STAFF REPORTS
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BUFFALO — Former Canisius goaltender Charles Williams has signed a standard player contract with the Manchester Monarchs of the East Coast Hockey League, the team announced Tuesday.
The Monarchs are the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings and the American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign.
A Hobey Baker Memorial Award Top 10 Finalist and Mike Richter Award semifinalist, Williams shined during his inaugural campaign with Canisius. In 34 games between the pipes for the Griffs, Williams posted a .943 save percentage, six shutouts and a 1.82 goals against average. The graduate transfer currently leads the NCAA in save percentage and shutouts and ranks third in goals against average. He is also in the top-10 nationally in saves (1016/4th), shots faced (1077/6th), and winning percentage (.721/T-7th).
The Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year and an All-AHC First Team selection, Williams was dominant during conference play, leading the league in goals against average (1.69), save percentage (.947) and shutouts (5) to help guide the Griffs to the program’s first Atlantic Hockey Conference regular season title. The six-time AHC Goalie of the Week honoree was in goal for all 18 of Canisius’ victories in league play, allowing one goal or fewer in 13 of 27 conference games played while recording 25 or more saves on 19 occasions.
With Tuesday’s announcement, Williams becomes the 34 former Griff to sign a professional contract during head coach Dave Smith’s tenure.
