The Penticton Vees find themselves in the position of being happy that they will not have their starting goaltender next year.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Chad Katunar

The team announced on Thursday that goaltender Chad Katunar has committed to the University of Notre Dame for next season.

Katunar is in his second season with the Vees and is off to a terrific start. Through five games, Katunar has amassed a 5-0-0 record with 1.72 goals-against average and a .943 save-percentage, including one shutout. Katunar leads the BCHL in wins and sits in the top five in both goals-against average and save-percentage.

Vees Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson, says Katunar’s scholarship was well earned.

“Chad competes extremely hard day in and day out," says Harbinson. "He showed great patience throughout last season and excelled when called upon. Chad has now solidified himself as one of the top goaltenders in Jr. ‘A’ hockey.”

The Irish are playing their final season in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association before they move to Hockey East in 2013-14.

Katunar is the ninth player on the Vees roster with an NCAA scholarship, and will join recent Vees alumni Mario Lucia and Steven Fogarty next season at Notre Dame.