Lakehead Thunderwolves hockeys all-time winningest goaltender picked up his first win in the American Hockey League on Sunday as Chris Whitley (Oshawa, Ontario) backstopped the Lake Erie Monsters to a 6-5 shootout victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Whitley, who had been previous playing for the Allen Americans of the Central Hockey League had suited up in 38 games, posting a 27-8-3 record with a 2.64 GAA and a 0.913 SV% for the Texas team.
The former OUA West MVP played in 155 games during his time at Lakehead, leaving the program with a Thunderwolves-high 82 wins after backstopping the team at the Cavendish University Cup last March. Since then, Whitley has added several new details to his professional resume: a professional contract with the Americans; an invite to the Detroit Red Wings September prospects camp at Traverse City, Michigan; an invite to the Red Wings main training camp and an NHL exhibition debut with the 11-time Stanley Cup champions against the New York Rangers.
One Thunderwolves alum remains at Allen with Tobias Whelan (Orillia, Ontario) who has performed well with the Americans, collecting 14 goals and 14 assists in 48 games. He currently leads the squad with three shorthanded goals.