Players of the Month
Goalie of the Month: TJ Wonnacott - Sheridan Hawks
The Sheridan Hawks have been trending upward, and veteran netminder TJ Wonnacott has been a major factor in their success between the pipes. The Lake City, CO native appeared in five games during October, posting a stellar 4-1 record while turning aside 125 of 131 shots faced. That performance translated to an impressive .955 save percentage and a 1.20 goals-against average for the month.
Wonnacott’s standout moment came during a Halloween matchup against Bozeman, where he delivered his first shutout of the season. The Icedogs peppered him with 23 shots, including eight while the Hawks were shorthanded, but Wonnacott stood tall to secure the win and cap off a strong month.
Those four victories lifted Wonnacott to a 6-2-0-1 record, cementing his spot among the league’s top goalies and showing no signs of slowing down.
A big part of Sheridan’s recent success has come from the crease out, and Head Coach JJ Santagata was quick to credit his goaltender: “We’re super proud of TJ and his recognition of goaltender of the month. A lot of our team success comes from a crease out, more than a few wins this month TJ played a big part in those games. Being able to bail us out when we need him most, make big saves when we’re on the kill. He’s an extremely focused, detail oriented goalie that gives myself and our team a sense of relief each night. He’s an unreal kid that has worked diligently to earn this recognition!”
Runner up: Josh Middleton, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Forward of the Month: Wyatt Mineheine - Texas RoadRunners
Second-year forward and the NA3HL’s current scoring leader, Wyatt Mineheine put together a sensational month of October. The Proctor, MN native averaged just over five points per game as the RoadRunners rolled to a perfect 10-0 record. Mineheine racked up 51 points in 10 games, highlighted by an impressive 28 goals during that stretch.
He found the back of the net with ease, stacking up five hat tricks and two four-goal performances, including three straight hat tricks to close out the month. Beyond his dominance at even strength, Mineheine was a force on special teams as well, tallying four power-play goals and 12 power-play assists, along with three shorthanded goals and three shorthanded helpers. In total, 22 of his 51 points came while shorthanded or on the man-advantage.
As his production continues to climb, so do expectations. Head Coach Mike Beavis shared these thoughts about his season so far: “Wyatt has been on point all season long, he is on pace for a fantastic season and will be turning lots of heads this year. Honestly, as an ’06, seeing him get a shot in the NAHL this year wouldn’t shock me at all.”
Runner up: Vincent Leaf, Sheridan Hawks
Defenseman of the Month: Coltin Wassengeso - Granite City Lumberjacks
As the Lumberjacks’ top-scoring defenseman, veteran blueliner Coltin Wassengeso has taken big steps from his first to second season with Granite City. In just 12 games this year, the Chaska, MN native sits one point shy of surpassing last season’s total, thanks in large part to a standout October.
In eight games last month, Wassengeso averaged 1.63 points per game, posting 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists). His first goal of the season, and of the month, was a memorable one, banking home the overtime winner to keep the Lumberjacks’ perfect record intact after a 4-3 victory over Mason City. October also featured a one-goal, one-assist game in which his goal came on the power play, and he added a power-play assist on the game-winning goal.
Over half of his points came on special teams, including five power-play assists and one shorthanded helper, highlighting his ability to make an impact in every part of the game.
Coltin’s impact goes beyond the scoresheet, shaping the team with his leadership and consistency. Head Coach DJ Vold stated: “Coltin has been a staple of consistency for us on D this year. He’s been a good leader by example and even better in the locker room. We hope he continues to find similar success throughout the year as he will be someone we lean on in important situations.”
Runner up: James Parnell, Carolina Rage
Forward of the Month: Lex Steckelberg - Bozeman Icedogs
The Bozeman Icedogs have stormed out of the gate with a 6-1 record in September, thanks in large part to the play of third-year forward Lex Steckelberg. Steckelberg leads the team in scoring and is averaging an impressive 2.29 points per game through seven contests, racking up 16 points (10 goals, 6 assists). He’s made a big impact on special teams, scoring four power-play goals and one shorthanded marker, while his ability to light up the scoreboard is highlighted by three hat tricks, including two five-point performances. Steckelberg has registered points in five of seven games, cementing himself as a driving force behind Bozeman’s early offensive success. This isn’t the first time Steckelberg has drawn league attention, as he was named Frontier Division Star of the Week following the second week of the season and recently earned 2nd Star of the Week honors.
Head Coach Mike Perkins highlighted Steckelberg’s role in the team’s early success, noting: “Lex has had a great start to the season and this honor is well deserved. He’s been working hard every day, and the results speak for themselves. We’re proud of him, and above all, he’s helping our team win games.”
Runner up: Vincent Leaf, Sheridan Hawks
Defenseman of the Month: Brody Josselyn - West Bend Power
A second-year defenseman for the Power, Brody Josselyn has picked up right where he left off after finishing as the second-highest scoring blueliner last season for West Bend. Even in just four games this season, the Rochester, MN native has already established himself as one of the league’s top defensemen, averaging an impressive two points per game with eight points (5 goals, 3 assists). Josselyn has found the scoresheet in every contest so far, scoring in three straight games, including back-to-back two-goal performances, both featuring game-winning goals, while also converting three power-play tallies. His back-to-back 2nd Central Division Star of the Week honors are a testament to his outstanding start, leading to this well-earned monthly award.
When it comes to delivering in crucial situations, Josselyn has stood out, and Head Coach Jason Woods highlighted his contributions: “Brody’s ability and consistency in making key plays at key moments is his calling card. The bigger the moment, the bigger the stage, it’s typically players of Brody’s nature that finish the job. Without question, you saw that in his game in September. His patience and execution with the puck makes everyone’s job easier.”
Runner up: Dayton Ruppel, Louisiana Drillers
Goalie of the Month: Jack Ryan - Bozeman Icedogs
Teammate Lex Steckelberg isn’t the only standout for the Icedogs, as Bozeman’s defensive backbone has unquestionably been goaltender Jack Ryan. The second-year netminder turned in a stellar month, posting a 5-1 record and capping off September with a remarkable 46-save shutout against the Gillette Wild. Over the course of the month, Ryan faced a steady stream of 214 shots, stopping 205 for an impressive .958 save percentage and maintaining a goals-against average of just 1.5. Averaging 35 shots per game, he was consistently tested, proving to be a steady and reliable presence between the pipes. With five wins already this month, Ryan has already matched his total victories from all of last season, signaling significant growth and a strong leap from his rookie campaign.
Reflecting on Ryan’s impact both on and off the ice, Head Coach Mike Perkins shared: “Jack has been outstanding to start the year, and this recognition is well deserved. He’s been a rock for us in net, but what makes him special is the way he carries himself in the locker room and as a teammate. We’re proud of how he’s playing, and more importantly, how he’s helping our group succeed.”
Runner up: Gavin Erickson, Texas Brahmas
