Maine Goaltending Stalwart Brittany Ott Enters 2013 CWHL Draft

As the first goaltender from NCAA Division I to declare into the 2013 CWHL Draft, Maine Black Bears goaltender Brittany Ott is looking to extend her playing career. A workhorse goaltender, Ott is able to consume minutes, while keeping her team competitive.

In high school, she was a multi-sport star in tennis and softball (also serving as team captain in her junior and senior seasons). She would also compete for the Little Caesar’s Under-19 hockey team in her home state of Michigan.

During her career at Maine, she logged a career mark of 5959:13 minutes played along with a respectable 2.74 goals against average. Although her lifetime mark consists of 32 wins, compared to 53 losses and 13 ties, Ott always provided her team with the opportunity to win. Despite three losing seasons in her career, Ott consistently garnered impressive numbers.

As a rookie, she had a 2.60 GAA along with a .918 save percentage, while earning Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors.  Her sophomore season saw her turning away 920 shots (averaging more than 30 saves a game) while posting a 2.49 GAA. The only winning season of her career came in 2011-12 with a 13-10-3 mark, complemented by a 2.34 GAA. She was also recognized as Hockey East Goaltender of the Month in January 2012.

Despite a disappointing senior season with the Black Bears, Ott (who went 5-16-3) remained a positive influence on a struggling squad. Her 797 saves was emblematic of Ott’s remarkable work ethic. Of note, the last win of her Black Bears career would come on February 9, 2013 against the Vermont Catamounts.

Having rewritten some Black Bears goaltending records (first in games played with 107 and the record-holder for most saves in one game), Ott brings great poise and presence. Her skills between the pipes would make her a suitable fit on any CWHL roster, whether as a starter or a very suitable backup.

As intelligent as she is talented, Ott’s academic performance at Maine truly embodies the term student-athlete. She was the 2013 female recipient of the 2013 M Club Dean Smith Award. Criteria for the award involve more than just outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments, but community service as well. In addition, she was a three-time Maine All-Academic, which was recognized with a gold medal from the program in her senior season.

The last game of her career with the Black Bears (a Hockey East quarterfinal on March 1, 2013) was one to remember. Competing against the nationally ranked Boston College Eagles, Ott recorded an astounding 72 saves in an overtime loss.

Although the Black Bears could not hold on to their 1-0 lead, Ott made 35 saves in the third period. Ironically, the previous record holder for most saves in one game was also Ott (she had recorded 69 saves against Mercyhurst on October 9, 2010). She was recognized as the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week for such a superlative effort against BC.

Of all the squads in the CWHL, the one squad that would complement her best would be the Boston Blades. With Blades goaltender (and 2013 Clarkson Cup champion) Genevieve Lacasse centralized with the Canadian National Team, Brittany Ott might be an ideal choice for filling her shoes. While Lacasse is certainly a tough act to follow, Ott is an articulate individual who brings great maturity and a capability for withstanding high-pressure situations.