On Tuesday September 8th, the Kansas City Mavericks announced the signing of American goaltender Justin Kapelmaster. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. Kapelmaster spent his senior year at Robert Morris University after spending his first three of college at Ferris State University.
Last year with the Colonials, Kapelmaster posted a save percentage of .929 and a 2.52 goals against average. Among goalies in the NCAA who took to the pipes for at least 30 games, Kapelmaster’s .929 save percentage was the 10th highest in the United States. at Robert Morris University, he is the all-time leader in save percentage, goals against average and saves per game.
This incredible performance led to Kapelmaster being named to the Atlantic All-Conference Second Team. As well, he was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the men’s hockey most valuable player. Through a total of 78 NCAA games, Kapelmaster recorded a save percentage .921 and a 2.71 goals against average.
At 6’1, 215 pounds, Kapelmaster, 24, has great size in the net. As a backstop, he possesses broad shoulders while he also moves well around the crease. This is true for every hockey player, but especially for goaltenders: transferring from collegiate hockey to professional hockey, even in the minor leagues, is a big change.
Kapelmaster will get his first minutes of professional hockey come December in Kansas City. It will be very exciting to see how this promising rookie fairs in his first pro season.