HUNTERSVILLE, NC (December 19, 2023) – The SPHL announced today that Cole Ceci of the Evansville Thunderbolts has been named the Warrior/SPHL Player of the Week for December 11-17.
Ceci went 2-0-0 with a 2.01 goals against average and a 0.938 save percentage as he guided the Thunderbolts to a weekend sweep which extended their winning streak to three games.
On Friday, Ceci stopped 28 of 29 shots as he backstopped the Thunderbolts to a 5-1 victory over the Huntsville Havoc. The following night, Ceci stopped 32 of 35 shots, including 17 in the third period in a 4-3 win over the Peoria Rivermen.
Since signing with Evansville on November 24th Ceci’s five wins are tied for fourth most in the SPHL. He also ranks sixth among goaltenders with a 2.52 goals against average, fifth in save percentage (0.927) and saves (265). Ceci has picked up wins in four of his last five starts, including a 41-save shutout against Peoria on December 9th. Ceci is the younger brother of veteran Edmonton Oilers defenseman Cody Ceci.
Other nominees for the Warrior Player of the Week: Nikita Kozyrev, Birmingham (2a, +2), Simon Boyko, Fayetteville (2g, 1a, +1), Brian Wilson, Huntsville (1-0-0, 1.00 gaa, .964 sv%), Alec Baer, Peoria, (3g, 2a, 2 ppg), Leif Mattson, Quad City (3g, 1a, +1) and Brenden Pepe, Roanoke (1a, +1)
