ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- In the first period of last Saturday's game, Icer goaltender Derek Lecours dove out of his crease, knocking the puck out of danger. With that dive against Erie Community College, he jumped into the race for more playing time.

"We withstood a first period barrage and that's all because of Derek Lecours," Icer Coach Joe Battista said. "No doubt he's the player of the game. Derek's got to feel like a million bucks, getting a shutout."

Although Lecours has only played in five of the team's first 15 games this year, he has withstood the pressure and achieved success. His record this year tending the pipes lays at 4-0, with one relief appearance. Lecours' latest game was Saturday night's 5-0 win against the Kats.

The ECC Kats stayed in the Icers' zone for most of the first period. But the combination of Lecours and the team's emerging defense shut down the Kats squad. The shutout, however, did not rest in Lecours' mind during the game.

"You don't really think about it. You just kind of take each shot as it comes," he said. "I don't know if I was expecting (a shutout) just as much as trying to do the little things that put ourselves in the position to win, and it all turned out good."

Throughout the game, Lecours made several outstanding plays. He adapted his goaltending throughout the game to fit the Kats' style.

"I was aggressive at times when I needed to but at the same time, they played real tight in around the net so I had to stay in the net a little more," the Lebanon native said.

Lecours has gotten more time in the crease this season than in the past. In his first two seasons with the Icers, Lecours played in a total of 12 games, but he did not record a win or loss. Last season, he recorded two wins in seven appearances. He finally received his chance to compete a little more this season.

His stint in goal has been in preparation for the American Collegiate Hockey Association Nationals in March, where the team could play four games in as many days. Two capable goaltenders will be a valuable commodity.

"I think that Coach feels fairly comfortable with my performances," Lecours said after his shutout in which he stopped 35 shots.

And that comfort should lead to more playing time for Lecours.