BUFFALO, N.Y. — The NWHL today announced that Buffalo Beauts goaltender Shannon Szabadoshas been awarded the Goaltender of the Year media award. The award was voted on by 20 media members and broadcasters in cooperation with the Women’s Hockey Media Association.
Szabadosfinished the 2018-19 season with the best goals-against average (1.49) and the second-best save percentage (.934) among all NWHL goaltenders, also posting a 6-3-1 record and two shutouts. Playing 10 of the team’s 16 games, she helped lead the Beauts to the best team save percentage (.934) and goals-against average (1.49) in league history.
The Edmonton, Alberta native entered her first season in the NWHL as one of the most decorated goaltenders in the history of women’s hockey. During her Olympic career, Szabados has captured two gold medals (2010, 2014) and a silver medal (2018) with Team Canada. She was also named the tournament’s best goaltender twice (2010 and 2018).
In addition to her Olympic experience, Szabados has participated in four IIHF World Championships. She won gold with Team Canada in 2012 and has captured the silver three times (2011, 2013 and 2017). Earlier this week, Szabados was named to Canada’s roster for the upcoming 2019 IIHF World Championship in Finland.
Szabados has also played professionally in men’s leagues during parts of five seasons. She became the first female goaltender to record a shutout in a men’s professional league when she stopped all 33 shots faced against the Huntsville Havoc (SPHL) on Dec. 26, 2015. During her first full SPHL season in 2014-15, Szabados finished the season among the league’s top 10 goaltenders in wins (T-7th, 15), saves (9th, 753) and save percentage (10th, .907).
(Photo by Janet Schultz)
