Cardiff Devils netminder Ben Bowns has been named the Elite League’s Player of the Week for period ending 28th January 2018.
The 27-year-old was instrumental as the Devils picked up three wins this week and stopped 73 out of 76 shots, as his team opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.
The GB international faces further tests this week when his team meet Sheffield Steelers in the Challenge Cup semi-final first leg.
Then they head to Belfast for a top of the table double header clash against the Giants where that lead to extend to as many as 11 points.
But Bowns immediately credited his team-mates for their part and says it’s a collective effort from everyone at the Devils.
“It’s nice to get, but it’s definitely more of a team thing for us this season compare to a couple of seasons ago,” he said.
“The guys have been unreal in front of me this year and it’s because of them, they make my job a hell of a lot easier.
“For me, these three games this week have been something of a goalie battle with my opponents and that added a little more pressure, but it’s a challenge I enjoy.
“Coventry came out and played well against us, but our guys kept grinding away and took care of our defensive zone and popped those goals away.
Bowns shutout Braehead Clan in a 1-0 win when they visited Glasgow last Wednesday before following up with two victories over Coventry Blaze, 2-1 at home and 3-2 away.
His contribution over the weekend was noted by his coach, Andrew Lord, who says his goalie has been immense in the last few weeks.
“We are very pleased as an organisation to hear Bownsy has been named the league’s Player of the Week,” Lord said.
“It’s well deserved and a great reflection of his performance as he has been solid all season, but his game has definitely picked up the last six weeks or so.
“We were faced two very good goalies in Ryan Nie and Kevin Nastiuk, who made some highlight real saves and Bownsy rose up to the challenge.”
Photo: Helen Brabon
