Players of the Month

February

Forward of the Month: Scott Cuthrell - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Another remarkable run from the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks has resulted in the NA3HL East Division title and the emergence of 19-year-old forward Scott Cuthrell. The native of Waterford, Michigan, capped of the month of February by putting up some numbers and statistics rarely achieved in the NA3HL. In just 10 games played, Cuthrell (5’9/160) recorded an eye-popping 23 points, which included an incredible 16 goals as Cleveland put together an 8-2 record during the month. Cuthrell also recorded three game-winning goals and was a +12 during the month. It all led to Cuthrell putting himself at the top of the NA3HL scoring race, where he remains tied with 82 points with one weekend to go in the regular seasion. It has also led to a 21-game scoring streak, which began back in mid-December. Cuthrell has 41 goals and will likely take home the NA3HL goal scoring title, as the next closest competitor is seven goals back. “Scott has been our MVP this season, there is no question about that,” said Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson. “He plays with a lot of confidence and believes in himself and that he is going to go out there and try and be the best. There was a time that our captain was out of the line-up and he really stepped his game up and took his game to a new level during that time.”

Runner-Up: Garrett Skinner, Alexandria Blizzard

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Brusa, Queen City Steam – Easton Halbert, Quad City Jr. Flames – Zach Hill, Flint Jr. Generals – Brycon Johnson, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Cory Kettler, Peoria Mustangs – Patrick Sivets, North Iowa Bulls – Guy Soulliere, Michigan Mountain Cats – Matt Stirling, Metro Jets – Aaron Storch, Granite City Lumberjacks.

Previous Winners: September 2012, Matt Stirling, Metro Jets – October 2012, Cameron Dimmitt, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – November 2012, Drew Otto, Granite City Lumberjacks – December 2012, Nico Vecchio, Three Rivers Vengeance – January 2013, Eric Behrend, North Iowa Bulls.

Defenseman of the Month: Kyle Gonzalez - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Sometimes a change is a good thing and that can be said for Cleveland defenseman Kyle Gonzalez, 18. After playing the first half of the season in North Iowa for the Bulls, the Chino Hills, California native was traded to Cleveland and it all came together for him in February. Gonzalez (6’0/175) picked up 14 points (1 goal, 13 assists) in 10 games during the month, and most impressively, he was a +16 in February. His lone goal of the month was the game-winner in a 7-3 win over Three Rivers on February 2^nd and he registered a point in all but two games during the month. He also recorded four multi-point games during February, which included two, three-point games. His +44 rating to date ranks tied for 2^nd among all NA3HL defenseman and tied for 6^th overall in the NA3HL. “We needed a good, puck-moving defenseman and when he became available and we felt like it was going to be the right fit for our team,” said Jr. Lumberjacks head coach Bob Jacobson. “He makes us deeper at the defensive position and makes us a better hockey club. He makes the first breakout pass, has great ice awareness and is a smart defenseman.”

Runner-Up: Connor Langfield, North Iowa Bulls

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tom Evans, Metro Jets – Devin Fracassi, Queen City Steam – Nick Goettel, Flint Jr. Generals – Clayton Janecke, Quad City Jr. Flames – Alex Kopec, Michigan Moutain Cats – Kerry McGlynn, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Nikolas Sakellaropoulos, Peoria Mustangs.

Previous Winners: September 2012, Tyler Opilka, St. Louis Jr. Blues – October 2012, Matt Petersen, Granite City Lumberjacks – November 2012, Kyle Meeh, St. Louis Jr. Blues – December 2012, Chayce Coenen, Alexandria Blizzard – January 2013, Connor Langfield, North Iowa Bulls.

Goalie of the Month: Clint Steinmeyer - St. Louis Jr. Blues

Although it has been a two-goalie system in St. Louis all season long, it must have worked because the Jr. Blues ended up securing the league’s best record by the end of February and will head into the NA3HL playoffs the #1 seed. One of those backstoppers, 17-year-old Clint Steinmeyer of Granite City, Illinois, was just about perfect in the month of February. Steinmeyer (6’0/185) played in four games during the month and gave up just three goals on his way to a perfect 4-0 record. Steinmeyer faced a total of 95 shots during February and saved 92 of them, which was good for a 96.8% save percentage and a goals against average of 0.75. He gave up just a goal in three of the wins and posted one shutout, a 4-0 win over Three Rivers on February 17^th. For the season, Steinmeyer ranks 2^nd in the NA3HL with a 1.61 goals against average and also wins with 21. He ranks tied for 3^rd in save percentage with a 92.9%. “Clint has played better as the season has gone along, which he shows his improvement as a goalie,” said Jr. Blues head coach JP Beilsten. “he is very mature for a younger goalie and both he and Mikael (Broliden) have handled rotating all season long with a lot of class. They make the most of their starts and the team has a lot of confidence no matter who we decide to start.”

Runner-Up: Anders Franke, Flint Jr. Generals

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Riley Corbin, Metro Jets – Spencer Craig, Michigan Mountain Cats – David Heflin, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Jake Leon, Quad City Jr. Flames – Scott Murray, Granite City Lumberjacks – Michael Parda, Peoria Mustangs – Alec Rounds, Queen City Steam.

Previous Winners: September 2012, Mikael Broliden, St. Louis Jr. Blues – October 2012, Michael Parda, Peoria Mustangs – November 2012, Alex Nedeljkovic, Metro Jets – December 2012, Aaron Davis, North Iowa Bulls – January 2013, David Heflin, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

January

Forward of the Month: Eric Behrend - North Iowa Bulls

The North Iowa Bulls are on the fast track to the West Division title and their 7-1 record in the month of January was yet another indication that the team isn’t letting off the gas pedal. Forward Eric Behrend, 20, was a wrecking ball on opposing team’s defenses as he racked up a league-high 19 points during month of January. The forward from Waunakee, Wisconsin, totaled eight goals and 11 assists in January, along with two game-winning goals and an incredible +17 rating. However, the most impressive stat for Behrend (6’0/180) is that all eight of his games in January were multi-point games. Thanks to his 19-point month, Behrend currently has 55 points, which ranks him 7^th in the NA3HL and 2^nd on the North Iowa roster. “Quite simply put Eric is a player that just gets things done. He isn’t the flashiest of players, but he finds a way to manufacture and get dirty points,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden. “He worked hard in the off-season to become a better player and I can honestly say that if we are going to go far in the playoffs, he will have to be one of the players that produces for us come crunch time. That’s how important he is to this team right now.”

Runner-Up: Scott Cuthrell, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Thomas Diffendal, Three Rivers Vengeance – Lynden Fields, Peoria Mustangs - Cody Guidorzi, St Louis Jr. Blues – Easton Halbert Quad City Jr. Flames – Kade Morrison, Michigan Mountain Cats – Drew Otto, Granite City Lumberjacks – Matt Stirling, Metro Jets.

Defenseman of the Month: Connor Langfield - North Iowa Bulls

+19… For some players, a +19 rating is good for a season. For North Iowa Bulls defenseman Connor Langfield, 20, it was his month of January. On top of that, the native of Rosemount, Minnesota, had nine points in just six games played during the month, which makes all of his stats in January that more impressive. He totaled two goals and seven assists during the month and had two multi-point games during the month. Langfield’s (6’1/185) +52 rating to date is tops in the NA3HL and his 38 points and 28 assists to date leads all NA3HL defensemen. “I can’t say enough good things about Connor. He came into this season with a renewed commitment and he earned the #1 defenseman role and because of all that he gets results,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden. “He is great offensively and is really good on the power play. He has a great shot and has learned how to get his shot through traffic to get it on net for a scoring chance.”

Runner-Up: Andrew Sprouse, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mitchell Gwost, Granite City Lumberjacks – Josh Hosking, Metro Jets – Clayton Janecke, Quad City Jr. Flames – Ben Mack, Michigan Mountain Cats – Kerry McGlynn, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Nikolas Sakellaropoulos, Peoria Mustangs – Robbie Sigurdsson, Three Rivers Vengeance.

Goalie of the Month: David Heflin - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Cleveland goalie David Heflin, 19, has the Jr. Lumberjacks right where they want to be and that’s in 1^st place. The native of Mundelein, Illinois was boosted by a very good month of January in which he helped lead Cleveland to an undefeated 8-0 record, while personally posting a 5-0 record. He faced 161 shots during the month and made 152 saves, which was good for a 94.4% save percentage and a 1.80 goals against average. During the month, Heflin set a personal best with 43 saves in a 4-1 win at Flint on January 27^th. Heflin ranks 2^nd in the NA3HL in wins with 18 and ranks in the Top 7 in both goals against average and save percentage. “He has played really well this year and has been very steady. He has been our back bone and brings the right attitude and work ethic to the rink every day,” said Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson.

Runner-Up: Clint Steinmeyer, St. Louis Jr. Blues

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Bartels, North Iowa Bulls - Spencer Craig, Michigan Mountain Cats – Michael Parda, Peoria Mustangs – Tyler Stepke, Three Rivers Vengeance – Robby Vukelich, Quad City Jr. Flames – Austin Wilson, Granite City Lumberjacks.

December

Forward of the Month: Nico Vecchio - Pittsburgh Vengeance

Slowly and steadily, the Vengeance have moved into 2nd place in the NA3HL’s East Division and are back by the league’s leading scorer and December’s Forward of the Month, Nico Vecchio (5’11/180). The native of North Huntington, Pennsylvania, had a month for the ages as he racked up 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in nine games in December as Three Rivers put together a 6-2-1 record during the month. Vecchio, 20, had six multi-point games during the month of December, including a five point game and two four point games. His 51 points currently leads all NA3HL scorers. “Nico has single-handedly carried our team at times and his maturity level is outstanding,” said Vengeance head coach Brian Cersosimo. “He makes everyone around him better and has great vision of the ice. He has great speed along with great hands, which makes him a threat every time he touches the ice.”

Runner-Up: Ian Ecklund, Alexandria Blizzard
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Anthony Caroselli, Quad City Jr. Flames – Jacob Howie, Flint Jr. Generals – Tony Paulson, North Iowa Bulls – Blake Phenow, Granite City Lumberjacks – Jordan Prewitt, Toledo Cherokee – Guy Soulliere, Michigan Mountain Cats.
Previous Winners: September 2012, Matt Stirling, Metro Jets – October 2012, Cameron Dimmitt, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – November 2012, Drew Otto, Granite City Lumberjacks.

Defenseman of the Month: Chayce Coenen - Alexandria Blizzard

Since arriving in Alexandria, defenseman Chayce Coenen, 20, has made an immediate impact with the Blizzard. The Des Moines, Iowa native has burst onto the scene with 16 points (7 goals, 9 assists) with the Blizzard this season, which was bolstered by his incredible month of December. During the month, Coenen (5’11/160) racked up 13 points in 9 games as the Blizzard posted a winning record during the month of 5-4-0. He was also a +7 and now stands at a +15 since joining the Blizzard after a trade from Quad City earlier this season. Coenen registered at least a point in seven of the nine games and had four multi-point games. He also added a game-winning goal. His 19 points to date during the 2012-13 puts him in the Top 7 in league scoring for defensemen. “Chayce has been a real breath of fresh air for us. He loves to jump up in the play and create offense, which really helps our scoring chances,” said Blizzard head coach Jeff Crouse. “He has taken a leadership role with the team, which was something we needed when we traded for him and he can just flat out make plays, and having a defenseman that can do that on a regular basis is a key to our success.”

Runner-Up: Connor Langfield, North Iowa Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Goetel, Flint Jr. Generals – Clayton Janecke, Quad City Jr. Flames – Ben Mack, Michigan Mountain Cats – Dakoda Manslage, Granite City Lumberjacks – Nikolas Sakellaropoulos, Peoria Mustangs – Michael Straub, Three Rivers Vengeance.
Previous Winners: September 2012, Tyler Opilka, St. Louis Jr. Blues – October 2012, Matt Petersen, Granite City Lumberjacks – November 2012, Kyle Meeh, St. Louis Jr. Blues.

Goalie of the Month: Aaron Davis - North Iowa Bulls

With the addition of goaltender Aaron Davis, 20, back in mid-November, the North Iowa Bulls may have staked claim to having one of, if not the best, goaltending tandems in the league. That was proven in December, as the junior hockey veteran Davis (5’7/165) won all four of his starts during the month helping the Bulls to a perfect record of 9-0-0 during the month. The native of Mound, Minnesota, posted two shutouts during the month, had a goals against average of 1.50 and stopped 103 of a total 109 shots for a save percentage of 94.5%. Davis started the month with a 37-save shutout of the Metro Jets, which was followed by another shutout of Minnesota. He also picked up big wins in Alexandria and against Breezy Point during the month. To date, Davis has a 7-1-0 record for the 1st place Bulls. “We are so fortunate to have two really good goaltenders in Aaron Davis and Matt Bartels. Aaron brings a lot of veteran leadership and confidence to the table,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden. “He is making the most of his opportunity to play here and his work ethic is second to none. He works as hard as any one I have seen and he always wants to get better.”

Runner-Up: Michael Parda, Peoria Mustangs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Spencer Craig, Michigan Mountain Cats – Anders Franke, Flint Jr. Generals - Nate Gay, Toledo Cherokee – Scott Murray, Granite City Lumberjacks – Tyler Stepke, Three Rivers Vengeance – Robby Vukelich, Quad City Jr. Flames.
Previous Winners: September 2012, Mikael Broliden, St. Louis Jr. Blues – October 2012, Michael Parda, Peoria Mustangs – November 2012, Alex Nedeljkovic, Metro Jets.

November

Forward of the Month: Drew Otto - Granite City Lumberjacks

No player in the NA3HL had more points during the month of November than Granite City forward Drew Otto. The 18-year-old from Menomonie, Wisconsin, racked up an NA3HL-high 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) in just nine games played during the month as the Lumberjacks put together a 6-2-1 record in November and stayed in 1st place in the West Division. Otto (5’11/180) had five multi-point games during the month and was a +7. He also went the entire month without a penalty. Otto was named the NA3HL’s #1 star of the week back on November 13th for his six point weekend in a pair of road games. His 38 points to date leads the team in scoring and ranks 2nd in scoring in the NA3HL. “Drew comes to the rink every day ready to work hard,” said Granite City head coach Brad Willner. “He is consistently is one of the hardest workers we have and his success is a product of some of that. He also has a knack of finding the open man and when his line is playing well, they are hard to keep off the scoreboard.”

Runner-Up: Cody Guidorzi, St. Louis Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): John Arms, Michigan Mountain Cats – Ian Ecklund, Alexandria Blizzard – Easton Halbert, Quad City Jr. Flames – Jacob Howie, Flint Jr. Generals – Andrew Palushaj, Metro Jets – Patrick Sivets, North Iowa Bulls – Henry Smith, Queen City Steam.
Previous Winners: September 2012, Matt Stirling, Metro Jets – October 2012, Cameron Dimmitt, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

Defenseman of the Month: Kyle Meeh - St. Louis Jr. Blues

The St. Louis Jr. Blues enjoyed a perfect month of November, thanks in large part to players like defenseman Kyle Meeh. The 17-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, was stellar in the month of November as he registered eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in seven games played as the Jr. Blues posted a 7-0-0 record in November. Meeh (6’1/175) had two multi-point games during the month and was also a +5 in November. Meeh currently leads all NA3HL defensemen in scoring this season with 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 25 games played. He also ranks 2nd in the entire NA3HL with a +29 plus/minus rating. “Kyle has been great in all phases of the game this season,” said Jr. Blues head coach JP Beilsten. “He is such an offensive threat as a defenseman and that is something that is rare, especially for someone as young as Kyle is. He played at the Tier I 16U level last season and to come in and produce and be the leader he has, really says something about the type of player he is and his skill level.”

Runner-Up: Connor Langfield, North Iowa Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Derek Britton, Metro Jets – Devin Fracassi, Queen City Steam – Nick Goettel, Flint Jr. Generals – Clayton Janecke, Quad City Jr. Flames – Cody Lichtenvoort, Peoria Mustangs – Spencer Peratalo, Alexandria Blizzard – Mattheu Raiola, Granite City Lumberjacks – Kenny Simmons, Michigan Mountain Cats.
Previous Winners: September 2012, Tyler Opilka, St. Louis Jr. Blues – October 2012, Matt Petersen, Granite City Lumberjacks.

Goalie of the Month: Alex Nedeljkovic - Metro Jets

Although Metro Jets goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, 16, only spent a month playing in the league, he made it count for him and his team. The native of Parma, Ohio, was in goal for all four of the Jets wins in November as he posted a perfect 4-0 record along with a 94.2% save percentage and a 2.00 goals against average. During the month of November, he stopped 129 of a possible 137 shots on goal. At just 16-years-old, Nedeljkovic (6’0/186) is a very special and young talent. After his four games with Metro, he was sent back to the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL, where he started the season. Jets head coach Jason Cirone said that it is all part of the learning and growth process for the young Nedeljkovic. “He was in our league to get some experience and he faced quite a few shots in the four games he played,” said Cirone. In the games that Nedeljkovic didn’t play in during the month of November, Metro was 0-3, but they were 4-0 when Nedeljkovic played. “I think our team fed off his confidence while he was here and everyone played a little more inspired. I think he brought a certain level of exposure to the team.”

Runner-Up: Michael Parda, Peoria Mustangs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Bartels, North Iowa Bulls - Mikael Broliden, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Spencer Craig, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jake Leon, Quad City Jr. Flames – Matt McLaughlin, Queen City Steam – Austin Wilson, Granite City Lumberjacks – Chase Wilson, Alexandria Blizzard.
Previous Winners: September 2012, Mikael Broliden, St. Louis Jr. Blues – October 2012, Michael Parda, Peoria Mustangs.

October

Forward of the Month: Cameron Dimmitt - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Veteran Cleveland forward Cameron Dimmitt, 20, has been here before. The forward from Howell, Michigan, led the NA3HL in scoring last season and was named the league’s rookie of the year. This past month, Dimmitt (5’11/190) has shown no signs of slowing down as he put together a torrid month of October on his way to being named the NA3HL’s Forward of the Month. Last season, Dimmitt led the league with 77 points. This season, Dimmitt again leads the league with 27 points, 18 of which came in the month of October. In the seven games he played in, Dimmitt had eight goals and 10 assists. Two of his goals were game-winners and he was also a +6 during the month. Back on October 24th, he was named the league’s #3 star of the week. “Cameron has stepped up his game this season and is not settling on the season he had last year,” said Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson. “He is constantly challenging himself to be the best player on the ice every night and has done a really good job of trying to become a better hockey player.”

Runner-Up: Aidan Verbeke, Granite City Lumberjacks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Easton Halbert, Quad City Jr. Flames – Trey Hughes, Twin City Steel – Mike Lozano, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Lucas McCammant, Queen City Steam – Ed Osowski, Flint Jr. Generals – Andre Pison, Minnesota Flying Aces – Tim Santopoalo, North Iowa Bulls – Guy Soulliere, Michigan Mountain Cats – Matt Stirling, Metro Jets – Tyler Zalecki, Toledo Cherokee.
Previous Winners: September 2012-Matt Stirling, Metro Jets

Defenseman of the Month: Matt Petersen - Granite City Lumberjacks

Granite City defenseman Matt Petersen, 20, is one of the big reasons why the Lumberjacks are off to a 12-1-0 start through October. The veteran defenseman from Center City, Minnesota, played all eight of his games to date during the month. He recorded two goals and four assists for six points during the month and was an eye-popping +8. This is Petersen’s (6’0/185) second go-around with the Lumberjacks. He spent the 2010-11 season with Granite City before spending last season in several junior leagues, including the NAHL. However, the majority of the season was plagued by injury. He is back and better this year, as his head coach Brad Willner can attest to. “Matt is a very good two-way defenseman and has really improved since the last time he played for us two years ago,” said Willner. “He takes responsibility on the defensive end first, but can also be very affective on the power play. He really provides a veteran presence and poise on the blueline.”

Runner-Up: Cody Linchtenvoort, Peoria Mustangs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Myles Burrough, Metro Jets – Rob Gentile, Queen City Steam - James Gleason, Michigan Mountain Cats – Nick Goetel, Flint Jr. Generals - Clayton Janecke, Quad City Jr. Flames – Connor Langfield, North Iowa Bulls – Donnie Nagle, Toledo Cherokee – Dylan Nelson, Minnesota Flying Aces – Tyler Opilka, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Pat Smith, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.
Previous Winners: September 2012-Tyler Opilka, St. Louis Jr. Blues

Goalie of the Month: Michael Parda - Peoria Mustangs

The NA3HL player awards for October are rounded out by another veteran, goaltender Michael Parda, 20, of the Peoria Mustangs. The native of Waukesha, Wisconsin, is picking up right where he left off last year when he was one of the top goalies in NA3HL. In the month of October, Parda (6’0/150) posted a 2-1-0 record and stopped a total of 90 out of 95 shots, good for a save percentage of 94.7%. His goals against average during the month was a very tidy 1.67. His current save percentage of 93.2% ranks him tied for 2nd in the NA3HL. “Michael came into camp and into this season in great shape and I think that is allowing him to take his game to the next level,” said Mustangs head coach Jean Guy Trudel. “He has a great mental make-up and composure and nothing seems to phase him. He bounces right back after a goal and remains confident he will stop the next shot coming his way.”

Runner-Up: Ted Barile, Flint Jr. Generals
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mikael Broliden, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Ian Dvorak, Michigan Mountain Cats – David Heflin, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Trevor Kalinowski, Metro Jets – Scott Murray, Granite City Lumberjacks – Robbie Vukelich, Quad City Jr. Flames – Hunter Vorva, Toledo Cherokee.
Previous Winner: Mikael Broliden, St. Louis Jr. Blues

September

Forward of the Month: Matt Stirling - Metro Jets

Metro Jets forward Matt Stirling, 20, is the 3HL forward of the month for September. The native of Dexter, Michigan is in his third season with the Jets and is off to a fast start. During the month of September, Stirling (5’10/172) tied for the 3HL’s scoring lead with 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) in six games played. Stirling scored in all but one of the games during the month, which included four multi-point games. Stirling had a six-point weekend during the Jets first two games of the year against Battle Creek and this past weekend, he recorded five points in a weekend series against Three Rivers. “At this point, Jason has been our MVP. That is largely because we have used him in every type of situation imaginable, including playing some defense,” said Metro head coach Jason Cirone.” Jason has tremendous work ethic, determination and now in his third season with us, is a great leader. He is not a loud, outspoken guy, but he definitely leads by example.”

Runner-Up: Damien Lona, Queen City Steam
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brennan Anderson, Peoria Mustangs – Trey Dodd, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Jason Hoehn, Quad City Jr. Flames – Drew Otto, Granite City Lumberjacks – Guy Soulliere, Michigan Mountain Cats.

Defenseman of the Month: Tyler Opilka - St. Louis Jr. Blues

Already in his second season in the 3HL, Jr. Blues defenseman Tyler Opilka, 17, is well beyond his years. Opilka (6’0/185) had a September to remember has he led all 3HL defenseman in scoring with nine points and also the entire 3HL in the plus/minus category with an amazing +18 in just eight games played. “Tyler has come a long way in two years for a younger player. He has focused more this season on making better decisions with the puck and his game has really improved because of it,” said St. Louis head coach JP Beilsten. The native of St. Louis, Missouri, has had three multi-point games so far this year and has helped St. Louis to a perfect 8-0-0 record as they sit atop of the Central Division.

Runner-Up: Clayton Janecke, Quad City Jr. Flames
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Myles Burrough, Metro Jets – Blaine Ellson, Granite City Lumberjacks – Rob Gentile, Queen City Steam – Ben Mack, Michigan Mountain Cats – Brendan Murphy, Peoria Mustangs.

Goalie of the Month: Mikael Broliden - St. Louis Jr. Blues

September was quite the North American debut for Swedish-born goaltender Mikael Broliden, 19, of the St. Louis Jr. Blues. The Blues already had a veteran goalie returning to the team in Clint Steinmeyer, but Broliden has some in and bolstered perhaps the best 1-2 goaltending tandem in the league with his play the first month of the season. Broliden posted a perfect 4-0-0 during the month and in four games allowed just three goals. He stopped 79 of the 82 shots that came his way during the month of September for a remarkable 96.3% save percentage, which leads the 3HL. His .75 goals against average also leads the league. “He came over from Sweden eager to learn right away and has adjusted quickly to the style of play,” said Jr. Blues head coach JP Beilsten. “Mikael hasn’t been intimidated by the change at all. Both our goalies are really playing well right now and are a big reason behind our success to date. Right now there is no reason not to keep rotating them to get them both opportunities and experience. Mikael has a calming influence about him and has very good technical skills and rebound control.”

Runner-Up: Jake Leon, Quad City Jr. Flames
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Adam Eno, Queen City Steam – Dominic Juncaji, Michigan Mountain Cats – Trevor Kalinowski, Metro Jets – Scott Murray, Granite City Lumberjacks.