The Western Hockey League announced today that Victoria Royals goaltender Braden Holt has been named WHL Goaltender of the Week.

Holt posted a 2-0-0-0 record across two starts last week to go along with a 1.50 goals-against average, .949 save percentage, and one shutout as Victoria swept a two-game series versus the Kelowna Rockets.

The product of Bozeman, Mont., began his week by collecting his third shutout of the season Friday, making 29 saves as the Royals blanked the Rockets 4-0.

The following evening, the 19-year-old turned aside 27 shots in a 6-3 Victoria win.

“It’s my first one ever and I’m super excited,” said Holt. “It’s a team accomplishment, they played really hard all week. The fans have been amazing. I think I watched the wave go around like six times this weekend, and we feed off that. It’s been super exciting.

“It’s been a motivating weekend. We’ve been playing very well recently especially after the break. I’m super excited to be a Royal and we’re excited to keep making that push towards a playoff spot. We want to prove we belong in the playoffs.”

Since joining the Royals via trade in December, Holt has posted a 5-0-0-1 record, 1.81 goals-against average, .943 save percentage, and two shutouts.

“We’re very proud of Braden,” said Victoria coach-GM Dan Price. “His play on the ice is a direct result of the hard work he puts in every day, and of how he approaches his preparation and the game of hockey. He’s very deserving of this recognition and it stems from his work ethic and quality of character. I know he views this as team recognition also, and this stems from how hard he and his teammates play for one another.”

Originally selected by the Everett Silvertips in the 12th round of the 2018 WHL Draft, Holt holds a career 47-22-3-3 record, 2.80 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and eight shutouts across 81 WHL regular-season appearances with Everett and Victoria.

During his youth hockey days, Holt played for the Arapahoe Warriors and Krivo School of Hockey Elite.

Photo/Victoria Royals

(January 16, 2023)