Hofer Named AHL Goaltender of Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American Hockey League announced today that Springfield Thunderbirds goaltender Joel Hofer has been selected as the AHL Goaltender of the Month for March.

Hofer went 5-1-0 in six AHL starts during March, allowing only nine goals on 194 shots for a 1.47 goals-against average and a .954 save percentage.

Hofer began March with a 27-save shutout, backstopping Springfield to a 1-0 shootout victory over Hartford on Mar. 3. He allowed just one goal in his only loss of the month, a 30-save effort in a 3-0 loss to Bridgeport on Mar. 5. Hofer shut out the Wolf Pack again on Mar. 8, making 31 stops in a 4-0 win, and turned aside 32 shots in a 5-2 victory over Laval on Mar. 11. Hofer was recalled by St. Louis and made five starts for the Blues (3-0-1, 2.79, .915) before returning to the Thunderbirds and backstopping them to a sweep of their three-game visit to Charlotte, including a 38-save night in a 7-4 win on Mar. 29.

Hofer has made 43 appearances for Springfield this season, ranking third in the AHL in save percentage (.920), third in minutes played (2,538), and second in saves (1,227). He has a record of 25-14-4 with a 2.53 goals-against average, and his four shutouts are good for second in the league. The 22-year-old native of Winnipeg, Man., has made 93 appearances over his career with Springfield, Utica, and San Antonio, going 47-35-10 with a 2.81 GAA, a .911 save percentage, and seven shutouts. Hofer was a fourth-round pick by St. Louis in the 2018 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut with the Blues in 2021-22. 

Thunderbirds fans can reserve their seats for upcoming games by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.