Players of the Month
Forward of the Month: Hunter Hayes - Wisconsin Windigo
Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Hunter Hayes, Wisconsin Windigo
Making a splash ever since he joined the Windigo in February, Hunter Hayes has blazed a path of his own. The 5’10 lefty from Lodi, California has averaged over two points per game in March. In his nine games played in March, there was only one game he was pointless. That one game was his first pointless game since January 24, 2025. Hayes joined the Windigo in early February from the Minnesota Mallards. The 21-year-old notched six goals while leading the league in March with his 14 assists, 20 total points, and +13 rating. He had two four-point games in the month. His first four-point game was on March 7, 2025, against the Chippewa Steel. During this matchup, he produced his first hat trick of the season alongside an assist on John Halverson’s goal. His second four-point game was on March 22, 2025, against the Kenai River Brown Bears. Hayes played a role in every goal except one. He tallied three assists before scoring the last goal of the matchup. Hayes’ contribution to the scoresheet has been major, six out of his nine contests in March were multi-point games.
Hayes shares what it means to be recognized as Forward of the Month.
“It is a huge honor to win this award. I felt I had a good month individually and our team had a great month, clinching a playoff spot and extending our first-place position. I believe our overall team success leads to my individual success. My linemates also made the game really easy and our power play coming together helped a lot.”
Hayes’ offensive dominance has been felt since joining the Windigo. In his 14 games played with Wisconsin, he has tallied 12 goals, made 16 assists, and features a +21 rating. His offensive help on the ice has been felt at critical moments of the matchups with four of his 12 goals being game-winning goals. The Golden State skater was named as a 2025 Top Prospect for Team Central and in the tournament he produced an assist.
Assistant coach of the Windigio, Bryce Reddick, explains what it means to have Hayes lacing up for the squad.
“Hunter has been awesome for us since we acquired him at the deadline. He is playing a well-rounded 200-foot game and the hockey gods are rewarding him on the scoresheet. As a staff, he has been an absolute joy to work with and have in our dressing room.”
Runner-Up: Stepan Kuznetsov, Corpus Christi IceRays
Defenseman of the Month: Conner Broadhead - Springfield Jr. Blues
Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Conner Broadhead, Springfield Jr. Blues
The ‘05 blueliner from St. Louis, Conner Broadhead, had his best month in the NAHL. In his ten games played this past month, he had seven games with points on the scoresheet. Broadhead logged two goals and eight assists while featuring a +9 rating. The second-year skater had three two-point matchups. One of his highlight games of the month came on March 21, 2025, against the Chippewa Steel. The Jr. Blues were down 2-1 heading into the third period. With the help of Broadhead on the ice, Springfield was able to produce a come-from-behind win. In back-to-back goals Broadhead provided the assist on the game-tying and game-winning goal for the Jr. Blues. Another key game for the 6’1 lefty was on March 7, 2025, against the Kenai River Brown Bears. In this contest, Broadhead produced his first power play goal of the season. This goal happened in the first minute of the second period and helped to lift the Jr. Blues to a 7-5 victory.
Broadhead shares why he is honored to have received the recognition.
“I’m very grateful and honored to receive this award. I’d like to thank my teammates and coaches for pushing me to get better every day. I feel this past month went great because of our team play and commitment to make a push for the playoffs. Showing up every day to practice with the mentality to get better has improved my confidence and production.”
The ‘05 skater leads his squad with 33 assists on the season while sitting in second with 37 total points. He is a second-year skater in the league and features 0.70 points per game for the Jr. Blues. This award marks the first time that Broadhead has been recognized for his work on the ice. The 6’1 lefty has laced up in 53 matchups for Springfield and continues to show up on the scoresheet.
Head coach of the Jr. Blues, Todd Pococke, goes into detail on the contribution that Broadhead has made for the Jr. Blues.
“Conner has been steady for us all season on the back end and continues to get better every day. He's been great on the power play and finds ways to get points. He also defends well. We're very pleased with his play as a whole!”
Runner-Up: Grant Winkler, Aberdeen Wings
Goalie of the Month: Tomas Anderson - Bismarck Bobcats
NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Tomas Anderson, Bismarck Bobcats
Earning his second Goaltender of the Month honor, Tomas Anderson is riding a nine-game win streak between the pipes. The 6’2 netminder from Stillwater, Minnesota has been lights out in March for the Bobcats. He features an impressive 1.44 goals against average and a .944 save percentage for the past month. Six of his nine contests featured a save percentage over .950. His month kicked off with a 35-save shutout against the Austin Bruins on March 1, 2025. This shutout marked his seventh shutout of the season. The month of March has treated Bismarck and Anderson quite well. Anderson’s ability in the blue paint coincides with the Bobcats' nine-game win streak. His next best game came on March 15, 2025, against the St. Cloud Norsemen. The ‘04 Niagara University commit stopped 25 out of 26 shots. His one goal that he allowed happened early in the first period. After that lone Norsemen goal, Anderson was lights out for the rest of the contest. He featured a .962 save percentage for that one game.
Tomas Anderson explains what it means to be named the Goaltender of the Month.
“Getting this award is a huge honor. The competition was tough in March as teams were fighting for playoff positioning, and that brought out my best performance. My entire team has been playing really well and that pushed me to match their intensity. I'm proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team and am grateful to be part of such a hardworking, talented group.”
Anderson has served as one of the top goaltenders in the league. The first-year netminder features the most wins in the league with 34 victories between the pipes. His win-loss record is even more impressive. There have only been eight games out of 42 matchups this season that Anderson was named to a loss. His dominance in the blue paint puts him second for the league with his 1.54 goals against average and third overall for his .937 save percentage.
Head coach of the Bobcats, Garett Roth, shares how impactful Anderson has been to the Bismarck Bobcats.
“Tomas has been outstanding for us all season and this past month was a huge stretch for our group with tough matchups. Tomas gives us the chance to win every night. His poise and consistency have been the driving force for our team's success. This recognition is not only a testament to this past month but also embodies what he has done for us all season long!”
Runner-Up: Jackson Fuller, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Defenseman of the Month: Kyle Miller - St. Cloud Norsemen
Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Kyle Miller, St. Cloud Norsemen
The third-year St. Cloud Norsemen veteran, Kyle Miller has put on a thriller during February. The San Jose, California native has dished four goals and 11 assists over nine games for the Norsemen. He leads all blueliners in the month with 15 points, while ranking second overall among all skaters with that stat line for February. One of his most impactful games was on February 8 against the Austin Bruins. During the Norsemen’s 2-1 overtime victory, he played a role in both goals. He first assisted in the game-tying goal during the second period and then scored the game-winning shorthanded goal in overtime. In the month he produced a +9 rating and only had one game out of nine in which he did not produce a point. Thanks to his work on the ice, the blueliner produced an average of 1.67 points per game. The 5’9 lefty has continued to help his squad inch closer to being in playoff contention. St. Cloud currently sits in fourth place in the Central Division standings.
Miller shares his gratitude for winning the award and contributes his success on the ice to his teammates.
“It’s an honor to receive this award. I thank my coaches and teammates for pushing me to be great on and off the ice every day. A large amount of my personal success is due to my team’s success as a whole. We won a lot of games in February because of our commitment to playing our style of hockey. As we enter into the most exciting part of the season, I am determined to help lead my team into the playoffs. I love this group and can’t wait to make this final push with them.”
Even though Miller is a defenseman, his offensive dominance is felt by the Norsemen. The 5’9 lefty leads his squad in total points (55), assists (43), and points per game (1.17). Miller ranks third overall for St. Cloud in goals (12) and features the second-best rating (+6). This award marks the second time he has earned Star of the Month honors, with his last recognition happening in September.
Head coach of the Norsemen, Joe Exter, went into detail about the development of Miller’s game.
“Kyle was excellent throughout February. His play has been consistent all year. The most impressive part is, that as each month passes, he elevates all areas of his game to a higher level. Kyle shows up daily to work and improve with a true pro mindset. This dedication is the driving force behind Kyle being one of the best defensemen in junior hockey.”
Runner-Up: Luke Chappelle, Maine Nordiques
Goalie of the Month: Jackson Fuller - New Mexico Ice Wolves
NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Jackson Fuller, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Hailing from the State of Hockey, Jackson Fuller, has served as a keystone piece for Ice Wolves this season. The 6’0 netminder suited up for seven games in February and helped New Mexico walk away with six wins with him between the pipes. Fuller produced two shutouts, with his largest shutout coming on February 7 against the Odessa Jackalopes. Fuller was the winner in the blue paint turning away all 42 shots. His second shutout happened on the last day of the month on February 28. He helped to lift the Ice Wolves to a 2-0 victory over the El Paso Rhinos with his 25-save performance. His performance between the pipes put him as one of the top goaltenders of the month. He features a .942 save percentage and a 1.86 goals against average for February. He faced the second most shots during the month and saved 211 out of the 224 shots. The ‘04 netminder has also only produced one loss between the pipes in his last 11 games for New Mexico.
Just like the other two award winners, Fuller contributes his success between the pipes to his teammates in front of him.
“Getting this award is a huge honor. Our team had a great month overall, which led to individual success. Consistently focusing on the little things is what helped our team and myself have a successful month.”
He ranks in the top ten of goaltenders in the league in multiple categories. Fuller ranks eighth overall with his 2.02 goals against average and four shutouts while placing ninth overall with his .925 save percentage. His defensive dominance in the net is felt by the Ice Wolves, because out of the 24 New Mexico’s wins on the season, 19 of them came with Fuller between the pipes.
Head coach of the Ice Wolves, Kevin Hartzell, explains why Division I programs need to have their eyes on Fuller.
“What can I say, but ‘Where are you Division I colleges!’ This young man has paid his dues. He has played three years of junior hockey. Jackson has fought to play and fought to help his team win games, as all goalies know is required of them. Jackson is a great teammate and a quiet leader. He is consistently consistent! That's an incredible trait for a goalie and is an underappreciated skill he has. He plays the puck really well, simple, smart, and consistent. Every coach knows simple and smart wins in this sport. Jackson, good job to you. He deserves this recognition.”
Runner-Up: Marko Bilic, Maryland Black Bears
Forward of the Month: Calle Karlsson - Rochester Jr. Americans
Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Calle Karlsson, Rochester Jr. Americans
The 6’1 righty hailing from the hockey-rich nation of Sweden, Calle Karlsson skates his way to the top and earns Forward of the Month honors. The first-year skater led the league with nine goals and 18 points in February. He notched on average two points per game and features a +14 rating for the month. His work on the ice led him to additionally make nine assists in nine games played. Karlsson has logged at least a point in every game this past month and has been on a hot streak of scoring points since January 17. Six out of the nine games played in February were multi-point games. His standout game came on February 8, where he scored two goals and made three assists against the Philadelphia Rebels. In this 6-1 victory, Karlsson played a role in every goal except one during the contest.
Karlsson shares his excitement to win this award and how he contributes some of his success to his teammates.
“Of course it's fun and this month went well, I feel like my teammates and I have found more and more chemistry during the year and now it's better than it was before! I have to thank them too, but of course, it's cool to be recognized by the league.”
Karlsson's offensive prowess is felt by the Jr. Americans. On the season, the ‘04 skater leads his squad in goals (28) and points (60), while sits second in assists (32) and points per game (1.22). His work on the ice has helped the Jr. Americans continue their success and hunt for the Robertson Cup. This is the first time this season that the Rochester Jr. Americans had a player named to a monthly award.
“Calle has had an exceptional month for us. Since the Christmas break, he's truly been a force on the ice. His increased physicality has significantly enhanced his performance at both ends of the rink. The combination of his size, speed, hockey IQ, and competitiveness is truly impressive, especially since he’s demonstrating this consistently. This makes him a standout player who should be a priority for every college program. Furthermore, Calle is a fantastic teammate who is eager to learn and improve. We believe he has not yet reached his full potential, but he is certainly on the right path. The Player of the Month award is a well-deserved recognition for him!”
Runner-Up: Saxton Tess, Lone Star Brahmas
Forward of the Month: Niko Tournas - Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month: Niko Tournas, Danbury Hat Tricks.
Hailing from Redding, Connecticut, Niko Tournas turned up the heat in January and led the league with 19 total points. The 6’2 skater found the back of the net 10 times, with four of them as powerplay goals, produced nine assists, and sports a 2.11 points per game last month. Every time he hit the ice in January he was producing a point for the Hat Tricks. Tournas featured an 11-game heater in scoring points that started on December 20, 2024. Thanks to his work on the ice, he recorded a plus-nine rating in the nine games played in January. Additionally, six out of the nine games Tournas played in January were multi-point games, with his season-high four-point game coming on January 11. He produced a hat trick, and an assist while featuring a plus-four rating against the Elmira Aviators.
Niko Tournas shares more on what it means to win the honor of Forward of the Month and his goals leading into the rest of the season.
“I am very humbled to win this award. Hockey is a game of hard work but more importantly teamwork, and to be recognized for my contributions is an incredible honor. I want to thank my teammates – they are the ones who make it possible and of course my coaches. While I felt I had a great month in January I hope to have a better one this upcoming month and help get my team to the playoffs.”
The New Hampshire commit has served as a keystone figure for Danbury. Tournas leads his squad with 52 total points, 26 goals, and 1.41 points per game. Tournas did not contribute to the stat sheet for only eight games out of 37 matchups this season. His work on the ice has helped to move the needle for the Hat Tricks in the standings. Before January, Danbury was at the bottom of the East Division standings, however, they are now sitting eighth, three points behind the sixth-place squad. To be in playoff contention in the East, teams must sit at or above sixth place in the standings.
Head Coach of the Danbury Hat Tricks, Lenny Caglianone, shares more about Tournas’ work on the ice.
“Niko without a doubt, had a tremendous month of hockey. He set the franchise season record for goals, assists, and points. He continues to be a major pulse for our team offensively while working on his 200-foot game along with his details. With all of that being said, he’s grown into his role as a captain and has provided both quality play and vocality. I’m so proud of what Niko has done on the ice but more importantly off it. His character is tremendous and he’s an incredible teammate. Congratulations Niko!”
Runner-Up: Kyan Haldenby, Shreveport Mudbugs
Defenseman of the Month: Brock Devlin - Anchorage Wolverines
Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month: Brock Devlin, Anchorage Wolverines
Rockin’ at the top of the league is Brock Devlin of the Anchorage Wolverines. The 5’10 second-year Wolverines skater led all defensemen in January with his 14 total points and 1.40 points per game. Devlin found the back of the net three times, made 11 assists, and sports a plus-seven rating over 10 games. This award marks the second time this season the ‘05 lefty has earned this honor. There has only been one month this season that the Dartmouth commit has not won the Defenseman of the Month award or was named the runner-up.
Devlin shares his thoughts on winning the honor and hopes for the rest of the season.
“I am very thankful to win Defenseman of the Month. It wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates and all the staff in Anchorage. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people who push themselves and others to be their best every day. As a team, we are very confident that we can make it back to the Robertson Cup and ultimately win it all this year.”
Devlin has been dominant all season long. He leads the Wolverines and defensemen in the league with his 54 total points, 44 assists, 1.38 points per game, and five game-winning goals, and is tied first with his plus-26 rating. His offensive prowess has been felt on the ice for the Wolverines.
Head coach of the Wolverines, Nick Walters, shares what he has seen from Devlin’s work on the ice.
“Again the Anchorage Wolverines are excited to see Brock get selected by the league for the Defensemen of the Month award. I feel like I am starting to run out of things to say about this young man. He has had a heck of a season, and I know it is only going to continue as we head into the last 20 games of the regular season. Seeing the work that he has put in the last couple of years, he has been deserving of the accolades and ultimately earning the college scholarship at Dartmouth.”
Walters continues to explain what it has been like to work with Devlin.
“As a coach, getting to work with Brock daily is one of a kind. I feel like I learn just as much from him as I hope he is learning from me and the rest of the staff. I say it all of the time, but the way he sees the game and some of the things he can do offensively, I don’t think you can teach. He’s a humble kid, but we are lucky to have him a part of our organization and I am excited to see what this group can accomplish down the stretch.”
Runner-Up: Seth Murch, Shreveport Mudbugs
Goalie of the Month: Lukas Swedin - Minot Minotauros
NAHL Goaltender of the Month: Lukas Swedin, Minot Minotauros
The ‘04 netminder from Sweden, Lukas Swedin, has been dominant between the pipes for the Minotauros. Every game that he was in the net in January, he produced a victory. This hot streak started on New Year’s Eve when the Minotauros produced a 6-1 victory over the Bismarck Bobcats. He is currently on a 10-game win streak while producing two shutouts this past month. The 5’9 goaltender played in eight games, saved 211 out of 220 shots, and produced the best save percentage at .959 while tied for first with his 1.13 goals against average in January. Thanks to his ability between the pipes, the Minotauros are on a nine-game win streak and are now sitting in second place in the Central Division standings.
Swedin shares what it means to win the Goaltender of the Month honor.
“It means a lot, I have been working hard and tried staying consistent throughout the season and it feels good that it is paying off. I have had a good month but it goes along with the team's success too. The boys have been playing well lately.”
Swedin is a second-year netminder for the Minotauros. On the season, he has produced five shutouts while ranks second in the league with his .946 save percentage and third overall in the league with his 1.55 goals against average. His defensive dominance is felt by Minot, because out of Minotauro's 29 wins on the season, 22 of those games came with Swedin in the net.
Head Coach of the Minotauros, Cody Campbell, shares what he has seen from Swedin this season.
“Lukas has been solid for us all season long. His play this month is something we have seen consistently throughout his time here. We look forward to Lukas continuing his strong play as he continues to work towards a Division I commitment”
Runner-Up: Ryan Cameron, Lone Star Brahmas
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
