Billy Sauer

History

2005-06: The season proved to be both a challenge and a valuable learning experience for the Walworth, NY native. Sauer appeared in 23 games for the maize and blue, posting an 11-6-4 record that included one shutout. His lone shutout (and one of his most memorable outings) came on his 18th birthday on Jan. 6. In that game, Sauer made 26 saves to help lead Michigan to a 4-0 win over Alaska Fairbanks.

7th round (201st overall), 2006 by COL

2007-08: Appearing in 38 games during his junior campaign at CCHA University of Michigan, Sauer posted a 30-4-3 record while helping the Wolverines advance to the 2008 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four. He led the nation in victories and winning percentage (.851) and set single-season school records for GAA (1.95) and SV% (.924). Sauer was ranked fifth nationally in GAA and was 11^th in SV%. He was named CCHA Goalie of the Week on three straight occasions (Nov.12-26) and was named RBC Financial Group CCHA Player of the Month for December after posting a 3-0-0 record with a .059 GAA and .983 SV%. Sauer also won CCHA Goalie of the Week and Inside College Hockey National Player of the Week honors on Jan. 2. He posted a career-best shutout streak of 206:14 from Dec. 7-Jan. 11 and blanked Clarkson 2-0 on Mar. 29, the first Michigan shutout in the NCAA Tournament since 1998. Sauer was named to the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament team.

Talent Analysis

Sauer is a tall, lanky goaltender with terrific athleticism and quickness. While he is still very much a project, Sauer showed glimpses of his vast potential. He has an excellent skill set that needs to be refined. Sauer has great reflexes and is virtually impenetrable when he is on his game. He is a competent puck-handler and has a good glove. He can stay square to shooters and has shown a willingness to come out and challenge as well. Sauer’s confidence was an issue at times throughout the season but growth, maturity and experience should help build that over time.