Minnesota Duluth junior goalie Ryan Fanti has become the first Bulldog since Hunter Shepard in 2019-20 to be named the NCHC's Goaltender of the Year, the conference announced on Thursday evening. 

"Ryan has had an unbelievable year for us," said Head Coach Scott Sandelin. "That's why he was a first team guy, he's a big reason why we are where we are."

In 33 games so far this season, Fanti has notched a 17-11-4 record, while rolling off a goals against average of 1.99 and save percentage of .921. Additionally, Fanti leads the conference in both goals against and save percentage among goaltenders who have played ten or more games. 

A few weeks ago, Fanti was named a semifinalist for the 2022 Mike Richter Award as the nation's top men's hockey goaltender. In November, Fanti earned HCA's National Goaltender of the Month honors. In eight games through November, Fanti rolled off a 5-2-1 record, while noting four shutouts in the process. Additionally, Fanti secured a 1.00 goals against average and a save percentage of .957 during the eight game stretch. Additionally, Fanti was the NCHC's goaltender of the Month for November, as well being named the conference's goalie of the week twice this season. 

Fanti and the Bulldogs will battle No. 3 Denver on Friday afternoon in St. Paul, Minn. Puck drop for the first semifinal of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff is set for 4:07 PM from Exel Energy Center.