NA3EHL announces monthly player awards for January
The North American 3 Eastern Hockey League (NA3EHL) has announced its monthly player awards for the month of January. The Easton Hockey NA3EHL Forward of the Month is Dominick Sacco of the New York Aviators. The Easton Hockey NA3EHL Defenseman of the Month is Eric Szeker of the Cape Cod Islanders. The Vaughn NA3EHL Goaltender of the Month is Steven Schmitt of the Cape Cod Islanders. Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NA3EHL monthly awards.
Easton Hockey NA3EHL Forward of the Month: Dominick Sacco, New York Aviators
The addition of veteran forward Dominick Sacco has paid immediate dividends for the New York Aviators. The 20-year-old native of Brooklyn, New York, joinded the Aviators after the New Year and has totally dominant in the NA3EHL. Having played the better part of the previous four seasons in the USHL, where he appeared in 161 career games and recorded 63 career points, Sacco (5’9/160) has instantly made the Aviators contenders as evidenced by his 21 points in just six games in January. Sacco recorded multi-point games in all six outings and had 12 goals, 9 assists and a +20 rating. He was named the West Division Star of the Week on January 19th and two five-point games. “We are very proud of the impact that Dominick has made since he joined our team. He is not only a great player on the ice, he is an outstanding teammate. He is the type of player that puts his team ahead of his own personal success,” said Aviators head coach Mike Stanaway.
Runner-Up: Anthony DePetres, Roc City Royals
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cory Decosta, Skylands Kings – Chris Gasiewicz, Lockport Express – Bogdan Khvatov, Jersey Shore Wildcats – Arya Saliany, New England Stars – Mason Smith, East Coast Minutemen – Hunter Soden, Syracuse Stampede
Easton Hockey NA3EHL Defenseman of the Month: Eric Szeker, Cape Cod Islanders
Thanks to a 7-1 record in the month of January, the Cape Cod Islanders have taken control of the East Division and appear to be on their way to a regular season title. Defenseman Eriz Szeker was a big contributor as the native of Allentown, New Jersey had 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists) in the month of January. Szeker (6’1/195) also had a memorable month because of his NCAA commitment to St. Olaf College. The 20-year-old Szeker recorded a point in all eight games in January as enters February riding an 11-game point streak. He also played on the NA3EHL East Division prospects team that played at the NA3HL Showcase in December. “Eric had an excellent month of January. In addition to committing to St. Olaf College (NCAA DIII), he is currently riding an 11-game point streak. His offensive capabilities combined with his hockey IQ and strong defensive play make him a force on the ice. Eric is a natural leader who sets the tone for our entire program. In the words of Dan Hodge, Eric has set the standard that all future Islanders will be evaluated by,” said Islanders head coach Jay Punsky.
Runner-Up: Hunter McTague, New England Stars
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jon MacDonald, East Coast Minutemen – Raymond Rowe, Syracuse Stampede – Matt Sinatra, Skylands Kings – Gibson Stuart, Lockport Express – Alex Tan, Jersey Shore Wildcats
Vaughn NA3EHL Goaltender of the Month: Steven Schmitt, Cape Cod Islanders
The addition of goalie Steven Schmitt, 19, to an already deep Cape Cod goaltending line-up is another reason the team is in 1st place in the East Division. The native of Providence, Rhode Island began the season playing in the NA3HL with the Wooster Oilers, but after the New Year, joined the Islanders and had a tremendous month of January. Schmitt (6’2/220) posted a perfect 3-0 record in January, facing 87 shots and allowing just four goals in the three games. That included a 24-save shutout of Northeast on January 22nd and 42 saves in a 5-3 win over Lockport at the NA3EHL Showcase on January 29th. “Steven joined the team after the Christmas break and has been a tremendous addition to our goaltending staff. In three games played he has posted 3 wins with one shutout. Steven is a big, technically sound butterfly goaltender. We are lucky to have a group of goalies who give us a chance to win on any given night,” said Islanders head coach Jay Punsky.
Runner-Up: Scott Albertoni, Jersey Shore Wildcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Aidan Critchlow, East Coast Minutemen – Brandon Daigle, Maine Wild - Devyn Levesque, New England Stars – Kyle VanWagner, Syracuse Stampede
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, NA3EHL 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
