NA3HL announces monthly player awards for September
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its monthly player awards for the month of September. The Easton Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month is Chance Homerin from the Peoria Mustangs. The Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month is Michael Straub, from the Pittsburgh Vengeance. The Vaughn NA3HL Goaltender of the Month is Aaron Callan from the Toledo Cherokee. Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NA3HL monthly awards.
Easton Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month: Chance Homerin, Peoria Mustangs
During the month of September, Peoria forward Chance Homerin, 18, led the Mustangs to 1st place in the Central Division and was the league’s second leading scorer with 10 points. The native of Pekin, Illinois totaled four goals and six assists during the month. Two goals came on the power play and two came while shorthanded. Homerin (6’0/180) registered points in seven out of his eight games played during the month and was named the Central Division Star of the Week on September 9th. “At the start of the season, you need your veteran players to be your best players and that’s exactly what Chance was for us in September. Chance was our best player during the month and he really thrives because of his work ethic. He plays in all situations and that gives him a great chance to be successful and grow as a player,” said Peoria head coach Tyler Renette.
Runner-Up (tie): Jake Cox, Point Mallard Ducks & Nils Markgren, Pittsburgh Vengeance
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kendall Bolen-Porter, Helena Bighorns – Andrew Bond, Cincinnati Swords – Joe Costello, Breezy Point North Stars – Brandon Desrosiers, Southern Tier Xpress – Tommy Heinzman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Tristan Henrichs, Billings Bulls – Josig Rochon, Dallas Jr. Stars – Alex Sauer, Topeka Capitals – Adam Schoenfeld, Wisconsin Whalers – Cam Schwartz, Toledo Cherokee – Jared Sprink, Granite City Lumberjacks – Michael Tratar, West Michigan Wolves
Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month: Michael Straub, Pittsburgh Vengeance
Fourth year veteran defenseman Michael Straub, 20, put together a great month of September as he was second in the league in scoring for all defensemen with eight points (5 goals, 3 assists) in eight games played. His five goals is not only tops for all NA3HL defensemen, but ranks tied for 2nd in the NA3HL. He is also tied for the league lead with three power play goals. Straub (6’1/205) was also a +2 during the month of September. He registered at least a point in six of the eight games during the month and the Elizabeth, Pennsylvania native also had two multi-point games. “Michael is our captain and as a returning veteran he has displayed great leadership. He is very good at both ends of the rink and has really boosted his level of play,” said Pittsburgh head coach Dave Dorsey.
Runner-Up (tie): Nick Trefry, Helena Bighorns & David Chavis, Metro Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): David Bogart, Toledo Cherokee – Chris Brown, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Ian Eshbaugh, Billings Bulls – Tim Foley, West Michigan Wolves – Tobias Gabrielsen, Granite City Lumberjacks – Noah Gilreath, Point Mallard Ducks – Seyia Hayta, Breezy Point North Stars – Will Holton, Wisconsin Whalers – Alec Hooper, Southern Tier Xpress – Brett Mory, Cincinnati Swords – Colin O’Connor, Topeka Capitals – Marc Peters, Peoria Mustangs – Kody Wagner, Dallas Jr. Stars
Vaughn NA3HL Goaltender of the Month: Aaron Callan, Toledo Cherokee
It was a busy month for Toledo goaltender Aaron Callan, 18, in September. He led the league in games played, minutes played, wins, shots faced and saves. The South Lyon, Michigan native totaled 150 saves during the month while posting a very nice 94.9% save percentage and 1.42 goals against average. Four of the six games that Callan (5’11/165) played in during the month were on the road. He was named the East Division Star of the Week back on September 17th. In his first four games during the month, Callan only allowed two goals. “Aaron played really well during the month. He was big reason we started undefeated. He has been our best player so far this year. He competes all the time, not just in games. He controls his rebounds very well and he is giving our team a chance to win and coming up with a big save when needed,” said Toledo head coach Kenny Miller.
Runner-Up (tie): Sam Goetsch, Granite City Lumberjacks & Grant Martens, Helena Bighorns
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Geloneck, Souther Tier Xpress – Billy Hindle, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Chris Johansen, Wisconsin Whalers – Brandon Kruger, Cincinnati Swords - Ross Lipic, Peoria Mustangs – Brett Malkmus, Topeka Capitals – Dakota McDonald, Breezy Point North Stars – Cooper Seedot, Point Mallard Ducks – Cole Semchak, Billings Bulls – Jacob Stack, Pittsburgh Vengeance - Chance Turner, Dallas Jr. Stars – Hunter Vorva, West Michigan Wolves
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 Vaughn
Vaughn is the official Goaltending Equipment Partner to the NAHL and serves as the Preferred Goaltending Equipment Supplier of the NA3HL and NAPHL. Founded in 1982, Vaughn became one of the first major hockey production companies to use multiple foam layers in equipment. As strictly a goalie equipment company, the main focus for Vaughn is the innovation and quality of their product. Visit Vaughn online at: www.vaughnhockey.com
