenders to win the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy include Trevor Robins (’92-93), Trevor Kidd (’89-90), Rick Knickle (’78-79) and Glen Hanlon (’76-77).
