Players of the Month
Goalie of the Month: Jack Wieneke - Lone Star Brahmas
For the season time this season, goaltender Jack Wieneke, 20, has been named the Goalie of the Month. This time however, it’s with a different team than when Wieneke won the award back in September. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of Plymouth, MI, was lights out for the Lone Star Brahmas in November. Wieneke played in six games and over 273 minutes of action and posted a perfect 5-0-0 record, allowing just a single goal during the month on a total of 94 shots. That was good for a 0.17 goals against average and a .990 save percentage. Since joining the Brahmas in late October, Wieneke is a perfect 7-0-0 and has allowed only four goals on 144 total shots. “Jack’s been lights out for us. Any mistakes we make as a team and he bails us out of it. He combines his athleticism and positioning to make the hard saves look easy. He is an NCAA Division I goalie for sure,” said Lone Star head coach Dan Wildfong.
“Playing for Lone Star has been awesome. The coaching staff and players welcomed me in right away. Our team is very structured and has bought into our systems so well, which makes my job a lot easier. I owe my success this month to all my teammates, it’s because of the effort they put into supporting each other and helping me out that has led to a very successful month,” said Wieneke. “I think the main improvements I have made over the season would be cleaning up the little details. I’ve been focused on tightening up holes and working to control my rebounds to give our opponent less second chances.”
Runner-Up: Andy Vlaha, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kael DePape, El Paso Rhinos – Zack Ferris, Johnstown Tomahawks – Klayton Knapp, Bismarck Bobcats – Croix Kochendorfer, Aberdeen Wings – Tyler Krivtsov, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Owen Lepak, Maryland Black Bears – Ryan Manzella, St. Cloud Norsemen – Connor McDonough, Amarillo Wranglers – Miles Roberts, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Quentin Sigurdson, Odessa Jackalopes – Marks Slavinskis-Repe, Kenai River Brown Bears – Trent Wiemken, Austin Bruins – Carter Wishart, Chippewa Steel – Aiden Wright, New Hampshire Mountain Kings
Defenseman of the Month: Justin Gibson - Johnstown Tomahawks
Johnstown Tomahawks defenseman Justin Gibson, 20, had his best month of the 2023-24 season to date in November. The 6’1/190 lbs. native of Pittsburgh, PA, led all NAHL defensemen with 10 points during the month, which included three goals and seven assists. Gibson had two multi-point games and had points in seven of the nine games during the month. For the season, Gibson’s 22 points currently ranks tied for 2nd among all NAHL defensemen. “Justin has been outstanding for us since Day 1 of the season and it is extremely well deserved for him to receive this recognition. He has been a major contributor on our back end, but an equally important driver of our offensive game and power play. Additionally, he has been a fantastic leader for us off the ice and within the Johnstown community. Whichever NCAA Division I team lands Justin will not only be getting a terrific hockey player, but also a terrific person. I couldn’t be prouder of what he has meant to our team, and what he will continue to mean to us for the rest of the season,” said Johnstown head coach Mike Letizia.
“I think the keys to my success have been a lot of hard work. We are a hard-working team in Johnstown and having a group who works hard in practice and pushes me in drills every day has really made me better,” said Gibson. “I think that our team has a really great opportunity to go for a deep playoff run and win the Robertson Cup. Personally, I just want to keep getting better every day and find a NCAA Division I school that is the right fit for me.”
Runner-Up: Bryce Ingles, Lone Star Brahmas
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jackson Anderson, Aberdeen Wings – Conner Brown, Janesville Jets – Ashtyn Bynum, Austin Bruins – Cam Charron, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – David Clarke, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Jack Dalton, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Daniil Dolzhenko, Wisconsin Windigo – Ian Engel, Bismarck Bobcats – Nolan Gagnon, Amarillo Wranglers – Jakub Jerman, El Paso Rhinos – Trayce Johnson, Maryland Black Bears – Joe Manning, Kenai River Brown Bears – Tommy McDonough, New Hampshire Mountain Kings – Kyle Miller, St. Cloud Norsemen – Scotty Miner, Chippewa Steel – Trevor Mitchell, Odessa Jackalopes
Forward of the Month: Jake Cameron - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Jake Cameron, 19, had an impressive month of November. The 5’10/175 lbs. native of Victoria, MN, tied for the league scoring lead during the month with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 8 games played. However, what was most impressive for Cameron was that he recorded at least a point in all eight games during the month and will enter December riding an eight-game point streak. He also had four multi-point games in November. Cameron is currently tied for the team scoring lead with 19 points in 24 games played to date. “We are excited for Jake as he has been very consistent on the ice. Jake has a team first mentality, has great poise with the puck, and has utilized his ability with the puck in all aspects of the game. We are looking forward to his success throughout and using his abilities as he continues to make players around him better,” said Fairbanks head coach Ryan Theros.
“I have the support of an exceptionally talented and hard-working group of guys that have bought in to a process laid out by our coaches. We also receive immense support from our organization, fans, and coaches which allows us to play a structured, skill-based game confidently and consistently,” said Cameron. “I believe our team has a great shot to make a deep run in the playoffs to the Robertson Cup if we continue to stay dialed in on the little things that make us a strong team. It’s always been my dream to play NCAA Division I college hockey and I think we will have a lot of guys go down that path with continued team success.”
Runner-Up: Max Martin, Wisconsin Windigo
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Medrick Bolduc, El Paso Rhinos - Leonid Bulgakov, Aberdeen Wings – Jack Costanzo, New Hampshire Mountain Kings – Grant Dietz, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Cameron Dunn, Odessa Jackalopes – Tyler Dysart, St. Cloud Norsemen – Evan Hunter, Bismarck Bobcats – Brock James, Lone Star Brahmas – Sixten Jennersjo, Northeast Generals – Ryan Johnson, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Peyton Platter, Chippewa Steel – Justin Rapp, Johnstown Tomahawks – Austin Salani, Austin Bruins – Nicholas Stevens, Kenai River Brown Bears – Jeremi Tremblay, Maryland Black Bears – Max Wagener, Janesville Jets – Roman Zap, Amarillo Wranglers
Defenseman of the Month: Conner Brown - Janesville Jets
Jets veteran defenseman Conner Brown, 19, was solid along the blueline in October. The 6’0/185 lbs. native of Maplewood, MN, appeared in seven games during the month of October and led all NAHL defensemen with 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists). That included recorded at least a point in five of the seven games during the month and two multi-point games. For the season, Brown currently leads the NAHL in scoring for all defensemen with 20 points in 16 games played. “Conner is having a great start to the season for us. He put a lot of work in this off season to be prepared to play at the highest level possible. He is a player we expected to lean on this season on special teams and offensive production. He has an elite offensive mind and skill set that goes with it. He is establishing himself as one of the top power play defensemen in our league and I think he going to continue to grow in all aspects of his game,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.
“Learning how to be a pro off the ice has been a huge saying for me this year. I learned a lot from my Dad who just always kept reminding me to put those words in the back of my head… “Be A Pro”. With it being my last year to earn an NCAA Division I commitment, being able to dial it in more at the rink has been a lot easier for me this year knowing I have one more shot to make it and that I can’t waste this last opportunity,” said Brown. “I hope to earn a commitment in the near future and I also think it would be nice to lead the league in scoring for defensemen, but ultimately my goal is to help the Jets win the Robertson Cup.”
Runner-Up: Nick Bernardo, Maine Nordiques
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Antii Autere, Lone Star Brahmas – David Clarke, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Luke deVries, Philadelphia Rebels – Leo Esperjesi, Wisconsin Windigo – Aiden Farro, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Nolan Gagnon, Amarillo Wranglers - Logan Heroux, Shreveport Mudbugs - Jakub Jerman, El Paso Rhinos - Lukas Klemm, Johnstown Tomahawks – Dillon Kuntz, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Scott Miner, Chippewa Steel – Trevor Mitchell, Odessa Jackalopes – Blake Norris, Kenai River Brown Bears – Gustavs Ozolins, Minnesota Wilderness – Jake Peterson, Springfield Jr. Blues – Matthew Rafalski, Bismarck Bobcats – Zach Reim, Aberdeen Wings – Nathan Rickey, Oklahoma Warriors – Evan Sofikitis, Maryland Black Bears – Jackson Stimple, Anchorage Wolverines
Goalie of the Month: Kael DePape - El Paso Rhinos
El Paso Rhinos goalie Kael DePape, 20, was stellar in the month of October as the Rhinos continued to hover towards the top of the South Division standings. The 6’0/168 lbs. native of Yorkton, SK, appeared in six games during the month of October and recorded a 4-1-1 record. In those six games, DePape allowed just six goals in regulation, stopping 146 of a possible 152 shots, which was good for a 0.96 goals against average and a .960 save percentage. DePape also posted two shutouts during the month. “Kael has had an immediate impact since he arrived in El Paso. He is an unbelievable teammate and an even better goalie. He is an NCAA Division I goalie in my opinion and some school is going to get a dandy,” said El Paso head coach Joe Coombs.
“Winning this monthly award is a big honor as there are so many great goalies out there. My transition to El Paso has been seamless. The team and fans have welcomed me with open arms. The coaches have shown confidence in me and gave me a chance to play right from the start. The team is playing great in front of me so I'm just trying to stay in the moment and enjoy every day and continue to be a calm presence back there for them,” said DePape. “Most importantly, I hope the team will have continued success and will have a run at the Robertson Cup. If we focus on one week of good hockey at a time, we will find that success. After this season I hope to continue my hockey career with the goal of playing NCAA Division I college hockey. I have been working towards this goal for three years in junior hockey and I feel that I am ready to make the jump to the college ranks.”
Runner-Up: Trent Wiemken, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matthew Alberti, Janesville Jets – Liam Beerman, Anchorage Wolverines – JJ Cataldo, Springfield Jr. Blues – Daniel Duris, Oklahoma Warriors – Adam Dybal, Aberdeen Wings – Nick Erickson, Minnesota Wilderness – Dylan Krick, New Jersey Titans – Connor McDonough, Amarillo Wranglers – Stephen Peck, Bismarck Bobcats – Miles Roberts, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Deivs Rolovs, Lone Star Brahmas – Colin Ronan, Maryland Black Bears – Eliot Seguin-Escarbeau, Shreveport Mudbugs –Quentin Sigurdson, Odessa Jackalopes - Andy Vlaha, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Ajay White, Chippewa Steel
Forward of the Month: Brock James - Lone Star Brahmas
Lone Star forward Brock James, 19, had an impressive month of October as he helped his club move into 1st place in the South Division. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of Falmouth, ME, appeared in 8 games during the month and totaled 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists). The University of Maine commit recorded at least a point in all but one game and three multi-point games to go along with a +8 rating. For the season, James currently leads the Brahmas in scoring with 17 points in 12 games played. “Brock has shown he is among the elite players in the league. He plays in all scenarios for us, and he creates chances by work ethic. We love how he is playing right now. He plays with a non-stop motor and doesn’t quit, and as a result, he is rewarded for second and third efforts,” said Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong.
“I think the key to success in Lone Star has been a combination of great teammates and coaches. We have a hard-working group which encourages you to work for the guy next to you. We talk all the time about playing for the boys to your left and right in the locker room so knowing these guys have your back and are playing for each other motivates you to want to win. Coach Wildfong and coach Murphy have helped put me in the position to succeed by surrounding me with great players and great systems which have allowed me to play with confidence,” said James. “I think we have a team that can contend for the Robertson Cup. I think for everyone that’s a part of our team, that’s our goal this season and we have high hopes. I’m looking forward to and excited to be playing for the University of Maine Black Bears in my home state following my time in the NAHL.”
Runner-Up: Drew Sutton, Oklahoma Warriors
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zach Aben, Johnstown Tomahawks – Julian Beaumont, Bismarck Bobcats – Leonid Bulgakov, Aberdeen Wings – Ryan Burke, Shreveport Mudbugs – Dylan Contreras, Kenai River Brown Bears – Ashton Dahms, Minnesota Wilderness – Sixten Jennersjo, Northeast Generals – Ryan Johnson, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Michael Kadlecik, Odessa Jackalopes – Dimitry Kebreau, Maryland Black Bears – Isaac Keller, Springfield Jr. Blues – Haden Kruse, Janesville Jets – Max Martin, Wisconsin Windigo – Connor McNaughton, Amarillo Wranglers – Nikitia Meshcheryakov, New Jersey Titans – Peyton Platter, Chippewa Steel – Kyle Rohrer, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Nick Romeo, Maine Nordiques – Austin Salani, Austin Bruins – Kris Samitis, Philadelphia Rebels – Kade Shea, Anchorage Wolverines – Frank Tafelski, El Paso Rhinos – Jack Wuertz, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Goalie of the Month: Jack Wieneke - Maryland Black Bears
It was an undefeated month for Maryland goaltender Jack Wieneke. The 20-year-old from Plymouth, MN, posted a 4-0-0 record for the 1st place Black Bears. Wieneke (6’2/185) won all four of his starts during the month, allowing just eight goals, which was good for a 2.00 goals against average. He stopped 102 of a possible 110 shots, which was good for a .927 save percentage. That also included a 26-save shutout in a win agains the Fairbanks Ice Dogs at the NAHL Showcase. “Jack is an ultimate competitor and really gives his teammates confidence when he’s in the net. He competes every single time he steps on the ice and has done a great job for us early in this season. His numbers and wins reflect his performance and we couldn’t be happier for the kid,” said Black Bears head coach Clint Mylymok.
“I think we have had early success so far this season because of the buy-in from all the players on our team. We are a very unselfish group who support each other and compete very hard every time we hit the ice,” said Wieneke. “The goal for our team is to complete our unfinished business. Last year we got a taste of the Robertson Cup experience and this year we want to take the final step and win a championship. I come to the rink every day with the mindset to grow and develop as a goaltender and put myself in a position to play NCAA hockey next year.”
Runner-Up: Aidan Wright, New Hampshire Mountain Kings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matthew Alberti, Janesville Jets - Daniel Duris, Oklahoma Warriors – Jack Erickson, Colorado Grit – Zack Ferris, Johnstown Tomahawks - Jackson Fuller, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Toby Hopp, Northeast Generals - Klayton Knapp, Bismarck Bobcats – Tyler Krivtsov, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Linards Lipskis, Wisconsin Windigo – Michael Manzi, El Paso Rhinos – Connor McDonough, Amarillo Wranglers – Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau, Shreveport Mudbugs – Quentin Sigurdson, Odessa Jackalopes
Defenseman of the Month: Erick Comstock - Wisconsin Windigo
Wisconsin defenseman Erick Comstock, 18, made quite an impact during his first full month in the NAHL. The 5’7/165 lbs. native of Salol, MN, recorded 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in eight games played during the month. Comstock recorded at least a point in seven of his eight games during the month and had three multi-point outings. He currently ranks 2nd among all NAHL defensemen in scoring. “We thought Erick would have an impact this season, but he has established himself even quicker than we expected. He has elite hockey sense, and is very gifted with the puck, but what’s impressive is his ability to defend at his size. He’s been a player we lean on in all situations so far and I look forward to helping him continue to develop,” said Windigo head coach Blake Hietala.
“The keys to our team were just to play our game which is fast and hard, then our skill will take over. My personal success is just try and show up and play my part in the plan we have for the weekend,” said Comstock. “My short-term goal is just to keep playing like I have been for my team. My long-term goal is to win the Midwest Division and also win the Robertson Cup this season.”
Runner-Up: Tyler Procious, Rochester Jr. Americans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Conner Brown, Janesville Jets - Bowen Burke, Colorado Grit – David Clarke, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Nolan Gagnon, Amarillo Wranglers – Justin Gibson, Johnstown Tomahawks - David Helledy, Maine Nordiques - Logan Heroux, Shreveport Mudbugs – Jakub Jerman, El Paso Rhinos – Dylan Kuntz, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Matthew Rafalski, Bismarck Bobcats – Nick ReCupero, Northeast Generals - Nathan Rickey, Oklahoma Warriors – Lemuel Vardy, Odessa Jackalopes
Forward of the Month: Matteo Disipio - Rochester Jr. Americans
Rochester forward Matteo Disipio, 20, made the most of his NAHL debut in September. The 5’11/160 lbs. native of Nepean, ON, posted 17 points in 10 games played during the month, which included five goals and 12 assists. Disipio recorded at least a point in eight of the 10 games during the month and had six multi-point games. His 17 points is currently 2nd in league scoring. “Matteo is having a great start. His consistency and leadership have made a big impact on our team. Any NCAA program would be lucky to have him as an excellent player,” said Rochester head coach Francois Methot.
“As a team we’ve created a culture that we love being a part of and building on every day. A great factor in all of this is my teammates and most notably my line mates. We’ve managed to create the type of chemistry that every player wants. We complement each other very well and trust each other to make the right play which in the end make us successful. As a team we want to continue to improve every day. Attacking the day with the same mindset of winning and getting better is the key. Some days will be more challenging than others but, in the end, it will get us to where we want to be and that’s winning the championship at the end of the season,” said Disipio. “Rochester has been such a great place to play. There are many people that have put in tremendous hours of hard work to make this such a special place to play right from the beginning. It’s like the teams been around for years the way it is so professional and that everything is done with a purpose. The fans are a big reason we look forward to each game. We know they’ll be there supporting us and getting rowdy all around the rink. It’s just the start but we’re ready and working towards a successful season.”
Runner-Up: Kellen Murphy, Maine Nordiques
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Julian Beaumont, Bismarck Bobcats – Hunter Fetterolf, New Hampshire Mountain Kings – Sixten Jennersjo, Northeast Generals - Ryan Johnson, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Michael Kadlecik, Odessa Jackalopes – Haden Kruse, Janesville Jets - Reid Lune, Johnstown Tomahawks - Lance Mengel, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Kaden Nelson, Oklahoma Warriors – Hayden Nichol, Shreveport Mudbugs – Fyodor Nikolayenya, Anchorage Wolverines – Topi Puikkonen, Amarillo Wranglers – Romulus Riego de Dios, Colorado Grit – Adam Schankula, Maryland Black Bears – Will Schumacher, Wisconsin Windigo – Nick Stevens, Kenai River Brown Bears – Frank Tafelski, El Paso Rhinos
