Dylan Ernst has been named the WHL goaltender of the week for the week ending Mar. 6.

In three games over four days, the 18-year-old stopped 80 of the 86 shots he faced, giving him a 1.97 goals against average and a .930 save percentage. It helped the Blazers move into first place in the Western Conference standings, tied with the Everett Silvertips.

Ernst went 3-0 as he began his week with a 20 save showing in a 7-2 win over Spokane last Wednesday, Mar. 2. He followed that up with a 35 save effort in a 4-3 overtime win in Vancouver on Friday, Mar. 4, before making another 25 saves in a 2-1 win against Victoria on Saturday, Mar. 5.

The Weyburn, Sask. native has made the Blazers net his own in recent weeks with a 6-2-1 record with a .911 save percentage and a 2.69 goals against average since taking over from starting goaltender Dylan Garand, who is recovering from a lower body injury.

“This team makes it easy in front of me. As much as the award is individual, it’s a team award for sure,” Ernst said Monday afternoon. “Thanks to the guys in front of me for this one.”

In 23 games this season, Ernst has put up a 14-7-2 record with a .904 save percentage and a 2.81 goals against average to go with two shutouts.

Speaking on the NL Morning News, Blazers Head Coach and General Manager, Shaun Clouston, says while Dylan Ernst has been playing great hockey, Dylan Garand is close to returning to the crease.

“It is going real good. I think with a good week of practice here the expectation is he’s going to be available this weekend,” Clouston said. “I mean that’s if all goes well this week. He is definitely trending in the right direction.”

Garand was the WHL goalie of the week on two separate occasions this season. He was also the WHL goaltender of the month in November.

The Blazers are preparing for six straight games against the Kelowna Rockets, starting with a home game this Friday, Mar. 11.

– With files from Jeff Andreas

Ernie appreciation tweet!🔥
In nine games since taking over the crease, @Dylan_Ernst31 is 6-2-1 with a 2.69 GAA, and a .911 save %
📸 @ADouglasPhotos pic.twitter.com/cAi40TTmcf

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) March 6, 2022