SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Los Angeles Kings prospect Jonathan Bernier was named the American Hockey League's top goaltender on Monday.
The 21-year-old led the AHL in save percentage (.937) and shutouts (nine) while playing for the Manchester Monarchs this season. He had a 30-20-6 record and 2.03 goals-against average.
Bernier also won all three of his starts for the Kings this season, including a shutout in a March 30 game against Nashville.
The Kings drafted Berneir 11th overall in 2006 and gave him the start for their season opener in 2007-08. He went on to win a gold medal for Canada at the world junior championship later that year.
Bernier is the youngest player to be named the AHL's top goalie since Martin Biron in 1999.
The award is named for Aldege (Baz) Bastien, a former AHL goaltender who suffered a career-ending eye injury in 1949.