NA3HL Announces Monthly Player Awards for September

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its September Player of the Month awards. The Forward of the Month is Carson Joersz from the Yellowstone Quake. The Defenseman of the Month is Dayton Ruppel from the Louisiana Drillers. The Goaltender of the Month is Jacob Iallonardo from the West Bend Power.

 

Forward of the Month: Carson Joersz, Yellowstone Quake

Carson Joersz has continued to be an integral part of the Yellowstone Quake, now skating in his second season with the team. Last season he led the team in assists and was second in points scored for the Quake. The Mandan, North Dakota native has continued to make big plays for the team, helping them land at #10 on the first Tuesday Ten rankings of the year. 

Joersz went into detail about what this season has had in store for him so far. 

“I am truly grateful to have earned this honor. It has been a great season so far. Coming back to a familiar place has allowed me to hit the ground running. This award not only shows my accomplishments, but also how far this team has come. I would have not been able to do it without the support of my teammates and the entire organization.”

He appeared in four games during the first month of the season, and racked up an impressive 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) and averaged 3.0 points per game. His offensive prowess helped him boast multi point performances, including a five point game against the Gillette Wild. During that game on Sep. 19 he recorded three assists and added a pair of goals.

His performance that weekend allowed him to earn a Frontier Division Star of the Week honor. 

That game was the Quake’s last game in September, allowing Joersz to end the month on a high note. 

Quake head coach Gaetano Moirano talked more about Joersz’s impact on the team. 

“Carson is a one-of-a-kind and special player. As a 200ft defensive-minded playmaker and goal-scorer, he brings the entire package night in and night out. We are very proud to have him named Star of the Month. I really look forward to continuing to work with him and assisting him in getting to the school of his choice this year!”

 

Runner up: Braden Bates, Louisiana Drillers

 

Defenseman of the Month: Dayton Ruppel, Louisiana Drillers

Dayton Ruppel has continued to be a machine on the blue line for the Louisiana Drillers. Now in his third season with the team, the Lockport, New York native has once again been named Star of the Month. 

In just nine games, he’s racked up 21 points, and leads the league in scoring defenseman. He averaged 2.33 points per game in September. 

Ruppel talked about what it means to earn this award and to be a part of the Drillers. 

“I’m grateful to be selected for this award. I couldn’t have earned this without my teammates pushing me every day and my coaches trusting me and helping me to improve. I’m proud to be a part of this team, and I’m excited to keep contributing to our success.”

He suited up in all nine games of the Driller season so far. Some of his more notable performances from September include games from a series against the Bayou State Rougarou. On both Sep. 11 and 13, he put five points on the scoreboard in both games. He continues to find opportunities for his teammates on the ice, as he leads the entire league in assists scored so far. 

Ruppel’s rise is a clear example of the development path within the NAHL family of leagues. After finishing his youth hockey career in the T1ER League with the Philadelphia Little Flyers, he has continued to elevate his game at the junior level with the Drillers. 

Head coach Chris Francis acknowledged his veteran presence on the team and how valuable he is on the ice. 

“Dayton Ruppel has been a steady presence for us since his rookie season. He plays with confidence, takes pride in defending, contributes offensively, and leads by example every time he steps on the ice. As a veteran, he sets the standard for our younger players, and he’s earned this recognition.”

 

Runner Up: James Steinberg, Long Beach Sharks

 

Goaltender of the Month: Jacob Iallonardo, West Bend Power

Jacob Iallonardo, a newcomer for the West Bend Power, has established himself as the go-to goaltender for this team. 

September has proven to be a standout month for Iallonardo. He boasted a 3-0-0-1 record between the pipes. His defensive presence has helped the Power land at #3 on the Tuesday Ten rankings. 

Iallonardo highlighted what it means to earn this award.

“This award means a lot to me and I’m extremely grateful to receive it! I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, and family for always supporting me and believing in me. Without any of you, none of this would be possible. I know there’s still a lot more to work for. It’s only uphill from here!”

The Esko, Minnesota native turned away 117 out of 126 shots for a .929 save percentage during the month of September. He recorded a shutout against the Peoria Mustangs on Sep. 19, stopping all 31 shots on goal. 

The 5-foot-11 goaltender is ranked 5th in the league among goalies in goals against average with 2.13. 

Head coach of the Power, Jason Woods, shared why it’s so great to see Iallonardo be rewarded for his hard work. 

“Jacob has come to West Bend and led our team in the net. He is the first player to the rink every day and brings a positivity and work hard attitude that is infectious. Add to his skill with the person he is and it’s clear we are lucky to have Jacob!”

 

Runner up: JD Stevens, Great Falls Americans