NA3HL Announces Monthly Player Awards for October

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its October Player of the Month awards. The Forward of the Month is Dayton Niedert from the Badlands Sabres. The Defenseman of the Month is Grant Harder from the North Iowa Bulls. The Goaltender of the Month is Zach Price from the Granite City Lumberjacks.

 

Forward of the Month: Dayton Niedert, Badlands Sabres

Dayton Niedert, recently awarded with Week 8 Star of the Week, has also earned the Forward of the Month award. Currently leading the Badlands Sabres in goals and points scored, Niedert has been a crucial part of this team’s offensive efforts for the season so far. He laced up for eleven games in the month of October. During those he recorded 15 assists and scored 13 goals.

Niedert talked about what it means to have earned this award. 

“I’m very honored to have earned this award. There’s a lot of talented forwards in this league, so getting this award means a lot. I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this award without my teammates, coaches, and a great organization behind me. I’m excited for the rest of the year.”

The Waterloo, Iowa native currently sits at the number 1 spot in the league among skaters for points and goals scored during the season so far. Currently, he has 37 points consisting of 18 goals and 19 assists. He recently recorded a five point game against the Yellowstone Quake on Oct. 23, when he scored two goals and three assists. His efforts have helped the Sabres climb the rankings of both the Frontier division and the league. As an ‘06, this will be his age out season, and his second season with the Sabres. 

Sabres head coach Brooks Mitzel talked about what it means to see Niedert receive this award. 

“I’m super excited for Dayton to be recognized as player of the month. He has earned it every step of the way. It is really impressive to see what he is doing for our team. His consistency has been a major role in our team’s success. The amount of work that he has put into his game has definitely shown, and he is only going to get better as the year goes on.”

 

Runner up: Jacob Landry, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

 

Defenseman of the Month: Grant Harder, North Iowa Bulls

Grant Harder continues to dominate in the defenseman category. In just nine games during the month of October, he racked up 14 points. With six goals and 18 assists, he was named Defenseman of the Month. All six of his goals were scored on power plays, proving his knack for capitalizing on opportunities. 

Grant talked about what it means to earn this award.

“It’s an honor to be named Defenseman of the Month. I want to give credit to my teammates and my coaches. Without them none of this is possible. We have a great team culture here and it makes coming to the rink and putting in the work very easy. I think it shows how having good team success can lead to individual success, and we are going to keep that going.”

He currently leads his team in points scored on the season as a whole with 21. Grant wore the Mason City jersey for two seasons before they made the name switch to the North Iowa Bulls. As a veteran of the program, he’s continuously made big impacts on the program. Early in his hockey career he was a US Highschool Nationals T1ER II Champion and an Iowa State Champion. 

Head coach of the North Iowa Bulls, Alex North, talked about how Harder recently broke a franchise record during his 100th game. 

“Grant has earned this recognition through the work he puts in every single day. He’s a player who leads by example, competes hard, and continues to find ways to make an impact on our team. To break the franchise goal-scoring record in his 100th game is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the commitment he’s made to this program. I’m proud of the player and teammate he’s become.”

 

Runner Up: Joel Anderson, Wausau Cyclones

 

Goaltender of the Month: Zach Price, Granite City Lumberjacks

Zach Price continues to remain undefeated this season so far. Boasting a record of 7-0 during the month of October, his efforts continue to positively impact the Granite City Lumberjacks. His save percentage during the month was .930%, as he stopped 171 out of the 184 shots he faced. Two of his wins were shootouts, proving his ability to remain tall in between the pipes under pressure. 

Price talked about his experiences playing for the Granite City organization. 

“It means a lot for me to receive the Goaltender of the Month award. The success I’ve had has a lot to do with my teammates and coaches pushing me to be better everyday during practice. My game has grown in so many ways while playing for this great organization and they’ve made me feel like family since I’ve been here.”

The Chanhassen, Minnesota natives boasts eight wins during the entire season so far. The 6-foot goaltender is ranked 6th in the league among goalies in goals against average with 1.82. 

Head coach of the Lumberjacks, DJ Vold, talked about Price’s hard work and what it means to see him get this recognition. 

“As a coach it’s awesome to see guys who have put in the work get rewarded for it. Price has been a stable source of consistency for our team so far this year. He sums up what it means to be a Lumberjack and we are lucky to have him.”

 

Runner up: Drake England, Pelham Prowlers