Eagles’ Ruccia and Milota set new franchise record for combined shutouts
Just over half way through the season, Cape Breton Eagles goaltenders Nicolas Ruccia (4) and Jakub Milota (3) have set the new franchise record for combined shutouts in a single season with seven (7).
The record was broken following Thursday night’s 7-0 victory over the Quebec Remparts, leapfrogging the previous record which stood since the 2009-2010 regular season.
19-year-old Ruccia who grew up in Laval, Quebec is in his fourth season with the Eagles after being drafted in the first round, 17th overall in the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft.
Ruccia is on pace for the best season of his career, as he currently sits with 12-10-0 record, a 2.70 goals against average and a .908 save percentage in addition to his career high four shutouts.
17-year-old rookie goaltender Jakub Milota of Ostrava, Czechia is in his first season with the Eagles club and was recently ranked 12th amongst goalies playing in North America by NHL Central Scouting.
Milota was drafted 23rd overall in last year’s CHL Import Draft and has since played 21 games with the Eagles, sprouting three shutouts, a 2.65 goals against average and a .914 save percentage in the process.
The previous franchise record of six (6) was tied between goaltenders Olivier Roy (5) and Alexandre Véronneau (1) in the 2009/2010 season and Martin Houle (6) from the 2004/2005 season.
More impressively, the Eagles still have 27 games remaining left this regular season for both goaltenders to add to their shutout totals.
