NAPHL alum Demko named NHL's #1 Star of the Week

Vancouver Canucks goaltender and NAPHL alum Thatcher Demko was named the NHL’s #1 Star of the Week for December 6-12, 2021. Demko went 4-0-0 with a 1.20 goals-against average, .962 save percentage and one shutout to help the Canucks (12-15-2, 26 points) win their first four games under new head coach Bruce Boudreau.

Demko earned his second career shutout (also March 1, 2021 at WPG: 27 SV) with 31 saves in a 4-0 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings Dec. 6. He then registered consecutive shootout victories, denying 35 shots (as well as both he faced in the tiebreaker) in 2-1 win against the Boston Bruins Dec. 8 and making 34 saves (plus another three in the shootout) in a 4-3 triumph over the Winnipeg Jets Dec. 10. Demko finished the week by turning aside 28-of-29 shots in a 2-1 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes Dec. 12.

The 26-year-old San Diego, Calif., native has played in 24 total games this season, compiling a 12-11-1 record, 2.66 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and one shutout.

Demko spent time developing in the NAPHL as the goalie for the California Titans 16U team during the 2010-11 season. Sporting a 7-2-1 record with a very respectable .922 save percentage and a 1.90 goals against average.  His save percentage and goals against average both ranked fourth in the 16U Division during the 2010-11 season.

On April 21, 2016, Demko signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Canucks after three successful seasons at Boston College.

During his final season playing NCAA hockey, the 6-4, 195-pound goaltender was awarded the 2016 Mike Richter Award as the most outstanding goaltender in NCAA men’s hockey. He was also a finalist for the 2016 Hobey Baker Award.