Calgary, AB – The Calgary Wranglers’ newest goaltender, Alex Ignatjew, made an impressive debut in the American Hockey League (AHL) on Saturday night. The 22-year-old stopped 32 shots, leading his team to a 5-3 victory over the Manitoba Moose.
Ignatjew, who was called up from the ECHL’s Kansas City Mavericks, showed no signs of nerves as he took to the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome. He made several key saves throughout the game, earning praise from his teammates and coaches.
Head coach, Mark Thompson, was impressed with Ignatjew’s performance, stating, “He was calm and composed in the net, and his focus was unwavering. He made some big saves that kept us in the game and ultimately helped us secure the win.”
The young goaltender’s AHL debut was a long time coming. Ignatjew was drafted by the Wranglers in 2018 and has been working hard in the ECHL to earn his spot on the team’s roster. His dedication and determination paid off as he made his mark in his first game at the AHL level.
Ignatjew’s teammates were also quick to praise his performance. Forward, Ryan Johnson, said, “He was a rock in net for us tonight. We have a lot of confidence in him, and he showed us why. He’s a great addition to our team.”
The Wranglers’ victory over the Moose was a team effort, with five different players scoring goals. However, it was Ignatjew’s stellar performance that stole the show and helped secure the win.
The young goaltender’s AHL debut has certainly set the bar high for future games. Ignatjew’s impressive skills and composure in the net have already made him a valuable asset to the Wranglers’ lineup.
The Wranglers will continue their season with Ignatjew as their starting goaltender, and fans are eager to see what he will bring to the team in the upcoming games. With his AHL debut under his belt, Ignatjew has proven that he is ready to take on the challenge and make a name for himself in the league.
