Midwest Division Star of the Week: Devin Rustlie, Goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears
Holding it down between the pipes, Devin Rustlie guaranteed a weekend sweep for the Kenai River Brown Bears over their in-state rival, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Starting on Friday night, the second-year veteran recorded a 22-save performance, lifting his team to a 4-2 victory on home ice. The Ice Dogs’ two goals were scored in a span of four minutes in the second frame, with both goals tallied on turned-over pucks and breakaways. Despite Kenai River falling behind, Rustlie responded and backstopped his team to a win,
Moving into Saturday night, the 6-foot-4 netminder topped his previous night’s performance and recorded his best single-game night of the season. The Wisconsin native turned aside 29 out of 30 shots, allowing one early power-play tally. He made double-digit saves in the second and third frame, lifting his team to a 2-1 victory over Fairbanks. He recorded a season-best .967 save percentage and 1.00 goals-against average.
The ‘06 netminder made a total of 51 saves, registered a .945 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average. This weekend marked Rustlie’s first weekend sweep as the goaltender in net for both contests.
Head coach of the Brown Bears, Darren Banks, states why the Wisconsin native has been a cornerstone piece of Kenai River this season.
“Devin has been a consistent competitor this season. He was a major reason for the team’s success this weekend and brought a great effort both nights. Devin brings professionalism on and off the ice, in his preparation, and we were glad to see him get rewarded for it.”
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