NA3HL announces monthly player awards for February
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its monthly player awards for the month of February. The Easton Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month is Matt Kroska from the North Iowa Bulls. The Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month is Cam Choate from the Dallas Jr. Stars. The Brian’s Custom Sports NA3HL Goaltender of the Month is Anders Franke from the Flint Junior Generals. Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NA3HL monthly awards.
Easton Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month: Matt Kroska, North Iowa Bulls
This NA3HL’s leading scorer, North Iowa forward Matt Kroska, 20, likely secured his place in NA3HL history with a torrid month of February. The native of Elko, Minnesota was able to record a league-high 21 points in seven games during the month and brought his NA3HL-leading total to 111 points for the season, setting a modern-day league record during the month. In all seven games, Kroska (5’10/180) had multi-point games to continue his record-breaking scoring streak to 34 straight games. Kroska scored seven goals and 14 assists in the month, and three of his seven goals were game-winners. He was also an astounding +19 during the month and he currently leads the NA3HL with a +97 rating. His February included a five-point game and a four-point game. Kroska also played on Team West at the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament, leading the team to a perfect 3-0 record. “His production and the production of his line is something that I have never seen at this level. He shows so much leadership on a daily basis and despite all the success and points, Matt still remains hungry and trying to become a better player each day in the hopes of earning an NCAA commitment,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden. “I think despite the personal and team success that Matt had last year, he came back this year a more driven hockey player. He will be a special and effective player at the next level.”
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nathan Chasteen, Peoria Mustangs – Tyler Dalton, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Nikita Korotkov, Cincinnati Swords – Brett Leppek, Flint Junior Generals – Mike Lozano, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Ryan Martin, Wisconsin Whalers – Raurie Petrich, Dallas Jr. Stars – Garrett Skinner, Alexandria Blizzard – Max Vance, Michigan Mountain Cats
Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month: Cam Choate, Dallas Jr. Stars
Dallas Jr. Stars defenseman Cam Choate, 19, had the most productive month of his NA3HL career in February as he helped the Jr. Stars to a 6-2 record during the month and a 2nd place finish in the South Division. The native of Plano, Texas had 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) during the month of February and was also a +6. Not only does Choate (6’4/215) bring a scoring touch and offensive element to a defensive position, but he also brings a physical element as well. Two weeks ago, Choate was named the South Division Star of the Week for his efforts in a sweep of a weekend series over Sugar Land. His 10 goals from the blueline is currently tied for 4th among all NA3HL defensemen and his 28 points to date ranks him tied for 4th on the Jr. Stars roster. Cam has great size for a defenseman and he has improved since Day 1 with our team. He has a great shot and is very effective when he can put it on net and create offense for us,” said Dallas head coach Jason Deitsch. “If we are going to have success in the playoffs, Cam will be one of those players that is going to have to play his best at both ends of the ice. His size and his offensive ability make him a prospect for the next level of hockey.”
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Dan Addie, Wisconsin Whalers – Brit Brothen, Flint Junior Generals – Kenny Forton, Michigan Mountain Cats – Tyler Opilka, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Emil Sundstrom, Cincinnati Swords
Brian’s Custom Sports NA3HL Goaltender of the Month: Anders Franke, Flint Junior Generals
It was another outstanding month for the Flint Junior Generals and goaltender Anders Franke. The 20-year-old from Zimmerman, Minnesota posted a 4-1 record with a 0.80 goals against average and a 96.6% save percentage to go along with two shutouts. This marks the second consecutive month that Franke was named the NA3HL Goaltender of the Month. Franke (5’7/160) faced 119 shots during the month and stopped 115 of those shots. Franke had shutouts against Pittsburgh on February 14th and Peoria on February 23rd. He never gave up more than two goals in a game and he has lost just one game in his last 12 starts. Franke currently leads the NA3HL in wins with 28, ranks tied for 1st in shutouts with six and ranks 2nd in both goals against average (1.73) and save percentage (92.7%). He has also played the most minutes of any goalie in the league. He also played on Team East at the 2014 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament. “Anders is the backbone of the team all season long and we expect it to be a strength in the playoffs. He knows what it takes to be successful,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard. “He has the maturity it takes to be a leader and I know he will find the right situation to continue his career and play college hockey.”
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cooper Cothran, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Connor Fissel, Wisconsin Whalers – Marc Hayton, Peoria Mustangs – Joe Lopez, Michigan Mountain Cats – Alec Rounds, Cincinnati Swords
About Easton
Easton Hockey continues to rank atop the industry in sticks and gloves and is growing faster in skates than any other company. It also offers a comprehensive collection of protective gear including helmets and pants. To learn more, go to www.easton.com
About Brian's Custom Sports
The Official Goaltending Equipment Supplier of the NAHL, Brian's has been a leading Canadian supplier of custom-built goal equipment since 1984. As one of the original and remaining custom goal equipment manufacturers Brian's remains committed to continuing to lead the industry with exceptional design and quality. Visit Brian’s online at www.goaliesonly.com
