ECHL: Jacksonville’s Scott Ratzlaff Named Rookie of the Month

Ratzlaff, who is under contract with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and the AHL’s Rochester Americans, made an immediate impact in his first month of professional hockey. The 20-year-old netminder went 3–0–0 with a 1.29 goals-against average and an outstanding .966 save percentage across three appearances.

The Irma, Alberta native, standing 6’1” and 179 lbs, turned aside 38 of 39 shots in his professional debut with a 2–1 win on October 18 in Greensboro. He followed that up with a 42-save performance in a 4–2 victory over Greenville on October 24, then closed out the month with 32 saves in a 3–1 win at Utah on October 29.

Before turning pro, Ratzlaff starred for the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL), where he appeared in 160 career games and posted an 87–55–8 record, eight shutouts, a 2.90 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (141st overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Ratzlaff is currently signed through the 2027–28 season.

Internationally, he captured gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and earned selections to the WHL (US) Second All-Star Team and WHL (West) First All-Star Team.

With his early success in Jacksonville, Ratzlaff has quickly proven himself as one of the league’s most promising young goaltenders and a strong addition to the Sabres’ development system.

Sources:

Elite Prospects. (2025, November 4). Scott Ratzlaff Profile.

ECHL. (2025, November 4). Jacksonville’s Ratzlaff Named Howies Hockey Tape ECHL Rookie of the Month.