The last-place Prince George Spruce Kings have made a move to try to shore up their porous defence for the second half of the season.
They've added goaltender Charlie Zolin, a 19-year-old native of Greenwich, Conn., who started the season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Camrose Kodiaks.
In 27 games this year he went 7-15-4 with a 3.31 goals-against average and .892 save percentage.
Zolin joined the AJHL last season with the Blackfalds Bulldogs, compiling a 2.99 average and .898 save rate through 20 games.
"To this point in the season, the team has underachieved. As a group and individually things need to be better. I am working to improve the group at every position,” said Kings general manager Mike Hawes.
“Charlie is an athletic, competitive goaltender, and we are confident he will come in and help solidify the goaltending position. He's excited for this opportunity to join our program and to come to a great league.”
Zolin played academy hockey in Connecticut and was the first-overall pick in the 2020 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s U.S Draft.
The Kings' crease is exceptionally crowded now, with three other goalies still with the team – Marcus Ouellet, Ryan Sanborn and Markus Lam.
Through 25 games, the Spruce Kings have allowed 108 goals, an average 4.32 goals per game. Only Cowichan Valley (4.375) is giving up more goals, on average, in the 18 team-league. The Kings’ offence (2.56 goals per game) ranks worst in the BCHL.
Hawes said there could be more changes coming before the Jan. 10 roster deadline.
“It’s audition time at all positions, based on our season to date,” said Hawes.
The Spruce Kings are preparing to host the Trail Smoke Eaters in a weekend set, their last games before the Christmas break.
