NAHL announces monthly player awards for September
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its monthly player awards for the month of September. The Forward of the Month is Jacob Ligi from the Chippewa Steel. The Defenseman of the Month is Kyle Miller from the St. Cloud Norsemen. The Goaltender of the Month is Charlie Zolin from the Amarillo Wranglers.
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
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
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
