Tornado grad Bishop earns first NHL shutout

St. Louis Blues goaltender Ben Bishop, who played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Texas Tornado, picked up his first career shutout on Friday night stopping all 39 shots he faced in a 5-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

"To get your first shutout, that's something you always dream about," Bishop told The Associated Press. "I was able to see a lot of pucks and there were some key blocked shots. The guys did a great job in front of me.  We needed the win, too."

Bishop, called up from the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League - the Blues' top affiliate - on Feb. 17, was starting for the injured Jaroslav Halak, who missed his fifth straight game with a bruised hand. 

"He made a great statement," Blues head coach Davis Payne said of Bishop. "He had to make some tough saves early. He was very solid. We were able to rely on him for a little bit until we were able to build the lead a little further. 

"He's a young guy who we expect a lot from now and in the future. It was another great step for him tonight."

Bishop won a national championship and Robertson Cup with the Tornado during the 2004-05 season before playing three seasons at the University of Maine.