It’s said a good teammate is one who elevates the level of play of his teammates.That’s certainly the case with former Air Force goaltender Shane Starrett.
In his second season of pro hockey and first in the American Hockey League, Starrett picked up a couple of honors this week. Being selected to both the AHL’s all-rookie and second All-Star teams is another confirmation that Starrett is one of the best goalies in the top North American league under the NHL.
And his importance to the Bakersfield Condors can’t be overstated. Starrett has helped lead the franchise to its first AHL playoff berth.
Entering the final two regular-season games, Starrett, 24, has made 41 appearances in net for the Condors and has a record of 26-7-5, including a personal 14-game winning streak from Jan. 12 to Feb. 25, while ranking third in the AHL with a 2.31 goals-against average and fifth with a .919 save percentage.
Starrett had a solid first pro season in the East Coast Hockey League (AA) in 2017-18, going 17-14-0 with .912 and 3.01 numbers for the Wichita Thunder before earning a spot at Bakersfield in training camp this past fall.
Starrett signed as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers on April 10, 2017 after two dynamic seasons at the Academy. He has program bests in career save percentage (.924) and goals-against average (1.96). His nine shutouts are fourth in program history.
He spoke with the Flight Path this past summer about his time at the Academy and his adjustment to pro hockey.
©First Line Editorial 2017-19
