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Rich Rucireto Northeast Generals

Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Rich Rucireto, Northeast Generals

First-year skater for the Generals, Rich Rucireto was rich in points scored for his squad in December. The Staten Island native is on an eight-game point streak that started on his first game of the month on December 6th. During this heater, he scored seven goals and made seven assists over eight games. He’s tied for first in December for total points with fellow East division skater, Alex Papaspyropoulous of the New Jersey Titans. There are very few categories in which the 5’8 lefty does not lead his squad. Rucireto ranks first on the Generals in total points (40), goals (18), game winning goals (3), and is tied for first with assists (22). 

Rucierto shares his gratitude for his teammates and excitement about taking home the Bauer Hockey Forward of the Month honor.

“First and foremost I would like to thank my coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to have this success. I also have to give thanks to my linemates and my teammates for their contributions and their confidence in me to play my game. I know it’s an individual award, but it is not possible without the support of my brothers and the staff. As for December, we had some ups and downs, but the overall goal for this group is to be a playoff team and keep moving up in the standings to compete in playoffs.”

Five out of the eight past games were multiple-point nights for the 19-year-old. His offensive prowess has been felt by the Generals. Right now, Northeast sits right above the line for playoff contention in the East Division. His ability to score points game after game has made him a keystone player. 

Head coach of the Generals, Bryan Erickson, shares more about the testament of an athlete Rucierto has been. 

“Richie is an exceptional young man and hockey player. In the day of kids jumping ship and looking for other things, Richie is just a good loyal young man who has come in as a rookie and puts up spectacular numbers. His work ethic and the joy he brings to the rink every day is unmatched.”

Erickson explains what their goal was when Rucierto joined the squad.

“Our goal with Richie is to not only make him a great NAHL player but a great player for Sacred Heart.  A player they can rely on and Rich has really taken everything the coaches have thrown at him and worked at it. I am extremely proud that I get to coach Rich and very humbled by how much he improves day in and day out! He is a great kid, putting up big numbers in big moments. There are big things ahead for Richie.”

Runner-Up: Billy Batten, Minot Minotauros

Adam Mahler Minot Minotauros

Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Adam Mahler, Minot Minotauros

Third-year veteran and alternate captain of the Minotauros, Adam Mahler, played an extensive offensive role for his squad this past month. In December, the 6’1 righty tied first among defensemen for goals scored. He found the back of the net five times and made five assists over seven games with the Minotauros. His 10 total points placed him tied for second overall in December for defensemen. Five out of his last seven games featured him registering at least one point per matchup and thanks to his offensive dominance, he helped the Minotauros put together five wins over the seven games played in December. 

Mahler explains his gratitude for winning the honor and how his team has performed this past month.

“It means a lot to me. Our team had a really good month, and I’m just happy I was able to contribute in a positive manner.” 

The 20-year-old blueliner played a monumental role in the Minotauros' 6-1 victory over the top of the Central Division, the Bismarck Bobcats on New Year’s Eve. He produced a goal and two assists for Minot during their road trip to North Dakota. On the season, Mahler leads all defensemen on his squad in goals (10), assists (15), and total points (25). He ranks third overall for the Minotauros with his +14 rating on the season. Thanks to his help, Minot has climbed to third in the Central Division standings and has tightened the gap to the top two squads in the division. 

Head coach of the Minotauros, Cody Campbell, shares more about Mahler's contribution to their squad.

“Adam has been exceptional for us all season. He has been contributing consistently offensively as the year has progressed. He has also been extremely reliable defensively for us, not only this year but through his entire time with us in Minot. We look forward to Adam continuing to play at a high level and earning an opportunity to play Division I college hockey.”

Runner-Up: Brock Devlin, Anchorage Wolverines

Owen Crudale Philadelphia Rebels

NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Owen Crudale, Philadelphia Rebels

The 5’11 netminder hailing from “America’s Finest City” showed off his ability between the pipes for his squad. Owen Crudale has been a cornerstone for the Rebels. Out of Philadelphia’s 12 wins on the season, 11 of those victories came with Crudale between the pipes. For December, he walked away with a .95 save percentage and a 2.00 goals against average. Every win he picked up in December for the Rebels were huge victories since they were against top teams in the East Division. 

Starting on December 6th, the Rebels were facing the previously ranked number two squad in the division, the Maine Nordiques. During Friday night’s December 6th game he saved 39 out 41 shots allowing the Rebels to earn a 4-2 victory. The 19-year-old topped his performance the next night with a season-high of 48 out of 49 shots saved. The Rebels edged out a 2-1 win against the Nordiques thanks to his work between the pipes.

Crudale shares his appreciation for his teammates during this month of matchups. 

“It is an honor and I could not have done it without the team in front of me, so all the credit in the world to them. I think I really dialed in on the little details that I have been working on all season so far. It is starting to show now.”

The ‘05 goaltender produced his first shutout of the season on December 21st against the Maryland Black Bears. Crudale handled the pressure as this matchup moved into a shootout with both squads scoreless. He prevented Maryland from scoring and allowed Philadelphia to pick up their first shootout win of the season thanks to his ability in the net.

Head coach of the Rebels, Justin Hale, explains the work he has seen Crudale put in.

“Very happy for Owen. He continues to put in the work every day, both on and off the ice. The guys love playing in front of him. He has made some big saves and helped the team earn some important wins this last month.”
Runner-Up: Nikola Goich, Shreveport Mudbugs