For the first time since Hunter Shepard, Noah Cates and Cole Koepke in 2019-20, a Bulldog had earned All-American honors. Former UMD goaltender Ryan Fanti has been named a 2021-22 AHCA West Second Team All-American, the association announced on Friday evening at the NCAA Men's Frozen Four. 

Fanti, who just inked his first NHL contract with the Edmonton Oilers last week (Full Story), started 37 games for the Bulldogs during the 2021-22 season. On the year, Fanti noted a 20-12-4 overall record, while also registering a goals against average of 1.83 and a save percentage of .929. Additionally, Fanti secured seven shutouts on the season, leaving his just one short of UMD's single season record of eight, which was set by Shepard. Back in November, Fanti became the first Minnesota Duluth netminder to notch three-consecutive shutouts since Shepard during the 2017-18 season.

For his work in the crease this season, Fanti notched NCHC Goaltender of the Year honors, as well as garnering All-NCHC First Team recognition. During the NCHC Frozen Faceoff in St. Paul, Fanti posted back-to-back shutouts to help the Bulldogs to their third conference title in program history. He was named the NCHC Frozen Faceoff's Most Outstanding Player for his performance in St. Paul. 

Fanti becomes just the 31st Bulldog in program history to earn All-American status. He joins Chad Erickson, Rick Kosti, Hunter Shepard and Alex Stalock as just the fifth UMD goaltender to garner the recognition.