Red-Hot October Earns Bitsakis Goalie of the Month
FRISCO, TX – The North American Hockey League announced Wednesday that Bismarck Bobcats goaltender Alex Bitsakis has earned the Goalie of the Month award for October 2014.
In seven appearances, Bitsakis posted three wins, a shutout of the Austin Bruins on October 17 and 191 saves to go with a 1.98 GAA and a .936 SV%.
“I think we have a really good team here in Bismarck that is still trying to find its game and consistency, but I feel it getting closer,” expressed Bitsakis. “We have proven we can win tough hockey games, so it should start turning around. I just want to play a consistent game and give my team a chance to win. The NAHL has so many skilled players and the game moves very fast. There is a lot of talent.
“Guys are happy to be playing here because you know you are going to get better as a player and get the opportunity to move on to the next level. That is one of the reasons I am happy to be in Bismarck. They have such a great track record and reputation and now that I am here, I am motivated to keep playing and keep getting better.”
After one start in November, the Montreal, Quebec, native sits fourth in the league in both goals against average (1.99) and save percentage (.930).
Though 2014-15 is his first year with the Bobcats and the NAHL, it is not Bitsakis’ first go-round at the junior level: last season he was the starter for the Elliot Lake Bobcats in the NOJHL, leading his squad to a fifth-place finish and a playoff spot.
“Alex gave us a chance to win every night and that type of consistency is what we look for in our goalies. We weren’t happy with our month as a team, but Alex’s play was no doubt a bright spot,” said Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie. “Alex uses his size very well. I think he is very efficient with his movement. He is square to the puck and he can recover quickly. The opportunities have been there for him to perform and he answered the bell.”
Friday the Bobcats will open a home-and-home weekend in the friendly confines of the VFW Sports Center as they host the Brookings Blizzard before trekking to South Dakota for a Saturday rematch. Both games will begin at 7:15pm CDT.
Tickets are now on sale for Friday’s home contest: fans can buy and print their tickets 24 hours a day at BismarckBobcats.com or charge by phone at 222-3300.
Live coverage of the weekend opener will begin Friday at 6:45pm locally on SuperTalk 1270, KLXX-AM, the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, and worldwide online at NAHL.FASTHockey.com, the official web television partner of the North American Hockey League.
Though the 2014-15 season is now under way, there is still time to order season tickets for the year; fans who want to lock in their seats for the entire campaign should call the Bobcat office at 222-3300 today!
