NAHL announces monthly player awards for November
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its monthly player awards for the month of November. The Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month is Cade Destefani from the Janesville Jets. The Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month is Cam Gaudette from the Maryland Black Bears. The Vaughn NAHL Goaltender of the Month is Cole Hudson from the Shreveport Mudbugs. Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NAHL monthly awards.
Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Cade Destefani, Janesville Jets
Janesville Jets forward Cade Destefani, 19, had a torrid month of November, helping the Jets get off to a 4-1-1 start. The 6’2/185 lbs. native of Bedford, NH, posted 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in just six games during the month. Destefani was twice named the Midwest Division Star of the Week during the month, which included four multi-point games. Destefani was also a +7 during the month without a minus rating in any of his six games. “Cade has been terrific for us during our first half. He has been a reliable offensive catalyst who can change any game with his shot and offensive instincts. We have dealt with some pretty significant injuries to our forward group, so it has been pretty remarkable to see Cade be as consistent as he has been, all while playing with multiple different line combinations. Cade is earning a lot of well-deserved collegiate attention and will be a great addition to a NCAA Division 1 program. Cade would also be the first to mention that his teammates are huge reason for his success this season. We are proud of Cades accomplishment this month,” said Jets head coach Parker Burgess.
“The coaching staff did a really good job from the start of the season getting us prepared to play and making sure that we were focused on taking things one game at a time. We wanted to have a good start to the season. I think the fact that my linemates and I gelled right from the start of the season, really was a big contributor to the success we had,” said Destefani. “I would like to just keep working hard, listen to my coaches, and developing my game to improve every day. I think like everyone, I am hopeful that leads to a NCAA Division 1 opportunity and hopefully make a good run at the Robertson Cup.”
Runner-Up: Clayton Cosentino, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Fletcher Anderson, Odessa Jackalopes – Austin Brimmer, Shreveport Mudbugs – Andrew DeCarlo, Lone Star Brahmas – Jake Herter, Minnesota Wilderness – Levente Keresztes, New Jersey Titans – Liam McCanney, Northeast Generals – Brandon McNamara, Kenai River Brown Bears – Hunter McCoy, Maryland Black Bears – Drew Vieten, Wichita Falls Warriors
Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Cam Gaudette, Maryland Black Bears
Maryland Black Bears defenseman and Northeastern University commit Cam Gaudette, 20, helped his club to 1st place in the East Division standings with a solid month of November. The 6’1/190 lbs. native of Braintree, MA, played in six games during the month of November and recorded five points (1 goal, 4 assists) and had a +3 rating. That included recording a point in five of his six games during the month. He enters the month of December riding a four-game point streak. “Cam has been a very nice addition to our program. He has an enthusiasm for the game of hockey and is extremely popular amongst his teammates. He is a highly talented defenseman, who continues to work on, and improve upon, the things we have asked of him. He is a pleasure to coach and it's nice to see him rewarded for his stellar play as of late,” said Black Bears head coach Clint Mylymok.
“I think November was success for me because the bottom line I just have great teammates and we continued to get better each day. I think having skilled and hardworking teammates around you make things a lot easier,” said Gaudette. “I’m using this season to further develop my game on both sides of the puck so hopefully I can make an impact in the NCAA with Northeastern next season.”
Runner-Up: Chris Hedden, Shreveport Mudbugs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nico DeVita, Aberdeen Wings – Alex Murray, Lone Star Brahmas – Sam Olson, Minnesota Wilderness – Evan Orr, Odessa Jackalopes – Adam Szubert, Kenai River Brown Bears – Alexander Tertyshny, Northeast Generals – Mac Wiseman, Wichita Falls Warriors
Vaughn NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Cole Hudson, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport Mudbugs goalie Cole Hudson, 20, had quite the NAHL debut in November. The 6’1/175 lbs. native of Tonawanda, NY, appeared in five games during the month of November and posted a 4-0-1 record. In those five games, Hudson faced a total of 126 shots and allowed just seven goals, making 119 saves, which was good for a .944 save percentage and a 1.40 goals against average. He also posted his first NAHL shutout, which was a 26-save performance in a 6-0 win over New Mexico on November 20th. “Cole has been a welcomed addition since meeting us on the road early in the season. Cole brings a calmness to every game he plays. His competitive nature in practice and among our other goalies and players make him very well prepared for every game,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.
“We have a really solid group of guys that all work really hard, so it helps me know they are in front of me batting and doing whatever they can to help the team succeed. There is a great sense of togetherness with our team and we are all brothers in that lockerroom, so hopefully we can keep our good start going and not slow down anytime soon,” said Hudson. “First and foremost, I want to bring a Robertson Cup back to Shreveport. I also want to play a high level of NCAA hockey and I believe I am starting to prove I can do that. I also want to make sure I get a good education because that is very important for my future as well.”
Runner-Up: Luke Pavicich, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Graham Burke, Lone Star Brahmas – Hugo Haas, Northeast Generals – Connor Hasley, Odessa Jackalopes – Kaleb Johnson, Minnesota Wilderness – Owen Millward, Janesville Jets – Michael Morelli, Maryland Black Bears – Jake Sibell, Aberdeen Wings – Ryan Ullan, Wichita Falls Warriors
