West Point, NY – Army West Point sophomore goaltender JJ Cataldo earned Atlantic Hockey America Goaltender of the Week honors Monday, his second career weekly award and fourth AHA recognition overall. The Stuart, Florida native backstopped the Black Knights to two wins while posting a .973 save percentage and 1.00 goals-against average across 73 shots faced.
Cataldo allowed just two goals in two games—a 2-1 road win at Northeastern on Friday and a 6-1 home-opening victory over Stonehill on Sunday at Tate Rink.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Cataldo’s week-long performance was elite by any standard:
- 73 saves on 75 shots – .973 save percentage
- 1.00 goals-against average – Two goals allowed in 120 minutes
- 2-0 record – Both wins in critical early-season matchups
- 31 saves vs. Northeastern – Stopped 31 of 32 shots in a hostile road environment
- 40 saves vs. Stonehill – Career-high performance in home opener
Through three games this season, Cataldo is 3-0 with a 3.97 goals-against average and .973 save percentage across 185 minutes. He’s faced 109 shots and allowed just two goals over his last two outings.
McKelvie: “He’s Been Really Solid”
Head coach Zach McKelvie didn’t mince words about Cataldo’s impact on the team’s early success.
“JJ has been really solid for us in the first few games of the season,” McKelvie said. “He is playing calmly and controlled, and our team has gained a lot of confidence because of his play.”
That confidence showed. Army outscored opponents 8-2 over the two-game stretch, with Cataldo’s steady presence allowing the Black Knights’ offense to play aggressively without worrying about defensive breakdowns.
Friday: Stealing Points in Boston
Cataldo’s week started with a road test at Northeastern, where he faced 32 shots and stopped 31. The Huskies controlled possession for long stretches, but Cataldo was unshakable. His lone blemish came on a single goal, but he shut the door the rest of the way to secure a 2-1 Army victory.
The win marked Army’s first road victory of the season and set the tone for Sunday’s home opener.
Black Knights News:
- Army West Point Hockey Dominates Stonehill 6-1 in Home Opener at Tate Rink
- Army West Point Dominates Charlotte 24-7 Behind Hellums’ Career Day and Stifling Defense
- Army Takes Down Northeastern For Zach McKelvie’s First Win as Head Coach
Sunday: A Statement Performance at Tate Rink
Two days later, Cataldo delivered a career-high 40 saves against Stonehill in front of the home crowd at Tate Rink. He faced 41 shots and allowed just one goal as Army rolled to a 6-1 win.
The 40-save performance was the highest single-game total of Cataldo’s young career and showcased his ability to stay locked in even during lopsided games. Stonehill threw everything at him, but Cataldo was equal to the task.
Early-Season Dominance
Cataldo’s recognition is the fourth AHA weekly honor of his career, a remarkable achievement for a sophomore. His .973 save percentage over the past week ranks among the best in the nation, and his 1.00 goals-against average reflects the kind of consistency that wins championships.
Army is 3-0 to start the season, and Cataldo has been the backbone of that success. His calm, controlled play has given the Black Knights confidence on both ends of the ice.
What’s Next
Army opens Atlantic Hockey America play Tuesday, October 14, hosting Canisius at Tate Rink at 7 p.m. ET. It’s the Black Knights’ first league game of the season, and Cataldo will look to carry his momentum into conference play.
If the first three games are any indication, Army has a goaltender capable of stealing games and anchoring a deep postseason run.
JJ Cataldo – Week 6 Stats (Oct. 11-13, 2025)
- Record: 2-0
- Saves: 73
- Shots Faced: 75
- Goals Allowed: 2
- Save Percentage: .973
- Goals-Against Average: 1.00
- Minutes Played: 120:00
JJ Cataldo – Season Stats (2025-26)
- Record: 3-0
- Saves: 109
- Save Percentage: .973
- Goals-Against Average: 3.97
- Minutes Played: 185:00
- Shutouts: 0
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