HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF: Gilroy native, Los Angeles Jr. Kings grad named NHL Rookie of the Month for January
Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, who led all rookies with seven wins in 10 games (7-3-0, 2.32 GAA, .922 SV%), has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for January.
Wolf edged Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Meriläinen (5-2-1, 2.02 GAA, .928 SV%, 2 SO), Montreal Canadiens teammates Jakub Dobes (4-1-1, 2.43 GAA, .912 SV%) and Lane Hutson (1-12—13 in 14 GP), and Detroit Red Wings center Marco Kasper (7-5—12 in 14 GP) for the honor.
“When he is on, he beats the play a lot so he’s in position and he makes hard saves look relatively easy,” Flames coach Ryan Huska told NHL. com. “Then it’s the rebound control. He seems to know where he’s putting them when he’s on. But I think his biggest strength is how he reads the play. He arrives, a lot of times, on his feet, when most goaltenders would be sliding over to make a save.”
Wolf, who also topped January rookie netminders in games played (10), saves (270) and shots against (293), became the second rookie goaltender in Flames history to win at
least seven contests in a single calendar month. The other: Mike Vernon, in both November 1986 (9-3-0, 3.09 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO in 12 GP) and December 1986 (7-3-1, 3.16 GAA, .900 SV% in 11 GP).
Wolf yielded two or fewer goals in six of his 10 starts and made at least 25 saves six times – highlighted by a season-high 38 stops in a 3-1 victory over the league-leading Winnipeg Jets Jan. 18.
Four of his seven wins came on the road (4-1-0, 2.59 GAA, .911 SV%).
The 23-year-old Wolf, a seventhround pick (214th overall) from the 2019 NHL Draft, paces NHL rookies and shares eighth place in the entire League (rookies and veterans) with 19 wins through 29 total appearances this season (19-8-2, 2.51 GAA, .917 SV%, 2 SO).
The Gilroy native, one of five California-born goaltenders in NHL history, also tops 2024-25 rookie netminders in games played (29), saves (802), shots against (875), shutouts (tied for second) and assists/points (3).
Back home, Wolf played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
Calgary Flames rookie goalie Dustin Wolf collected seven wins over 10 games in January, leading all rookies in that category. Photo/NHL PR
RUBBER HOCKEY
Parker native, Castle View High standout Krikke commits to Grand Canyon for next stop in hockey, school
Kaleigh Krikke has improved each season of her career playing youth hockey in Colorado.
Next season, the Parker native will head to Arizona to start her college hockey career at Grand Canyon University.
“GCU was always one of my top choices because I loved the campus and atmosphere when I visited my junior year,” Krikke said. “I started talking to the coach this year and really liked his philosophy and how he was trying to rebuild the team. He coached the boys program there for a few years and took over the girls program this year.
“I really like the hockey program and the structure of practices and
Kaleigh Krikke is starring this season for Castle View High School and will play college hockey in 2025-26. Photo/@hockeyography
off-ice training. I was able to meet the girls on the team and they were so inviting and all seem so close and supportive. I also like the school’s academic programming and the Christian perspective of the university.”
Krikke added that choosing a school regardless of the hockey program has always been a priority.
“I wanted a strong school with a great atmosphere that fits my beliefs,” said Krikke. “The hockey program and opportunities they have for their athletes is just a huge bonus.”
California natives, Smoke Eaters teammates Stefanek, Kim earn monthly honors from BCHL
The BCHL has announced its 3 Stars of the Month, highlighted by a pair of California natives.
2nd Star – Jason Stefanek (F) –Trail Smoke Eaters
Stefanek finished January with five goals, 10 helpers and 15 points in six games, ranking second in both assists and points during the month.
The Yorba Linda native had a point in all six January games, all but one being a multipoint effort. His most notable performance came in a Jan. 4 game against the Penticton Vees where he was in on all three of his team’s goals, with two tallies and an assist, including the overtime winner, in a 3-2 victory in extra time.
Stefanek is the Smokies leading scorer and has climbed into a tie for eighth overall in BCHL scoring with 45 points in 38 games.
In California, Stefanek starred for
the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and PlacentiaYorba Linda USD in the high school ranks.
3rd Star – Christian Kim (F) –Trail Smoke Eaters
Kim averaged over two points per game in January, finishing the month with 13 in six games on six goals and seven assists.
The third-year BCHL veteran had a point in every game during the month and produced multiple points in fix of six contests. He notched a pair of goals in a Jan. 11 win against the Okotoks Oilers, then produced goal and two assists on two separate occasions, a Jan. 24 win over the Sherwood Park Crusaders and victory against the Cranbrook Bucks on the final day of the month.
Kim, a Torrance native, currently sits in 10th in league scoring with 41 points in 38 games.
Back home, Kim skated for the Jr. Ducks and Orange Lutheran High School.
Jason Stefanek
Christian Kim
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Words from the publisher...
Crunch time.
It’s that time.
Teams at all levels are preparing for the stretch drive of their respective seasons as we get into playoffs and the postseason.
It’s probably the most exciting time of any hockey season.
As teams have practiced, developed and improved, both on and off the ice, all that hard work is about to pay off in a big way.
Now, not all teams can call themselves champions at the end of the season, but each and every one of those players can say they
Matt
Mackinder
played like one if they put in the work and strived to get 1% better each day. Hockey is a sport that can be humbling at times, but more often than not, it’s the relationships that the players and families make with one another, especially in youth hockey, that make all the hours in the car and at rinks worth every second.
And if your player advances to a higher level, that’s the proverbial icing on the
cake.
We’re going through that right now with my son, a high school senior, who took his game on the bowl-
ing lanes to another level this season and is talking to several colleges. The fact he has an exceptional GPA helps, too, so we’ll see.
Here with Rubber, we’re humming along and are thrilled to put out another digital edition this month.
We’ve also got some great
stories in the hopper that we can’t wait to share soon on our websites, social media pages, and right here in this space.
It’s what we do, and it’s going on 19 years now.
Yeah, time flies when you’re having a blast.
Contact me any time at (248) 890-3944 (call/text) or shoot me an email at mackindermedia@yahoo. com to discuss potential advertising and publishing partnerships within these pages and online.
Have a great rest of your February and we’ll see you back here in a month. -- Matt
Strong ’24-25 season with Rampage leads Highlands Ranch native Joramo to NAHL tender with Ice Wolves
Cayden Joramo is taking his game to the Land of Enchantment.
The Highlands Ranch native recently signed an NAHL tender agreement with the New Mexico Ice Wolves.
“The opportunity arose with New Mexico with playing well,” Joramo said. “I started the year off strong and just kept to it, especially at big tournaments such as Tier 1 Elite and big in-state games. From there, it was the help of my coach and my game play which evidently helped me tender with New Mexico.
“New Mexico appeals to me as a top program in the NAHL. With their amazing facilities that are at their players’ expense to help their on- and off-ice abilities, to their great coaching staff and ownership, they are all about the players and the develop-
Cayden Joramo has parlayed a stellar 2024-25 season with the Colorado Rampage into a shot to play in the NAHL. Photo/ Sam Beveridge
ment of anyone who goes through their program. Choosing New Mexico was an easy decision as it felt like home. The NAHL is a fantastic
Staying in Colorado for junior hockey with NAHL’s Grit ‘an amazing experience’ for Arvada native Poirier
When one door closes, the next one that opens is usually one of greater opportunity.
George Poirier experienced this at the beginning of the 202324 season and is now on the verge of playing 100 games in the NAHL with the Colorado Grit.
To make the 2024-25 season even sweeter, Poirier has also been named to the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, an annual event that goes down next week in Plymouth, Mich.
“My opportunity to sign with the Grit came at the (NAHL) showcase last year,” said Poirier, an Arvada native. “I was released from a team in the AJHL right after camp.
there.
“Playing close to home is an amazing experience. It’s not too close, so I still get the billeting and junior experience, but it’s close enough to be able to go home on weekends or days off. My parents are also able to attend almost every game, which is amazing, too.”
George Poirier makes a play for the NAHL’s Colorado Grit.
Photo/Kristy Lourance
I was looking for a team to play for and the Grit needed some help on forward. I called David Clarkson and we made the signing happen from
Poirier said the game of hockey has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.
“I started playing hockey when I was four,” he said. “My parents had played and were looking for a sport for me. I just fell in love with the game and will continue playing as long as I can.”
For more, visit CORubberHockey.com and ColoradoHockey.net!
league. They are a high competition league that will move their players on to that next level, whether it’s college at the NCAA Division I or Division
III level to pro. It’s what helped make my decision to tender in the NAHL.”
Joramo said that the 2024-25 season with the Colorado Rampage 18U AAA team has been “extremely crucial towards my development.”
“Playing AA until I was 16, I was always told that I was a late bloomer,” Joramo said. “When I decided to take my next step in my career, there wasn’t a better place closer to home than the Colorado Rampage. With my first year at the Rampage for the ’23-24 season, I had a lot to learn and fast. Then coming back for my second year of 18s this year, I knew it was the right decision.”
For more, visit CORubberHockey.com and ColoradoHockey.net!
Eastern Hockey League announces Tier II status
The Eastern Hockey League (EHL) is proud to announce its re-classification as a Tier II junior hockey league. For over a decade, the EHL has strived and succeeded in developing, promoting, and advancing our players to NCAA Division II and III programs. Having mastered the process with over 1900 players taking their next respective steps by committing to NCAA programs, the EHL is ready to take its next step: becoming the top Tier II junior hockey league on the east coast. Our teams have set a standard throughout each season, and now it’s time to raise them even higher.
The EHL will work to be the best Tier II option in junior hockey, continuing to put our players needs at the forefront. Without a draft selection process our players are free to play for the team that fits them best, because the EHL is Where Players
Come First.
Without question, the junior hockey landscape is ever-changing, and that was especially the case in 2024. With change comes the need to adapt, and it is the belief of the EHL and its member organizations that the league is stronger than ever and is prepared to elevate itself even further.
“Highlighted by the NCAA granting CHL players the opportunity to commit to Division I programs, 2024 was undoubtedly as unique a year as the junior hockey world has ever seen,” said Neil Ravin, the Commissioner of the EHL. “We [the EHL] have always
focused solely on who we are, and by re-classifying ourselves, we are in a stronger position to deliver on what our identity has always been: placing players into college and providing them with the best opportunities available.”
“We’ve always viewed the USHL as a ‘Major Junior’ level league, the NAHL as a Tier I league, and ourselves as a Tier II league. Now we’re just making it official, ” continued Ravin. “We know there may be questions and we look forward to answering them by showing why the EHL is Tier II junior hockey.” With our reclassification as Tier II,
Liam Lane is stopping pucks in ‘24-25 for the EHL’s New York Apple Core. Photo/ Edward Jacobs
the EHL will be raising its standards in an effort to elevate our league even higher. Our programs have always been focused on providing an abundance of resources to all of our players to develop their game, and now, we raise the bar.
All EHL teams will hit the ice for 50 regular season games in the 202526 season, including the new ‘Crossover Series.’ Similar to other junior leagues, our previous schedules have been division-balanced based on the different regions our footprint covers. While that will continue to be the core of the 2025-26 schedule, the EHL will also be introducing our new ‘Crossover Series,’ which will feature matchups between the New England Conference and Mid-Atlantic Conference, outside of showcase play. -- EHL Staff Read the rest at
Mission Viejo native, Saints, Jr. Ducks, SMCHS alum
Devlin nabs NAHL Defenseman of the Month
The NAHL has announced that Anchorage Wolverines blueliner Brock Devlin is the Defenseman of the Month.
The Mission Viejo native led all defensemen in January with his 14 total points and 1.40 points per game. Devlin found the back of the net three times, added 11 assists, and sported a plus-seven rating over 10 games.
This award marks the second time this season the 2005 birth year has earned this honor. There has only been one month this season that the Dartmouth commit has not won the Defenseman of the Month award or was named the runner-up.
Devlin shares his thoughts on winning the honor and hopes for the rest of the season.
“I am very thankful to win Defenseman of the Month,” said Devlin. “It wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates and all the staff in
Anchorage. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people who push themselves and others to be their best every day. As a team, we are very confident that we can make it back to the Robertson Cup and ultimately win it all this year.”
Devlin has been dominant all season long. He leads the Wolverines and defensemen in the league with his 54 total points, 44 assists, 1.38 points per game, and five game-winning goals, and is tied first with his plus-26 rating. His offensive prowess has been felt on the ice for the Wolverines.
Back home, Devlin played for the San Diego Saints, Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
honors
Brock Devlin has been a rock on defense this season for the NAHL’s Anchorage Wolverines.
Photo/NAHL
Tommy Forgrave is making an impact this season in the NA3HL. Photo/darbys.athletic_eye
For
Thornton native, Thunderbirds, Jaguars alum Forgrave, jump to NA3HL’s Ice Bats a beneficial step in overall hockey development
Tommy Forgrave is enjoying his first season of junior hockey with the NA3HL’s Austin Ice Bats, a team located in Cedar Park, Tex.
Admittedly apprehensive at first playing for the Ice Bats, the Thornton native has found his groove and is one of the team’s more consistent players.
“I decided to sign with the Austin Ice Bats because my buddy signed with the Ice Bats and at first, I was very hesitant about joining because previous years they weren’t very successful,” said Forgrave. “However, I saw that they went through a rebrand and got a new coach, Westin Michaud (a former Colorado College player). After talking with Coach Michaud and my friend Noah Howden-Rich, I learned that the Ice Bats’ vision wasn’t just about having a successful team but a family where everyone pushes each other to become better, and that’s the type of environment I wanted to be a part of. I also felt that Coach Michaud had more of a personal style coaching, which appealed to me more because I could talk to him not only as my coach but someone I inspired to be like due to his prestigious background. Because of this, it was a no-brainer to come to Austin.
“The NA3HL offered me a unique opportunity to gain recognition by
Thunderbirds, Rampage, Hawks star, Parker native Schroder overcomes major injury, signs NAHL tender agreement with Ice Wolves
Dominic Schroder is hoping the second time is the charm when it comes to the NAHL.
Schroder made the roster of the Springfield Jr. Blues for the 2023-24 season before an ACL injury shelved him the rest of that season.
This year, Schroder is finding success with the Colorado Rampage 18U AAA team and recently signed an NAHL tender with the New Mexico Ice Wolves.
Coach (Brett) Clark has been amazing. He pushes me to be my best every ice session or workout.”
Growing up, Schroder got into hockey through his father Kristian Schroder, a Sweden native who played NCAA Division I hockey at Ferris State and now coaches youth hockey in Colorado.
the NAHL. Unlike other leagues, it provides a pathway to call-ups and exposure in places that other leagues can’t reach. My ultimate goal is to play NCAA Division I hockey and make it to the NAHL. By participating in the NA3HL, I have the perfect chance to showcase my skills and increase my chances of achieving that dream.”
Last season with the Colorado Thunderbirds’ 18U AAA team was the perfect segue to junior hockey, according to Forgrave.
“We had an amazing coach who put a lot of time and effort into making us better, and we had a great group of guys with great attitudes, leadership, and work ethic, on and off the ice,” Forgrave said. “Unfortunately, we could not win the state championship but at the end of the day, I still feel like I developed a ton from the atmosphere I was in last year. I feel like last year helped me gain more confidence with the puck and helped me realize how important it is to be consistent in order to develop and get noticed by higher levels.”
“The assistant coach Kyle McKenzie gave me a call while in Dallas saying he was interested in tendering me then it took off from there,” said Schroder, born in downtown Chicago and raised in Parker. “The league is very fond in moving players on to play college hockey. The team has all the resources I need to succeed, such as good facilities, good coaching, and as much ice time as I want.
“My injury was a huge setback in my career, but it built me up as a person and player. This season with
“I started playing with Littleton up until my 15s year with coach Cole Fletcher,” Schroder said. “Then I joined the Colorado Thunderbirds for two years before going to Springfield. Coaches Fletcher and Clark have been huge parts of my career and development.”
Moving forward, Schroder has his goals set high when it comes to hockey.
“My short-term goal for hockey is to go as far as I can with this Rampage 18U team in playoffs,” Schroder said. “Long term, I want to play NCAA Division I hockey in the next few years.”
Dominic Schroder looks for a play with the Colorado Rampage 18U AAA team during the 2024-25 season. Photo/Sam Beveridge
Evergreen native, Thunderbirds, RoughRiders alum Sandquist finding home
For Parker native, Arapahoe grad Mitchell, USPHL journey one of growth, development
in ’24-25 with NCDC’s Jr. Comets
Anderson Sandquist began the 2024-25 season playing junior hockey in Wisconsin but has since moved to New York to continue his season.
Sandquist, an Evergreen native, started with the NAHL’s Wisconsin Windigo. He is now starring for the NCDC’s Utica Jr. Comets.
“After some things didn’t work out in Wisconsin, I went home before my advisor got in contact with the Comets,” Sandquist said. “I was home for about 2-3 weeks before finding a team. Juniors is a stressful time, but you have to realize that you are wanted somewhere and it takes time to find that home.
last year with the Maine Nordiques and it’s quite different. The East Division that I’m in with the Jr. Comets is great. You can play a team like the South Shore Kings who are very skilled but also play a team like the Northern Cyclones who are a bigger team. They have two different play styles. My team is pretty skilled with young and veteran talent. The creativity is very strong with my coach, Lou Educate. He lets guys have creativity within our structure and I think the guys like it a lot.”
Off the ice, Sandquist’s season has been a roller coaster as well.
“This is my first year in the NCDC, which I’m new to. I was in the NAHL For more, visit
Ryan Mitchell made the decision last season to further his junior hockey career in the USPHL.
The Parker native has now played for three teams in three states and said he wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Last season, Mitchell started with the Decatur (Ill.) Blaze before joining the new Colorado Fighting Elk at the start of 2024-25 and then going to the Fresh Coast (Mich.) Freeze in November.
“The opportunity for me to sign with Decatur last year arose when the coach from Decatur reached out to me over the summer before the season after seeing me at other junior camps in the spring,” Mitchell said. “This season,
Ryan Mitchell is enjoying his year with the USPHL’s Fresh Coast Freeze. Photo/ PH3 Photo & Video
signing with the Fighting Elk came up when I saw that Colorado was getting the team and I found the team’s contact information and reached out. The coach and I talked about the team and about how he wanted to bring the team to Colorado, and it seemed to be the right decision for starting the season. Then in November, I was traded to the Freeze through some tough points through the beginning of the season and it was a move to extend my future as a hockey player and better myself in a new environment.”
For more, visit CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net!
Mosaic is a newly formed advisory service for players that creates a digital profile that will be used to evaluate and promote them to various organizations.
The profile will be live and continuously updated with an opportunity for these players to opt into an in-person evaluation with on and off-ice evaluations performed.
From there, the players open up a marketplace of resources with which they can access at their discretion to better support their personal development.
Everything from academic, mental, nutrition, skating, off-ice, video review etc. They essentially create their own “Development Mosaic” to support their individual needs.
For more, visit mosaicsportsco.com.
Anderson Sandquist
Total of 14 squads win titles at 2025 California Dreamin’ MLK Challenge tournament in SoCal
The California Dreamin’ Hockey Tournaments’ MLK Challenge was held over the Jan. 17-20 weekend at three rinks in Southern California.
A total of 14 teams secured championship banners at the end of the competitive weekend.
8U A East
Champion: Goldrush
Runner-up: Arizona Hockey Union
MVP: Geo Ramirez
The Goldrush defense was solid here as the team blanked the Knights 3-0 to bring home the banner.
8U A West
Champion: Jr. Reign
Runner-up: Anaheim Jr. Ducks
MVP: Gavin Wilson
In a tight championship game, the Jr. Reign edged the Jr. Ducks 2-1 for the title.
8U B East
Champion: Los Angeles Jr. Kings
Runner-up: California Heat 2-1
MVP: Ivan Barata
Another close title contest saw the Jr. Kings take the banner by nipping the Heat by a 2-1 count.
8U B West
Champion: Anaheim Jr. Ducks
Runner-up: Empire Hockey Club
MVP: Maximo Thomas Stellar defense from the Jr. Ducks led to a 2-0 banner-winning game over Empire.
8U B South
Champion: Jr. Reign Westminster
Rubber-up: Pasadena Maple Leafs
MVP: Nicholas Collins
In a back-and-forth game, the Jr. Reign outlasted the Maple Leafs 4-3 to win the division.
10U Gold
Champion: Jr. Reign Carlsbad
Runner-up: Jr. Reign Riverside
MVP: Ziggy Blake
A championship game that featured brother teams, the Jr. Reign Carlsbad team came out on top 7-5 over the Jr. Reign Riverside squad.
10U Silver
Champion: Jr. Reign Riverside
Runner-up: Jr. Reign Westminster
MVP: Chasen Stromsoe
Another battle between Jr. Reign teams saw the Riverside squad best the Westminster squad 6-4 to claim the banner.
10U Bronze
Champion: Jr. Reign Carlsbad
Runner-up: Jr. Reign Riverside
MVP: Hank Banta
Yet another all-Jr. Reign final saw the Carlsbad team top the Riverside team 2-1 to bring home the championship hardware.
12U Gold
Champion: Hollyburn Huskies
Runner-up: Jr. Reign 12U A3 Riverside
MVP: Thomas Winstanley
The Huskies, out of West Vancouver, B.C., played strong defense to win the championship after a 4-0 shutout over the Jr. Reign.
12U Silver
Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors
Runner-up: Jr. Reign Westminster
MVP: Nico Campanella
Las Vegas’ offense was on fire, leading the Ice Warriors to an 8-2 victory over the Jr. Reign to claim the title.
14U Silver
Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors
Runner-up: NSWC
MVP: Morgan Mahfood
This competitive final saw the Ice Warriors take another title, doubling up NSWC 4-2 in the final.
14U Bronze
Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors
Runner-up: Capital Thunder
MVP: CJ Taylor
Another big win for the Ice Warriors saw the Las Vegas squad defeat the Thunder 8-2 for all the marbles.
High School East/West
Champion: Arizona Hockey Union
Runner-up: Las Vegas Ice Warriors
MVP: Nash Taylor
The scoring was on display for both teams in the final game, but it was the Knights knocking off the Ice Warriors 6-4.
High School Varsity/Midget
Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors
Runner-up: Vancouver Thunderbirds
MVP: Doron Coldwell
More tight competition here as the Ice Warriors took another banner home with a 2-1 win over Vancouver.
The next event on the 2024-25 schedule is the Mite Madness Championships, scheduled for March 14-16.
For more info, visit www.californiadreaminhockeytournaments.com.
www.CaliforniaDreaminHockeyTournaments.com
Calabasas native, California youth hockey product, Vikings star Tsoar commits to NCAA D-III St. John Fisher
The USPHL Premier’s Ventura Vikings recently made some huge team history with their first NCAA commitment, as Kai Tsoar will be moving on to the new program at St. John Fisher University next season.
Tsoar, a 2004-born native of Calabasas, has been a monstrous offensive force for the first-year Vikings, scoring 46 points in 17 games. He also recently received a call-up to the NCDC’s Rock Springs Grizzlies, with whom he is expecting to close out the 2024-25 season.
“I met Coach [Reid] Lesswing in 2023. He was with a different university, but we exchanged info and right away I had a great first impression. He reached back out in August and told me he’s going to be the head coach at St. John Fisher University. I was out for a couple months due to having shoulder surgery, but Coach Lesswing did checkups with me
Kai Tsoar has starred this season with the new USPHL Premier Ventura Vikings team and has also seen time in the NCDC. Photo/USPHL
every couple weeks,” said Tsoar. “It was late November when I knew I wanted to play for him and we started to really talk about me coming in. I did my visit in December and I knew my first day I wanted to officially make it happen.
“Character is a huge part of the recruiting process with Coach Lesswing.”
St. John Fisher University is located in Rochester, N.Y., and will compete in the UCHC.
Prior to junior hockey, Tsoar played back home for the California Golden Bears, California Titans and Ventura Mariners.
-- Joshua Boyd/USPHLPremier.com
Arizona, California, Colorado products earn monthly accolades from NCDC, USPHL
The NCDC and USPHL have announced their monthly awards for January, with a trio of players from California and one each from Arizona and Colorado picking up the honors.
The NCDC Atlantic Division Forward of the Month is Kai Mencel, who split time with the Seacoast Spartans and West Chester Wolves, Lake Tahoe Lakers blueliner Carver Alford is the USPHL Pacific Premier Division Defenseman of the Month, and Connecticut Jr. Rangers defender Jack Kopfstein is the USPHL Atlantic Premier Division Defenseman of the Month.
counting. In his second Premier season, he has 51 points over 39 games. Prior to the Lakers, Alford played for the Golden State Elite Eagles, Tahoe Prep Academy and Vegas Jr. Golden Knights. He also spent part of last season with the USPHL’s Las Vegas Thunderbirds.
Mencel (‘06/San Diego) put up a 3-5-8 line in eight games during the month of January, as the first-year Wolves have continued to put up a good fight to hold onto a playoffworthy position. He joined the Wolves in mid-January after starting the season with the Spartans. He registered four points in his first three Wolves games.
Back home, Mencel skated for the San Diego Saints and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
Alford (‘05/South Lake Tahoe) averaged 1.4 points per game in January, scoring 14 points in 10 games played with the Lakers and surpassing a 50 career points with 56 and
Kopfstein (‘05/Newport Beach) registered a 2-8-10 line over nine games during January as the defending national champions continued to push their way up the Atlantic standings. The fourth-year Premier veteran has 22 points this season and reached the 100-point career mark during a Jan. 27 game. He has 102 points in 146 career games. During his youth hockey days, Kopfstein skated for the Saints, Anaheim Ice Dogs and JSerra Catholic High School.
Cameron Cote is the Pacific Premier Division Forward of the Month.
Cote (‘04/ Chandler) averaged two points per game last month, scoring six goals and posting 10 assists over eight games, seven of which were played with the Ventura Vikings. The Lakers forward is in his second Premier season, with 65 career points across 60 career games played. He continues a 13-game points streak that began on Dec. 18. Back home, Cote played for the Jr.
Coyotes, DYHA, Arizona Bobcats, Campo Verde High School and Basha/Perry High School.
Worcester Railers JHC forward Jaymin Rolfe is the New England Premier Division Forward of the Month.
Rolfe (‘04/Aurora) is a three-year veteran of the Railers. In six games,
he sent out nine assists while also scoring a goal for 10 points. He also scored a goal in his NCDC debut on Jan. 17 against the Boston Dogs. For the season, Rolfe has 28 points in 22 Premier games.
In Colorado, Rolfe skated for the Littleton Hockey Association and Cherry Creek High School.
Clockwise from top left, Cameron Cote, Jaymin Rolfe, Jack Kopfstein, Carver Alford and Kai Mencel.