Gillette goalie Orchard gets call to NAHL
The Gillette Wild of the NA3HL are pleased to announce that goaltender Jack Orchard has been called up to the Kenai River Brown Bears in North American Hockey League (NAHL).
Orchard, 18, is in his first full season playing junior hockey in the NA3HL for the Wild. The 6’0/200 lbs. native of Fort Frances, ON, is currently 10-0-0 on the season for the undefeated Wild, which includes a 1.98 goals against average and a .926 save percentage.
His 10 wins ranks 4th in the NA3HL and his goals against average and save percentage are both in the Top 11.
Orchard played high school hockey in Minnesota for Warroad High School and made his junior hockey debut last season with the Wild, winning both of his starts in December of 2020.
Orchard also played in the 2021 NAHL Prospects Challenge in May in Blaine, MN.
“Jack definitely deserves this opportunity. He is an extremely hard worker and has taken steps towards becoming one of the leaders of our squad. He is always positive with the guys, helping guys out anyway he can, and has not lost a game yet this season. He’s a great goalie and has great character,” said Wild head coach Ethan Hayes. “Kenai called on Monday, and said they wanted him to get up to Alaska as soon as possible. When I called Jack to tell him the news he was extremely excited for his opportunity.”
