The 208-19 season was supposed to be a relaxing season for Cleveland Monsters netminder, Brad Thiessen.
He started out the season sharing backup duties with Matiss Kivlenieks while stepping into the role of goalie coach.
Thiessen was Mr. Dependable during the first half of the season. He graciously stepped into his role of backup and lit it up almost every time.
In March, Jean-Francois Berube went down with a season ending injury and Thiessen was given the task of starting netminder. For the next 11 games of the regular season, Thiessen was one of the players who breathed new life back into the Monsters. There were times when Thiessen carried the Monsters on his shoulders and across the finish line.
As playoffs rolled on, Thiessen began to play a more ballsy game. He left the crease more and got into the face of the opposition went they entered his space.
By the time the last game of the post season rolled around, Thiessen looked exhausted from having to make an abundance of highlight reel saves.
Brad Thiessen 2018-19 Regular Season Stats
Games Played: 26
Record: 12-8-4
Goals Allowed Average: 2.36
Save Percentage: 91.3%
Brad Thiessen 2018-19 Calder Cup Playoffs Stats
Games Played: 8
Record: 3-5-0
Goals Allowed Average: 2.57
Save Percentage: 90.2%
Contract Status
Thiessen is set to be an unrestricted free agent this off season. The Monsters should sign him to an AHL only contract for at least another year. I know there are a lot of people who don’t want Thiessen to take playing time away from the younger guys like Veini Vehvilainen. In my opinion, it is great to have a veteran on the team for the younger and greener goalies. Other positions get to watch and learn from veterans. Why shouldn’t the younger goalies get the chance to watch and learn from a veteran who has proven themselves time and time again. He also knows how to handle the pressures of the professional hockey. There is rarely a time when Thiessen gets rattled. Even if the defense leaves Thiessen in a bad situation, he adjusts and tries to make the best of it.
Plus, Thiessen is an all around great guy and is good for the locker room. If goalies could be captains, I would suggest he be the next player to wear the “C” for the Monsters.