RILEY
GILL
Western Michigan
So. | G | Northfield, Minn.
Gill's .912 save percentage last year stands as
the third-best among returning CCHA goaltenders.
Key Statistics: Gill
ranked second in the CCHA with four shutouts and posted
a 13-8-1 record as he claimed the Broncos' starting
goaltending spot by the end of his rookie season. He
finished with a 2.79 goals-against average and a .912
save percentage.
What He Does: Gill covers
a lot of ground, at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, but his athleticism
and mental toughness are bigger strengths than his size.
Proof of those qualities may best be seen away from
the rink, where he's an outstanding golfer – about
a three handicap, he had some success in state junior
tournaments in Minnesota.
The Bigger Picture: Although he earned
CCHA All-Rookie Team honors, Gill's efforts as a freshman
were often overshadowed by classmate Mark Letestu. Letestu
has turned pro, Paul Szczechura graduated and goaltending
partner Daniel Bellissimo signed to play in Europe,
putting Gill squarely in the spotlight in 2007-08. The
Broncos were .500 and had their best CCHA finish in
five years last season, and will rely heavily on Gill's
goaltending if they are to have any hope of improving
on that performance in light of their offensive losses.
Jon Cooper, who coached Gill with
the NAHL's Texarkana (now St. Louis) Bandits: “He
was a stone wall for us. Especially in our early years
as a franchise, when you really need your goalie, he
was there for us. Very, very loyal as well. He originally
got passed on by other junior leagues and Minnesota
schools, where he is from. When he starting having success
with us they all came calling, but he stayed a Bandit
for three years.”
