Wheat Kings netminder Ruzicka named Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today Brandon Wheat Kings netminder Filip Ruzicka has been named Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending Sunday, December 28, 2025.
The 17-year-old Ruzicka, who hails from Trinec, Czechia, was perfect in his lone appearance this weekend, turning aside 31 shots to blank the Moose Jaw Warriors by a 3-0 score Sunday, December 28, at Assiniboine Credit Union Place in Brandon.
The 6-foot-7, 230-pound puckstopper was kept busiest during the second period of play, steering away 19 shots from the Moose Jaw offense to protect a 2-0 lead for the Wheat Kings. He rejected another eight shots during the third period as Brandon skated away with a 3-0 win. Ruzicka was named first star of the game as recognition for earning his first career WHL shutout
In his first WHL season, Ruzicka is 16-4-0-0 with a 2.86 goals-against average, .913 save percentage, and one shutout. His 16 victories are tied for the WHL lead with San Jos Sharks prospect Joshua Ravensbergen of the Prince George Cougars. Ruzicka’s .913 SV% ranks fifth among all qualified WHL netminders.
Since making his WHL debut in a 4-3 win versus Vancouver on Friday, October 10, Ruzicka has been steady between the pipes for the Wheat Kings, leading the Club in appearances among goaltenders with 21. On 11 occasions, he has made 30 or more saves, including a season high 43 saves Saturday, November 15, in a 6-5 overtime triumph against the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Ruzicka is currently riding a seven-game win streak, dating back to Wednesday, December 3.
Originally selected by the Wheat Kings in the second round (104th overall) of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Ruzicka is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.
Coming out of the weekend, the Wheat Kings (21-12-1-0) have won three straight games, having gone 9-1-0-0 over their previous 10 games. Brandon ranks fourth in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.
Next up, Ruzicka and the Wheat Kings visit the Swift Current Broncos (8-24-1-0) Tuesday, December 30 (7 p.m. CT) at the InnovationPlex in Swift Current.
Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week
September 22, 2025: Ethan Eskit, Victoria Royals
September 29, 2025: Logan Edmonstone, Kamloops Blazers
October 6, 2025: Parker Snell, Edmonton Oil Kings
October 14, 2025: Evan Gardner, Saskatoon Blades
October 20, 2025: Burke Hood, Vancouver Giants
October 27, 2025: Andrew Reyelts, Penticton Vees
November 3, 2025: Eric Tu, Calgary Hitmen
November 10, 2025: Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders
November 17, 2025: Anders Miller, Everett Silvertips
November 24, 2025: Harrison Boettiger, Kelowna Rockets
December 1, 2025: Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars
December 8, 2025: Matthew Hutchison, Regina Pats
December 15, 2025: Eric Tu, Calgary Hitmen
December 22, 2025: Marek Sklenicka, Seattle Thunderbirds
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.
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