The Finalists: Goaltenders

We can all agree that goaltenders have one of the hardest jobs on the ice – they have to be focused, prepared and ready to act. It’s a tough role that not everyone can handle, so it’s no wonder people say that the key to a great team is a great goaltender and with only two weeks to the Final, it’s time to take a look at who will line up for the Final in two weeks’ time.

Johan Mattsson

Johan Mattsson has featured in three CHL seasons playing for Frölunda (Photo: Werner Krainbucher)

The 27-year-old Swede started his professional career with Södertälje SK in 2008 but only made his SHL debut when he signed for the Frölunda Indians in 2017. Described as a calm player who uses his size to his advantage, Johan Mattsson was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 and spent two seasons playing in North America before returning to Sweden. He also represented the U20 Swedish National team at the World Junior Championship that year, winning a gold medal.

On his return to Europe in 2013, Mattsson signed for Djurgården Stockholm and spent four seasons in the second tier of Swedish hockey before signing for Frölunda where he has played ever since.

The 6’4” goalie has featured in three CHL seasons to date and won the competition last year. This season he has been Frölunda’s first choice player and has played in all but one of their matches. Together with Marek Mazanec, no other player has featured in as many games between the posts as he has this season.

Marek Mazanec

Marek Mazanec in action on the ice (Photo: Werner Krainbucher)

28-year-old Marek Mazanec has been Mountfield HK’s talisman this season – his excellent and consistent performances are one of the main reasons why Mountfield are in the Finals this year. The Czech native started his professional career with fellow CHL club HC Pilsen, winning the Czech Extraliga in 2013 before signing for the Nashville Predators the very same year. 6 seasons and 31 NHL appearances later, Mazanec decided for a return to Europe and signed for Mountfield at the start of this season.

He’s started in all of Mountfield’s CHL games this season, with the exception of their 7-1 win over the Graz99ers in their final Group Stage match and has only let in 15 goals all season. With 265 saves to his name so far this season and a save percentage of 94,64%, he’s not only saved the most shots but also been one of the best goaltenders all season round.

The Czech international has been especially in form over the past six games - he’s only let in four goals and has shutout his opponents three times!