Pete Fry Goalies of the Month - October 2026
A new hockey season is underway, and with it comes the return of Pete Fry Goalies of the Month.
Each month, we recognize three Private Goalie Mindset Coaching clients who are performing at a high level and demonstrating what happens when preparation, confidence, and mindset come together in the crease.
To kick off the 2026–27 season, we're recognizing Carter Esler, Joshua Ravensbergen, and Georg Vladimirov: three goaltenders making an immediate impact across major junior, NCAA Division I, and European professional hockey.
From a league-leading start in the WHL to a standout NCAA debut and remarkable performances overseas, these three have set an impressive standard to open the season.
Carter Esler – Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
October Stats: 7-0-0-1 | 1.71 GAA | .936 SV%
Carter Esler couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2026–27 season. The Spokane Chiefs netminder was outstanding throughout October, posting seven wins, a 1.71 goals-against average, and a remarkable .936 save percentage while helping establish Spokane as one of the WHL's early contenders.
His dominant start earned him WHL Goaltender of the Month honors for September/October, recognizing a stretch of exceptional consistency in which he went undefeated in regulation. Esler has quickly established himself among the league's top netminders, sitting first in goals-against average and second in wins through the opening months of the season.
One of his most impressive performances came on October 17 against the Seattle Thunderbirds. In a tightly contested 3-2 shootout victory, Esler turned aside 37 of 39 shots before delivering a perfect performance in the shootout, stopping all five Seattle shooters to secure the win. It was a tremendous display of composure and focus, particularly in a situation where every save could determine the outcome.
That performance was far from an isolated highlight. Esler opened October with consecutive victories over Portland and Everett, then continued to deliver in close games, including a 2-1 win over Portland on October 23. Whether protecting a narrow lead or facing sustained offensive pressure, he consistently provided Spokane with the confidence and stability needed to win.
The 17-year-old from Okotoks, Alberta, is also entering an important chapter in his development. A first-round selection in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Esler gained valuable experience during Spokane's run to the 2025 WHL Championship Series before taking over the starting role last season. Now eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, his exceptional start is another significant step forward in an already promising junior career.
What stands out most about Carter is the maturity and consistency he brings to the crease. He plays with confidence, remains composed in high-pressure situations, and continues to demonstrate the ability to deliver when his team needs him most. His early-season success is a powerful example of how preparation, belief, and a strong mental game can translate into outstanding performance.
Joshua Ravensbergen – Michigan State University (NCAA D1)
October Stats: 4-1-0 | 1.62 GAA | .947 SV%
Joshua Ravensbergen has wasted no time making his presence felt in the NCAA.
After an outstanding junior career with the Prince George Cougars, the 6-foot-5 netminder has made a seamless transition to Michigan State University, opening his freshman season with a 4-1-0 record, 1.62 goals-against average, and an exceptional .947 save percentage.
For a goaltender stepping into one of college hockey's most competitive programs, Ravensbergen has looked remarkably calm, comfortable and confident from the opening puck drop.
His early success earned him Big Ten Third Star of the Week honors on October 20, following an impressive performance against RIT in front of 10,000 fans. Ravensbergen stopped 25 of 26 shots in Michigan State's 5-1 victory, including 15 saves in the third period, demonstrating tremendous poise in a demanding road environment.
He followed that performance with an extraordinary weekend against New Hampshire. Despite Michigan State falling 1-0 in the opening game, Ravensbergen was outstanding, turning aside 33 of 34 shots and keeping the Spartans within striking distance throughout the contest. The following night, he was even better, making a season-high 38 saves on 39 shots to backstop Michigan State to a 2-1 victory. Across the two games, he stopped an incredible 71 of 73 shots for a .973 save percentage.
Ravensbergen capped off October with another statement performance on October 31, making 32 saves in a 5-3 victory over No. 8 North Dakota at the Hall of Fame Game in Texas. Facing one of college hockey's premier programs on a major stage, the freshman once again demonstrated the confidence and competitive maturity that have become defining characteristics of his game.
His transition to college hockey follows a remarkable 2025–26 season in Prince George, where he led the WHL in wins and save percentage and earned the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as WHL Goaltender of the Year. Selected 30th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2025 NHL Draft, Ravensbergen continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting young goaltending prospects in hockey.
What makes Joshua's start so impressive is the way he has embraced the challenge of a new level. New teammates, new opponents, faster play, and greater expectations have done little to disrupt his confidence. He has remained composed, trusted his preparation, and delivered outstanding performances against high-level competition.
That ability to adapt, stay present, and compete with confidence is what separates promising goaltenders from those capable of excelling at every level.
Georg Vladimirov – HC Panter (Optibet Hockey League)
October Stats: 4-2-0 | 2.64 GAA | .925 SV%
Georg Vladimirov has opened the 2026–27 season with an impressive run of performances for HC Panter in the Optibet Hockey League, establishing himself as a dependable presence in goal against some of the top professional teams in the Baltic region.
The 21-year-old Estonian netminder finished October with a 4-2 record, 2.64 goals-against average, and outstanding .925 save percentage, delivering several high-quality performances that helped Panter secure important early-season victories.
Vladimirov wasted little time making an impact. On October 3, he turned aside 32 shots in a 5-2 victory over HK Liepāja, helping HC Panter secure a historic result: the club's first-ever win against the Latvian opponent. Just one day later, he followed it up with another exceptional performance, making 38 saves in a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the same opponent. The back-to-back wins helped move Panter into third place in the league standings and demonstrated Vladimirov's ability to deliver strong performances on consecutive nights.
His most remarkable individual performance came on October 21 against the Kyiv Capitals. Facing an extraordinary 57 shots, Vladimirov turned aside 54 attempts, keeping Panter within reach throughout a tightly contested 3-2 game. It was a tremendous display of concentration, athleticism, and resilience under sustained pressure.
Performances like that demand more than physical ability. Facing nearly 60 shots requires a goaltender to remain mentally engaged from the opening faceoff to the final buzzer, maintaining focus through extended defensive-zone pressure and responding to every new scoring opportunity.
Vladimirov's development has also earned him recognition beyond the club level. A native of Tallinn, Estonia, he was part of the Estonian national team that captured gold at the 2026 IIHF World Championship Division I Group B tournament, earning promotion to Division I Group A. Now continuing his professional career with HC Panter, he is building on that international experience and taking important strides in his development.
What stands out most about Georg is his ability to remain composed through demanding stretches of play. Whether making 54 saves against Kyiv or delivering consecutive victories against Liepāja, he has shown the focus, determination, and confidence required to compete at a high level.
His strong start to the season is a testament to his continued development and the mental discipline needed to perform consistently in professional hockey.
Setting the Standard for the 26/27 Season
We're proud to recognize Carter Esler, Joshua Ravensbergen, and Georg Vladimirov as our first Pete Fry Goalies of the Month for the 2026–27 season.
Three goaltenders. Three different leagues. Three outstanding starts to the year.
From Carter's award-winning performances in the WHL to Joshua's remarkable transition into NCAA Division I hockey and Georg's standout performances on the European professional stage, each has demonstrated the qualities that define high-level goaltending: confidence, composure, resilience, and consistency.
A new season brings new opportunities, new challenges, and new moments that test a goaltender's preparation and belief.
At Pete Fry Goalie Mindset, we know that talent and technique are only part of the equation. The ability to stay present, trust your game, and perform with confidence under pressure is what allows goaltenders to consistently compete at their highest level.
These three have set an outstanding standard to begin the season, and we look forward to watching their continued success throughout 2026–27.
For more insights into our Private Goalie Mindset Coaching program, click here.
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