TJ Semptimphelter Named to Mike Richter Watch List

TEMPE -- Junior goaltender TJ Semptimphelter was named to the watch list for the 2024 Mike Richter Award announced by The Hockey Commissioners Association on Friday afternoon. The Mike Richter Award is given annually to the top goalie in men's NCAA Division I hockey since 2014. 

Semptimphelter is joined by 40 other goalies also elected to the watch list. He is one of 18 goalies from the United States and one of eight juniors named to the watch list. A committee of voters — made up of a cross section of coaches, administrators, scouts and media — will pare this list down to approximately 15 names within the next three weeks and then ultimately choose the winner who will be announced in April during the NCAA Frozen Four. 

Last season, Semptimphelter was also named to the watch list and he joined ASU alum and current Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord as the two Sun Devil goaltenders in history to be added to the award watch list. In 2018-19, Daccord was named a Mike Richter Award finalist. 

Semptimphelter is 6-0-4 in the last 10 games, including his eighth career shutout (38 saves) at Colorado College in early December. The shutout tied an ASU program record set by Daccord. Semptimphelter is fourth in the country in winning percentage (.775), second in the country in shutouts this season (3), 12th in save percentage (.919), and 15th in goals against average (2.26). 

"It's unbelievable knowing that he's back there. All season long, he's made some unbelievable saves and he's helped us out in close games," team captain Tyler Gratton said. "Having him in net, even when we're down by a goal and knowing the group that we have and the resiliency we have shown in the past, it's been awesome to have that confidence in him that he will do his job." 

As the New Jersey native continues to backstop the Sun Devils, he gains traction in the ASU record books:

• Second all-time in career goalie appearances
• Second all-time in career starts by a goalie
• Second all-time in career minutes played by a goalie
• Second all-time in career victories
• Second all-time in career saves
• Second all-time in career assists by a goalie

*all the above record categories are currently held by Joey Daccord

The junior also excels off the ice and was one of eight hockey student-athletes to record a 4.00 GPA or above for Fall 2023.