Aberdeen’s Jake Sibell Makes Most of Final Junior Hockey Season

“My mindset throughout my years of being a backup is there’s going to be a day when you get a chance, so I never really thought about being a backup,” Sibell said. “You’re going to get an opportunity and once it comes, you better take advantage of it.”

Sibell has done just that. His 35 wins are one short of doubling the three goalies in a tie for second-most in the league. His 10 shutouts match the combined total of the next three goalies in the league. The 1.16 goals against average put up by Sibell is more than three-quarters of a goal better than the rest of the NAHL. Sibell’s .954 save percentage is well clear of Christian Stoever from the New Jersey Titans, who is second-best at .938 in less than half as many games.

The numbers go on and on. Sibell didn’t lose a game he started until February, and that was a shootout loss in which he only allowed two goals. His only regulation loss came on April 6. He’s been named NAHL Goaltender of the Month three times this season.

With Sibell repeatedly coming through, Langer has resisted any urge to change his team’s approach.

“We certainly could take a lot more high-risk chances with Jake in net because he does such a great job shutting them down, but our team philosophy is we’re going to play well-rounded defense,” Langer said. “We try to help Jake out as much as possible and not just put the weight of the world on his shoulders.”

Sibell appreciates that approach.

“He’s just sticking to the identity of Wings hockey and I’m enjoying it,” Sibell said. “I’ll take it.”

The Wings and Sibell have taken the approach right to the top of the NAHL.

“We’re all about helping and defense and when we get the chance to score, we go for it,” Sibell said. “I think it’s all about buying in for each other. The fact that we’ve been pretty much shutdown on defense has helped us win games and get points this year.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.