Colorado's Shira Wein thriving in starting goalie role
Colorado Buffaloes goaltender Shira Wein is expected to start every important game on their schedule this season. There is no better candidate in the nation for the job.
Three weeks into the ACHA season, Wein leads all goalies in save percentage and wins (min. four games). With a 1.67 goals-against average and .960 save percentage, Wein has emerged as a top netminder in women’s club hockey.
The 21-year-old senior started her collegiate hockey career in the NCAA with the Division III Elmira College Eagles. After two years without seeing the ice, Wein decided it was time for a change of scenery.
“I never was valued by my coach. I never got the chance to actually play,” Wein told Sko Buffs Sports. “I wanted to prove that I know what I’m doing and I can play.”
Arriving in Boulder as a junior, Wein quickly integrated with the team. She joined Zoe Watson as a goaltending tandem. As the season progressed, Wein emerged as the starter. She was between the pipes throughout the WWCHL playoffs, posting a .939 save percentage.
Watson graduated after last season, leaving Wein as the clear starter for the 2026-27 season. In the offseason, the Buffs didn’t add a rookie goaltender. Instead, Wein was given the workhorse role. If it’s not a penciled-in win on the schedule, Wein will be in the crease.
Wein hasn’t missed a beat. She quickly picked up her first shutout in the second game of the season against the Wyoming Cowgirls.
Two days later, she made a career-high 49 saves against the Midland Warriors. She kept the Buffs in that game and held the defending national champions to their fewest goals in a game this season.
The next weekend she let up four goals in three games against two teams that made nationals last year. The harder the competition, the better she plays.
Even in must-win games against conference rivals, Wein feels no pressure. She calls it one of her biggest strengths. Her composure as the last line of defense keeps her in games.
“It’s very rare that I let a goal get to me,” Wein said. “If I get scored on, I don’t worry about it. I’m going to make sure my team knows that I’m not worried about it so we can just focus on the next play.”
Wein looks at her spot atop the league stats very humbly. She gives most of the credit to the defense in front of her. She also emphasizes that communication with her teammates on the ice leads to group success.
“My defense saves me all the time, every single game,” Wein said. “Sure, I have a part, but it’s really my defense. It’s my forwards. It’s them.”
Despite being the top statistical goalie in the ACHA, Wein says she can still improve.
“I know that I have a lot of potential. I know that I haven’t reached my peak,” Wein said. “I want to be the best version of myself that I can be, and that’s going to lead me to the level of success that I want to [have].”
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