Eastvale native, California youth hockey grad Barnes earns monthly Hockey East accolades starring for Boston College

Boston College women’s hockey senior Cayla Barnes has been named the Hockey East Defender of the Month.

Barnes totaled six points in the month of January, scoring two goals and adding four assists, while blocking 12 shots, recording 25 shots on goal and putting up a plus-7 rating.

Barnes finished second among defenders in scoring while tying for the lead in plus-minus rating.

The captain’s 25 shots on goal in the month was good for 10th overall and led all blue liners. The Eastvale native helped the BC defense post two shutouts while helping the penalty kill unit to a 90.5 percent success rate.

Barnes, who was named the Hockey East Defender of the Week on Jan. 9, is currently riding a four-game point streak.

This is the first career Defender of the Month honor for Barnes.

During her youth hockey days, Barnes for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, Anaheim Lady Ducks, Stars, Selects, and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

-- Hockey East

Las Vegas native, Jr. Golden Knights alum Mensch tabbed EHL Star of the Month

The EHL has announced that New England Wolves forward Heath Mensch is one of the January Stars of the Month.

Mensch and the Wolves returned well-rested from the holiday break, posting a record of 5-1-2 over the course of their eight games throughout the month of January. The 12 total points helped them maintain their spot in what looks like it will be a race between them and the Seacoast Spartans for the No. 2 seed in the North Division Playoffs.

As for the 2003-born native of Las Vegas, the lethal scorer continued along in his impressive inaugural campaign in the EHL. Mensch averaged two points a game, by tallying four goals and 10 assists in seven total contests.

For the season, Mensch now has 51 total points (20 goals, 31 assists), which ranks him fourth overall on the league’s scoring charts.

Back home, Mensch spent time with the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights.

-- EHL Staff

Las Vegas native and Jr. Golden Knights product Heath Mensch made the jump to the EHL this season with the New England Wolves and has been finding success at every turn playing out east. Photo/Rob Rasmussen