Cook named GDI Goalie of the Month

The North American Hockey League announced today that Fairbanks Ice Dogs goaltender Phil Cook has been named the GDI/NAHL Goaltender of the Month for November.

In seven appearances, Cook fashioned a 7-0 record, including a 36-save shutout against Kenai River on Nov. 28, to go along with a 1.85 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage.

“Phil gives us a chance to win every night,” said Ice Dogs head coach Josh Hauge.  “He stops all the shots he should and one or two I’m not expecting him to.  He’s a leader in the locker room, too, and he gives the guys confidence because they know he’s been through a lot.”

Cook, a 20-year-old from Wheaton, Ill., played the previous two seasons with the Springfield Jr. Blues.  Last year, he posted a 21-17-4 record in 44 regular-season appearances to compliment a 2.86 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage.

“We’re starting to get on a roll and come together as a team,” said Cook.  “I’ve had some success because our team defense has gotten better by keeping shots to the outside and making my job a lot easier.”

On the season, Cook holds a 13-3-2 record in 18 appearances along with a 2.39 goals-against average and .927 save percentage.

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GDI provides a completely unique, world-class development experience for ice hockey goaltenders of all skill levels. Its revolutionary, comprehensive and integrated approach combines regional and national training camps, private instruction, conditioning programs, mentorship, customized gear, the publication of The Goalie News, the GDIadvantage online training resource and Satellite Training Centers to develop netminders that go into every fight knowing they’re the best they can be. Targeted at goalies age eight to 18, GDI’s experienced coaching staff, led by NHL consultant and GDI founder Ian Clark, has coached more than 100 goaltenders playing in the NHL, Minor Pro, Major Junior and NCAA Division I levels of hockey. GDI is based in Dallas. For more information about GDI, please visit gdihockey.com.

The North American Hockey League, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II league boasting 19 teams from across the country, including the esteemed USA Hockey National Team Development Program, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.