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Alex Laurenza Austin Bruins

Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Alex Laurenza, Austin Bruins

Alex Laurenza had an extravaganza on the ice during November. Every game he played for the Bruins in November, he picked up at least one point, with 22 total points for the month. However, the heater did not start in November. The ‘05 lefty is on a 14-game heater starting October 19th. Even more impressive, out of the 23 games he has played this season, there were only three games in which he did not pick up a goal or an assist. 

Laurenza shares what it means to be named Forward of the Month.

“Winning this award is a great reflection of the hard work and dedication I have put into improving my skills and working well with my teammates on the ice. This award means a lot to me as it motivates me to continue pushing myself, achieve my goals, work towards getting better on the ice, and contribute to my team’s success.”

The Union College commit has been a dominating offensive force for Austin. In November, he found the back of the net 11 times, assisted on 11 goals, and featured a +16 rating. There was not just one night he was electric, there were multiple. Starting on November 1st, he helped to beat the top of the Central division, the Bismarck Bobcats. In the 4-2 win, he scored one goal and picked up two assists. He tied his season-high +4 rating in that victory. A couple of weeks later, he put together a two-goal and two-assist performance against the Minnesota Mallards. Then the following night he picked up his second hat trick of the season.

There are very few categories in which the 5'10 "Woodbridge, Ontario native does not lead the league. On the season, he leads in total points (40), points per game (1.74), plus-minus rating (+30), and game-winning goals (6). While on his squad, he leads the Bruins in goals (19) and is second in assists (21). 

Head coach for the Bruins, Steve Howard, shared about Laurenza’s growth in the Bruins’ organization.

“Alex has been great all season and we are excited that he is being honored with Forward of the Month in November! We can see his growth from last season to this season and it’s amazing to see the confidence he has now. He is on a great path and we look forward to seeing his development continue throughout the rest of the season.”

Runner-Up: Oli Genest, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Tommy McDonough New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Tommy McDonough, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Playing a huge role in the Mountain Kings’ eight-game heater is the 20-year-old from Madbury, New Hampshire, Tommy McDonough. The 5’9 lefty is in his second season with the New Hampshire Mountain Kings and has helped the squad go on a tear this past month. He earned at least one point in nine out of the 10 games he played. He was able to find the back of the net for the first time this season and then went three consecutive games with a goal. 

McDonough shares what it means to be honored with the award.

"I am honored and grateful to have received this recognition. This is an award that has been earned by the efforts of the entire New Hampshire Mountain Kings team, players, coaches, and organization. We have an exceptional group this year, our success this month is just the start of great things to come.”

In November, he scored four goals, assisted 11 times, put together 15 total points, and has a +10 rating on the month. For the season, McDonough leads all defensemen in the league with 25 assists and is tied for first with 29 total points on the year. Additionally, from the goals he scored this past month, three out of the four goals, he struck first and put the first point on the board for the Mountain Kings. 

New Hampshire’s head coach, Cam Robichaud explained how Tommy has been an asset to the Mountain Kings.

“Tommy is a fierce competitor with a high-level hockey IQ and a great skill set! Tommy has been elite the entire season and is a key factor in our team’s success in November. Tommy is equally as impressive off the ice with a 4.2 GPA. He is truly the definition of a student-athlete.”

Runner-Up: Brock Devlin, Anchorage Wolverines

Charlie Menard Fairbanks Ice Dogs

NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Charlie Menard, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

The hometown kid of the Ice Dogs had an electric month of November. As the youngest goaltender in the NAHL, Charlie Menard has proved his ability in between the pipes, night after night. The 6’0 17-year-old is on a five-game win streak and picked up his first shutout of the season during Fairbanks’ series against Anchorage. 

Menard explains what it means to win the award this month.

“Winning the award means a lot to me. It’s a recognition of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my game. I felt that November was a strong month for me, and I’m grateful for the support from my teammates and coaches that made it possible.”

The Fairbanks netminder is third in the league with his goals against average (1.67), fifth overall with his save percentage (.937), and helped the Ice Dogs propel upwards in the Midwest Division. For November, he put together a .956 save percentage, a 1.17 goal against average, and saved a total of 149 shots out of 156 shots. During his 10 games this season, he has produced seven wins between the pipes and helped Fairbanks pick up at least a point in the standings nine out of 10 games. 

One of the highlights from Menard’s month was his shutout performance against the Anchorage Wolverines. He saved all 17 shots from the Wolverines on Friday, November 22nd. Then the next night, November 23rd, Menard allowed only one shot, while saving 12. He helped the Ice Dogs sweep the Wolverines.

Head coach for the Ice Dogs, Ryan Theros, shares more about how Charlie brings more to the squad than his ability on the ice.

“We could not be happier for Charlie and his accomplishments over the last month, but also for going back to the main camp in July. He has been consistent throughout and what Charlie brings to the team is not just his on-ice accomplishments, but his character, energy, and effort he brings every day to practice and to the locker room. It is a big reason why he has had success so early in his junior career. Looking forward to more success from him going forward and again we could not be happier and more proud of him.”

Runner-Up: Ryan Cameron, Lone Star Brahmas