Pony riding high

The American Hockey League announced today that Ondrej Pavelec of the Chicago Wolves has been named the Reebok X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month for October. Pavelec played every minute of Chicago's nine games during the month, going 5-3-1 with a 1.54 goals-against average, a .947 save percentage and two shutouts.

Pavelec, who also started all 24 of the Wolves' postseason games last spring, began his second professional season with a pair of losses despite giving up just two goals in each. He earned his first win of 2008-09 with a 25-save shutout at Quad City on Oct. 17, and made 29 saves as Chicago won its home opener, 3-2, vs. Peoria on Oct. 18. Pavelec stopped 32 shots in a 3-1 victory over San Antonio on Oct. 21, and shut out Providence with 35 saves on Oct. 29.

In recognition of his achievement, Pavelec will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Wolves home game.

Congrats, Pony!