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Joel Anderson Wausau Cyclones

As an ’07 rookie, Wausau’s Joel Anderson has quickly emerged as a major contributor from the blue line, leading all Cyclones defensemen in scoring. After putting up 10 points in November, he carried that momentum into December with another strong month, adding 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) to push his season total to 27 points in 29 games.

Averaging 1.22 points per game, Anderson’s most impressive stretch, similar to Gruden, came on the league’s biggest stage at the NA3HL Showcase. With Wausau going 2-1, Anderson was a standout in all three outings, scoring in every game and finishing the event with five total points. His opening performance set the tone, powering the Cyclones to a commanding 6-0 win over the Buzz with back-to-back second period goals and an assist. He was the only player in the game to score multiple goals and finished with the highest point total of any Cyclones skater that day.

One of just three ’07 defensemen in the league with 25+ points this season, Anderson’s transition to junior hockey has been smooth. His immediate impact is even more notable given the strength of the Central Division, and his consistent production continues to elevate Wausau’s blue line each night.

When asked about Anderson’s month, Head Coach Nathan Oystrick didn’t hesitate to highlight just how important the rookie defenseman has been to Wausau’s success: “Joel has been tremendous for us all season. He logs big minutes in every situation and quarterbacks our power play with confidence. He shows up every morning with a great attitude, ready to work and improve. His work ethic and positivity are infectious, and he is very deserving of this honor. We’re fortunate to have him in Wausau.”

Runner up: Tommy Perkins, Minnesota Wilderness

Gabe Otis Minnesota Moose

After being named runner up Goaltender of the Month in November, Gabe Otis made sure to claim the spotlight himself to close out 2025. As the backbone of the top team in the West Division, the second year netminder was unbeatable, starting five of the Moose’s seven December victories as the team finished the month with a perfect record.

The Lakeville, MN native was heavily tested throughout the stretch, facing 165 shots and turning aside 158 of them, allowing just seven goals all month. He finished December with an impressive 1.40 goals-against average and a stellar .958 save percentage, reaffirming his place among the league’s elite goaltenders.

Otis’ standout performance came on New Year’s Eve in a 1–0 thriller against the Minnesota Wilderness. He was dialed in from start to finish, stopping all 28 shots he faced to secure his third shutout of the season and preserve the Moose’s winning streak.

After helping lead the Moose to the postseason in their inaugural year, Otis has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the organization, continually elevating his game each season. His continued development has not gone unnoticed, resulting in an NAHL tender with the St. Cloud Norsemen for the 2026–27 campaign.

Otis’ dominance hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Moose coaching staff, and Head Coach Todd Sanden reflected on the qualities that have made him such a reliable presence in net: “Gabe has demonstrated an elite level of goaltending for the Moose. His work ethic and compete level set him apart from others at this level. His body of work has earned him a tender from the St. Cloud Norsemen.”

Runner up: Brady Faille, Wausau Cyclones

Owen Gruden Peoria Mustangs

The Peoria Mustangs turned in their strongest stretch of the season in December, winning all five of their matchups, and rookie forward Owen Gruden was at the center of it. As the team’s second leading scorer, the Pekin, IL native delivered a breakout month, averaging 3.2 points per game with 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists).

Gruden rose to the occasion on the biggest stage of the year at the NA3HL Showcase, piling up 11 points across the three game event. His standout performance of not only the event but the season came against the Atlanta Capitals, where he recorded a five point night that included his first junior hat trick and two assists.

Gruden’s consistency continues to stand out. He enters the new year on an 11-game point streak, with every appearance in December resulting in a multi-point effort. With 16 points added to his season totals, he now sits at 38 points in 29 games, firmly establishing himself as one of Peoria’s most impactful players.

His surge reflects more than just skill, something Head Coach Luke Gruden made clear when speaking on Luke’s approach and consistency: “Owen leads by example in everything he does. He takes care of the little details extremely well, and the more you watch him play, whether in games or in practice, the more you appreciate the complete player and person he is.”

Runner up: Denis Portnoy, Bayou State Rougarou