Photo Courtesy: Allen Douglas

By Ethan Ready

Gauthier to Pittsburgh

Former Cougars goalie signs with Pittsburgh Penguins

Mar 1, 2022 | 1:14 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Former Prince George Cougars’ netminder Taylor Gauthier has signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League.

Gauthier, an undrafted free agent, signed a three-year, entry-level contract. It was announced today by general manager Ron Hextall.

Gauthier, 21, has split the 2021-22 season between the Cougars and Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. In 28 games played, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound netminder has compiled a 20-6-0 record, 2.17 goals-against average, a .932 save percentage and three shutouts. Gauthier’s .932 save percentage leads the entire WHL, while his 2.17 goals-against average ranks second in the league.

Gauthier re-wrote Portland’s history book earlier this season, establishing a new franchise record shutout sequence of 252:11 minutes which included a stretch of three-consecutive shutouts. His shutout sequence came just over 10 minutes shy of the WHL record, which stands at 265:13 set by Chris Worthy in the 1967-68 season.

The right-handed catching Gauthier has suited up for 180 career WHL games split between Prince George and Portland where he’s gone 66-88-16 with a 3.06 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and nine shutouts.

Kittens rescued

7 kittens rescued from hazardous & unhealthy living conditions in Fort St. James

2h ago

Canfor Leisure Pool

City of Prince George files claim against designer of Canfor Leisure Pool

3h ago

Reproductive rights rally highlights bigger issue

20h ago

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Gauthier has represented Canada on multiple occasions, including winning a silver medal at the 2021 World Junior Championship, as well as the 2019 World Under-18 Championship where he started four games going 3-1-0.