He led the OHL in wins and goals-against average, ranked tied for third in shutouts, and ranked 11th in save percentage.

The 18-year-old Villalta (born on June 3, 1999) is a 6-2, 181-pound native of Kingston, Ontario, who appeared in 49 regular-season games this year with Sault Ste. Marie, posting a 40-5-2-2 record, .908 save percentage, 2.58 goal-against average and three shutouts.

The LA Kings have signed goaltender Matthew Vilalta to a three-year entry-level contract, Kings Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake announced today.

Tweet from @OHLHoundPower: WATCH THIS: Villalta reaches back and JUST gets a piece of it with the paddle in desperation mode!! | #SOOvsOS pic.twitter.com/CpxCNsOJCA

Villalta was named OHL Goaltender of the Month in November and December. During that span, he went 16-0-0 with a 2.23 GAA and a .911 SV%.

Tweet from @OHLHockey: Congrats to @LAKings prospect @MattVillalta31 of @OHLHoundPower named @VaughnHockey #OHL Goaltender of the Month for the second straight time with a perfect 7-0 December record. pic.twitter.com/FbeQwcirJ4

He is currently in the middle of the Western Conference Final with the Greyhounds, where they are tied 2-2, heading into Game 5 tonight.

He has started all 15 games during the postseason, posting a 10-4 record, .893 save percentage, 3.24 goals-against average and one shutout.

A third-round (72nd overall) selection of the Kings at the 2017 NHL Draft, Villalta has appeared 82 career regular-season games in the Ontario Hockey League, all with Sault Ste. Marie.

In his two seasons with the Greyhounds, Villalta has posted a 65-8-2-2 record, .912 save percentage, 2.52 goals-against average and four shutouts.

In 17 postseason games, he has registered an 11-5 record, .888 save percentage, 3.34 goals-against average and one shutout.

Tweet from @OHLHoundPower: Streeeeeetch that pillow, Matty V! #SOOvsWSR pic.twitter.com/h9Xow6UdIK