Sports

Anchorage goalie Isaiah Saville named to USA Hockey U-17 Select Team

Isaiah Saville, who made his mark on state hockey as the freshman goaltender who backstopped West High to the state large-school championship in February, is making a big impression on the national scene.

Saville, who doesn't turn 16 for another two months, on Thursday was named to USA Hockey's Select Under-17 team for the Five Nations Cup.

Saville was one of two goalies picked for the 20-man roster that will play in the annual tournament, which also features teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland and Germany. The Under-17 Five Nations Tournament is Aug. 9-13 in Frisco, Texas.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Saville was selected based on his performances this week at USA Hockey's Select 16 Player Development Camp in Williamsville, New York. In six games there, Saville delivered a 1.37 goals-against average and .948 save percentage.

Saville has been on USA Hockey's radar. Former UAA goalie Kevin Reiter, the goalie coach in USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, visited Anchorage earlier this year specifically to work with Saville and Eagle River's Trent Burnham, who also attended this week's Select 16 national camp.

[Read about USA Hockey National Team Development Program goaltending coach Kevin Reiter's visit to Anchorage earlier this year.]

Saville in February helped West seize the state title in Wasilla. In three games, he permitted one goal and registered a 0.33 goals-against average and .980 save percentage.

ADVERTISEMENT

Saville made 12 saves in a 4-1 championship-game victory over Chugiak.

Saville last season also played competition hockey for the Anchorage Hockey Association North Stars and was coached by Chris King, Reiter's old goaltending partner at UAA.

Doyle Woody

Doyle Woody covered hockey and other sports for the Anchorage Daily News for 34 years.

ADVERTISEMENT