Utah’s Hove Named Goalie of Week

ATLANTA – After leading Utah to a pair of wins at the Pac-12 Shootout over the weekend, Utes rookie netminder Max Hove earns MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week honors for the period ending Feb. 19.

Utah, which is playing Division I this spring after winning the D-II title in 2022, opened its season against Washington and thanks to 13 saves from the San Ramon, Calif., product, the Utes posted the 14-7 triumph.

The following day against No. 9 USC, the freshman made another 13 saves as Utah edged the Trojans, 10-9, for the 2-0 start to the season.

Hove also chipped in with seven ground balls and a caused turnover.

“The Pac-12 Shootout was a huge test for Max, but he more than passed his first test at the next level,” said Utah coach Kyler Banks. “He was a huge factor in the comeback win against Washington, allowing only two goals in the second half to go along with nine saves.

“He also came up huge against USC. He stuffed a shot while two-men down and, shortly after, made a double save in front of goal to build momentum. He was also a menace coming out of cage scooping up ground balls and picking off passes.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Hove will receive a prize package from Guardian PEARL, a ball that lasts longer than the rest and never greases. Guardian PEARL is the proud partner of the MCLA.

PEARL Honor Roll

Calvin Annulis, Soph. – Clemson
In victories over Tennessee and Western Michigan, the Rockville, Md., netminder turned away 18 shots (62.1 save percentage).

Zach Blake, Sr. – California
The Bears took down No. 7 Concordia thanks to 28 stops and five ground balls from the New Haven, Conn., product.

Jason Bohlinger, Jr. – Chapman
In wins over Minnesota and Northeastern, the Yorba Linda, Calif., backstop made a combined 20 saves against just two goals against.

Kurt Brothers, Gr. – Central Florida
In a 1-1 weekend for the Knights, the Orlando stopper combined for 38 saves – 19 apiece against East Carolina and NC State.

Dylan Causey, Fr. – Florida State
The rookie out of Tampa turned away a dozen shots (60 percent save percentage) in the 'Noles win over No. 1 South Carolina.

Lucas Chu, Soph. – Cal Poly
The stopper from Morristown, N.J., posted 17 saves, including six in the fourth and one in OT, to lead the Mustangs past Oregon. Added nine more stops against UW.

William Eckert, Sr. - Virginia Tech
The Hokies knocked off No. 6 Liberty thanks to 10 saves from the goalkeeper out of Nokesville, Va.

Jadon Terzi, Jr. – Florida
The St. Petersburg, Fla., product turned away 14 shots (58.3 save percentage) in the Gators’ upset of No. 1 South Carolina.

Ben Yurek, Soph. – Arizona
The Gibsonia, Pa., native combined for 31 saves and just 18 goals against (63.3 save percentage) in wins over UCLA and No. 13 Cal.