Players of the Month
Forward of the Month: 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
Defenseman of the Month: 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
Goalie of the Month: 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
Forward of the Month: 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
Defenseman of the Month: 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
Goalie of the Month: 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
Goalie of the Month: Tomas Anderson - Bismarck Bobcats
NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Tomas Anderson, Bismarck Bobcats
The Bismarck Bobcats are on franchise record setting pace so far this season and have yet to lose in regulation; there’s no question that netminder Tomas Anderson has been a key piece to that success.
“I'm honored to receive this recognition, but this award is really to be shared with my entire team,” said Anderson. “My teammates have been incredible in front of me, blocking shots and playing strong defense. This is a really special group of guys we have this year. The whole coaching staff has been important in helping me develop my game and stay focused. I just try to show up every day, work hard, and give our team a chance to win. There's still a lot of season left, and I'm excited to keep building on what we've started here in Bismarck.”
The league leader in goals against average had an incredible month between the pipes for the Central Division powerhouse, earning a win in five of his six starts. The Stillwater, Minnesota native did not allow more than two goals in any of his starts in October. In those games, Anderson maintained a GAA of 1.00 while holding an impressive .962 save percentage. Anderson earned his first two shutouts of the season consecutively, logging a 23 save shutout on the 19th against the Watertown Shamrocks, following that up with a 34 save shutout against the Minot Minotauros.
“Tomas has had a great start to the season for us and has been the backbone of our team,” said Bismarck head coach Garrett Roth. “His consistency and ability to make timely big saves has been a huge part of the success we have had as a team. His work ethic and practice habits have led the way in his development this year as a big time goaltender. We are excited for Tomas earning this award and looking forward to his continued development and success at our level and beyond.”
Runner-Up: Beck Liden, St. Cloud Norsemen
Forward of the Month: Jack Hillier - New Jersey Titans
Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Jack Hillier, New Jersey Titans
Heading into October with one win in seven regular season games, the New Jersey Titans have catapulted themselves up the East Division standings in October and veteran forward Jack Hillier has been a catalyst to that turnaround.
“I’m honored to be named the forward of the month, but credit goes to my teammates,” said Hillier. “We’ve done a great job flipping the script after returning from the showcase. We are beginning to make some noise in the East and I’m excited to see what this group brings falling into these next few weeks.”
Hillier’s offensive prowess broke out on the 5th of October against the Northeast Generals, tallying a goal and two assists in the Titans’ 4-3 victory. Following that Saturday night, the Petawawa, Ontario native logged at least one point in the next six games, four of those being multi-point performances. In that stretch, Jack found the back of the net seven times and dished eight helpers, co-leading the league in points throughout October with fellow Titan Ryan Shaw. The Sacred Heart University commit has 64 points in 73 regular season games so far in his NAHL career.
“There's no denying Hillier's point production in the last month of the season has been off the charts,” said New Jersey head coach George Haviland. “Jack is a big, strong power forward who has a scorer's touch as he enters the offensive zone. We are very proud of Jack's accomplishments to date."
Runner-Up: Niko Tournas, Danbury Hat Tricks
Defenseman of the Month: Brock Devlin - Anchorage Wolverines
Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Brock Devlin, Anchorage Wolverines
Anchorage blueliner Brock Devlin and St. Cloud’s Kyle Miller have much in common in the early part of this season: both lead the NAHL in scoring by defenseman and both now have earned Star of the Month honors.
“I am very thankful to win defenseman of the month,” said Devlin. “It couldn’t have been possible without my teammates and all the staff in Anchorage. Our team is off to a great start and it starts with the team chemistry. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people that push themselves and others to be their best everyday. We are very confident that we can make it back to the Robertson Cup and ultimately win it all this year.”
For a franchise who has punched a ticket two out of their first three seasons, Devlin and the Wolverines know the expectations of success in Anchorage and they have met those expectations so far. Anchorage was victorious in six of their eight games this month and Devlin played a role offensively in seven of those games. Dating back to a matchup against the Chippewa Steel on October 5th, Brock has tallied at least one point in every game. His best performance came on the 19th on the road against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, dishing out four assists in a dominant 7-1 Wolverines victory. Currently onn a 79 point regular season pace, we could be seeing some franchise records be broken by the defenseman from Mission Viejo, California.
“Brock couldn’t be a more deserving candidate for star of the month this month. We knew with him returning, he would play a big role for our team especially with pieces of last years D core departing,” said Anchorage head coach Nick Walters. “His commitment to learning and exceling on the defensive side of things has catapulted him into that next tier player. He kills plays on the blueline and corners, defends at net front, and retrieves pucks at an elite level. By doing these things the puck ends up on his stick more. What he is able to do with the puck on transition and on the offensive side of things can't be taught in my opinion. The way he sees the ice and distributes the puck has made him a go to player on the power play and in the offensive zone. Only being 13 games into the season, the sky is the limit for him, and we as an organization are excited to see what the rest of the season brings.”
Runner-Up: Ian Engel, Bismarck Bobcats
Forward of the Month: Jacob Ligi - Chippewa Steel
Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Jacob Ligi, Chippewa Steel
Chippewa Steel captain Jacob Ligi has been a leader both on and off the ice for the Steel thus far in his second season with the Midwest Division organization.
“It’s an honor to receive forward of the month. I could not have accomplished this without a great team and coaches supporting me,” said Ligi. “The team this year is coming together well. We have a lot of talent and everyone plays with heart. Our lines were clicking and we played as a team during this first month. I am super pumped for the rest of the season with this group!”
After a cold opening weekend for both him and the Steel against the Wisconsin Windigo, the South Lyon, Michigan native has been on a tear, tallying 13 points in his last five games. His offensive prowess kickstarted in a matchup on the 20th against the Kenai River Brown Bears, logging a pair of goals and three assists in Chippewa’s 5-1 victory. Ever since, Ligi has recorded at least a point in each game, three of those four games having multiple point performances. Ligi finished the month with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists), placing him first amongst the league’s leading scorers. He also boasted a +5 rating over the course of those seven games.
“Jacob is off to a great start this season, taking a huge step from where he was at the end of last year,” said Chippewa head coach Chris Ratzloff. “His off-season training is really showing through his consistency and production so far. Jacob has become a complete player that we can use in all situations and has started to catch the eye of multiple colleges. Jacob continues to make his teammates better through his play and leadership. We are excited to see his continued success on and off the ice.”
Runner-Up: Peyton Mithmuagneua, St. Cloud Norsemen
Defenseman of the Month: Kyle Miller - St. Cloud Norsemen
Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Kyle Miller, St. Cloud Norsemen
Reeling in this season’s first Defenseman of the Month honor is also a member of their team’s leadership group, as second-year blueliner Kyle Miller earned the leaguewide distinction.
“I am super happy with our team’s start to the year,” said Miller. “It’s a privilege to be part of such a great group of guys. My success and the success we’ve had as a team to start the season is a testament to their work ethic and character. I’m excited to continue working and growing as a team.”
Miller got his confidence rolling early on this season, tallying a trio of assists in St. Cloud’s opening weekend against the Minnesota Mallards. His level of play only increased at the Showcase in Blaine, recording a point in all three games, highlighted by a three-point game on day one against the Rochester Jr. Americans. In only five games played so far this season, the San Jose, California native currently sits tied for fifth in league scoring for all skaters. His nine points and 1.80 points per game both lead all blue liners.
“Kyle is off to a fantastic start. He came into this season on a mission to prove that he is one of top 2-way defensemen in junior hockey,” said St. Cloud head coach Joe Exter. “His natural abilities and hockey IQ give him a chance to make an impactful play each shift. Most importantly Kyle has made a commitment to play strong defense. His defense first focus has led to him controlling the play in all three zones. It has also become a catalyst of not only his game but our team’s game. We will rely on Kyle to continue his strong play and most importantly be a leader for the Norsemen on and off the ice.”
Runner-Up: Ian Norkevicus, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Goalie of the Month: Charlie Zolin - Amarillo Wranglers
NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Charlie Zolin, Amarillo Wranglers
It’s difficult to envision a better first month of a rookie NAHL campaign for Amarillo’s Charlie Zolin, as he’s earned a pair of Star of the Week honors and caps off September with earning the Goaltender of the Month.
“I am very thankful to be selected for this distinctive honor,” said Zolin. “My defensemen have been phenomenal in blocking shots and keeping grade-A chances to a minimum. Coach Harnett and the rest of the Amarillo coaching staff have supported me generously here, and I am excited to progress with the team as we look to bring the Robertson Cup to Amarillo.”
Zolin went undefeated in five starts for the South Division leaders, allowing just seven goals in over 300 minutes between the pipes. The Greenwich, Connecticut native has allowed only one goal in three of his five games, and throughout those three games he faced over 30 shots. He capped off the month allowing just one goal in Amarillo’s 2-1 victory against the reigning East Division Champions Maryland Black Bears. Over the course of the month, Charlie accumulated a 1.35 goals against average, .955 save percentage, and a perfect 5-0-0-0 record.
“So proud of Charlie, he had a great opportunity to put it all together during the showcase and he made the most of it with lots of eyes in the stands,” said Amarillo head coach Taylor Harnett. “His focus was to help us win, first and foremost. He has proven time and again that he will be focused, and prepared to do whatever it takes to help our team have success.”
Runner-Up: Nikita Volsky, Corpus Christi IceRays
