With both of their top goaltenders sidelined, the Grand Rapids Griffins have turned to a fresh face between the pipes. The club announced today that they have signed 23-year-old netminder Luke Pavicich to a professional tryout agreement (PTO), transitioning him from the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL.
Pavicich, listed at 6-foot-3, was brought in amidst a sudden goaltending crunch for Grand Rapids. Veteran prospect Sebastian Cossa suffered an injury at practice earlier this week, head coach Dan Watson confirmed. Meanwhile, fellow netminder Michal Postava exited the club’s recent game while making a save, further thinning the Griffins’ goaltending depth.
The Clarence Center, New York native joined Kalamazoo just last week and in two appearances posted a 1-1-0 record with a 2.88 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. He turns pro after four years of NCAA hockey with stints in notable college programs like UMass Minutemen, UMass Lowell and finishing at the Arizona State. In his senior season at Arizona State he compiled a 13-9-0 record and a 2.63 GAA over 23 games.
The Griffins are expected to use Pavicich for the time being while they navigate through their unforeseen goaltending issues. With Cossa listed as day-to-day and Postava also unavailable, the former collegiate standout now has an opportunity to step up in the AHL ranks.
We got injury updates on Frank Nazar and Jason Dickinson yesterday. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs might be missing their best player when they come to town.
The Chicago Blackhawks are back at the United Center tonight as they host the Eastern Conference-leading New Jersey Devils. Check back in this afternoon for a complete game preview and again late tonight for postgame analysis. Until then, here are some fresh Morning Chirps to hold you over.
Auston Matthews went to the Leafs dressing room after taking this hit from Zadorov pic.twitter.com/MxVL6cyPNH