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 Luca Valenza of the Sugar Land Imperials. The Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month is Tom Lindgren of the North Iowa Bulls. The Vaughn NA3HL Goaltender of the Month is Zach Young from the St. Louis Jr. Blues. Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NA3HL monthly awards.
Easton Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month: Luca Valenza, Sugar Land Imperials
It was a banner month for Sugar Land forwar Luca Valenza. The native of Lausanne, Switzerland, had 11 points in five games played as the Imperials put together a 4-1-0 start in the South Division. During that time, Valenza (5’11/170) was also named the South Division Star of the Week by the NA3HL. Valenza, 18, recorded seven goals during the month and was a +7, with one game-winning goal. He recorded a point in all five games and had four multi-point games. “Luca arrived in Sugar Land in great shape. I'm not surprised to see him dominate early in the season. He is not only talented but has a great attitude and work ethic. I suspect his best hockey is yet to come,” said Sugar Land head coach Jarod Palmer.
Runner-Up: David Min, North Iowa Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Levi Armstrong, Peoria Mustangs – Lucas Carroll, Granite City Lumberjacks – Joe Costello, Twin City Steel – Mason Graves, Billings Bulls – Ben Henderson, La Crosse Freeze – Peter Henderson, Wisconsin Whalers – Tyler Houmard, Wooster Oilers – Albert Janele, Cincinnati Thunder – Alex King, Gillette Wild – Josh Laven, Breezy Point North Stars – Zach Mitchell, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Auston Palumbo, Pittsburgh Vengeance – Michael Tratar, Metro Jets
Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month: Tom Lindgren, North Iowa Bulls
Veteran North Iowa Bulls defenseman Tom Lindgren, 20, has picked up right where he left off last season’s National Championship team. The native of Janesville, WI, had a great month of September, where he was a factor at both ends of the ice. Lindgren (6’0/180) played in four games and had five points. He was also an outstanding +11 during the month. Lindgren’s performance included two multi-point games and one game-winning goal. Last season, Lindgren had seven points in 34 games played with the Bulls. "Tom has had a great start to this season and we expect him to contribute on both sides of the play with consistent defensive play while chipping in on the offensive side as well,” said North Iowa head coach Todd Sanden.
Runner-Up: Jared Bromberg, La Crosse Freeze
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Justin Bioni, Cincinnati Thunder – Marc Candotti, Peoria Mustangs – Luke Erickson, Billings Bulls – Tristan Leberknight, Gillette Wild – Tyler Mros, Granite City Lumberjacks – Adam Schaffer, Pittsburgh Vengeance – Hayden Smer, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Sean Viti, Breezy Point North Stars – Caleb Vosters, Wisconsin Whalers – Trevor Wolf, Sugar Land Imperials - Trevor Woytcke, Twin City Steel
Vaughn NA3HL Goaltender of the Month: Zach Young, St. Louis Jr. Blues
St. Louis Jr. Blues goalie Zach Young, 18, went a perfect 4-0-0 in the month of September, helping the Jr. Blues into 1st place in the Midwest Division. The native of Robertsville, MO, posted a 1.50 goals against average and a 94.7% save percentage during the month as he allowed just six goals on 114 shots. Young (5’10/170) never have up more than two goals and three of the four wins were on the road. He made 30+ saves in wins in Nashville and Peoria. For the past three seasons, Young has played with the St. Louis Selects in the NAPHL. “From the first day of the season, Zach has come in and impressed the coaching staff. He battles and competes every time he's in the net. He is always in position and our record reflects his play in goal,” said St. Louis head coach Chris Flaugher.
Runner-Up: Trevor Kalinowski, Metro Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tommi Ahlgren, North Iowa Bulls – Brandon Brown, Billings Bulls – Daniel Dolliver, Cincinnati Thunder – Alex Feese, Gillette Wild – Robbie Goor, Granite City Lumberjacks – Gunnar Howg, Twin City Steel – Kevin Mackey, Sugar Land Imperials – Evan Moyse, Wisconsin Whalers – Wes Paupore, Breezy Point North Stars – Nic Piech, Peoria Mustangs – Jacob Stack, Pittsburgh Vengeance – Andrew Wagner, La Crosse Freeze
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.eastonhockey.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
