After a record-shattering first year as the starting goaltender for Northeastern, Devon Levi returns to Matthews Arena firmly entrenched as the backbone of the team. Levi, the winner of the 2022 Mike Richter Award for the best collegiate goalie, posted an unconscionable .952 save percentage (second-best in a single season in NCAA history), 1.54 goals-against-average (top-15 all time for a single season), and 10 shutouts (T-3rd in a single season). All three marks also shattered program records, and Levi needs only two shutouts in 2022-23 to break Chris Rawlings’ program record set over Rawlings’ four years.
Since the season ended, the Huskies saw both backup goaltenders leave the program. Evan Fear moved on from collegiate hockey while TJ Semptimphelter transferred to Arizona State after putting on an impressive display as starter while Levi was at the Olympics with Team Canada. That opened up two spots on the roster for new goaltenders to take, and Coach Keefe and his staff filled them with two incoming goalies that will help solidify the position’s depth for years to come.
Grant Riley– A former Boston College commit, Riley comes to Northeastern after playing a season for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL, the top Juniors league in Canada and one of the most offense-driven leagues in North America. Riley posted a .907 save percentage and 2.47 goals-against-average with 3 shutouts for the Chiefs. He catches with his left hand, same as Levi. He brings size to the goaltending position that the Huskies have not had in a few years, standing 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds. Scouts describe Riley as having a “prototypical modern style” and “strong fundamentals” with upside to be great. He’s someone that can grow into a reliable netminder for Northeastern over four years. We expect Riley will start as the primary backup but will be able to fill in as needed if Levi suffers an injury or needs a night off.
Harrison Chesney– Another tall goaltender at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Chesney enrolls after two years of play with the P.A.L Junior Islanders of the NCDC, part of the United States Premier Hockey League. Also catching with his left hand, he posted a .926 save percentage and 2.73 GAA with the Islanders last season with one shutout. Chesney brings size, athleticism, and sound fundamentals to Northeastern, giving the team additional depth at the goaltender position for both this season and likely the next four seasons.
Be sure to follow along with our upcoming previews of the new forwards and defensemen that will be joining the Huskies this season.
As always, go Huskies!