Forward Of The Month: Pat Faliero, Buffalo Jr. Thunder

“O Captain, My Captain.” The way Pat Faliero (‘99/Buffalo, N.Y.) leads is the classic way - by example. 

The Thunder are in a serious push for first place in the North Division because the veteran and captain has been lights-on (as in red lights; see what we did there?) Faliero posted 18 points in seven October, games, putting him in a tie for sixth overall in the Premier Division with 28 points overall.

Faliero is also fourth in assists (20), and is top 10 in power play assists (seven). The do-it-all guy is also third in shorthanded time on ice for the Thunder. 

Honorable Mention

Noah Gold, New York Aviators

Lukas Radina, Springfield Pics 

Defenseman Of The Month: Frank Errig, Philadelphia Hockey Club 

The Philadelphia Hockey Club (8-6-0-1) are always in the Mid-Atlantic conversation, because they are always in the contest. They’ve lost by more than three goals only once this season. The defense, led by Errig, has helped the PHC to a +20 goal differential. Errig has also contributed to this differential on the offensive side, with 13 points in 11 games played. This included a five-game point- and goal-streak of five goals and 10 points right through the middle of the month. 

Overall, Errig is 10th in scoring among Premier defensemen with 15 points in 15 games. 

Honorable Mention

Henry Andres, Boston Bandits

Shane Miller, Rockets Hockey Club

Danylo Sukhonos, Twin City Thunder

Goaltender: Elias Sandholm, Northern Cyclones

The ‘99 Swede helped elevate the Cyclones to a winning record of 7-4-1-1 by winning all four of his starts in the month of October. 

Sandholm went 4-0 and sent aside 110 shots of the 118 he faced for a shiny .932 save percentage. He also played 40 minutes of shutout hockey in relief, stopping all 16 shots he faced in a mid-month loss to the Boston Bandits. 

Sandholm shook off the only loss he’s suffered this season (on Sept. 27) and continues to quietly move up the Premier goaltenders’ leaderboard. 

Honorable Mention

Aaron Mercer, Boston Bandits

Dylan Knighton, Jersey Hitmen

Jake Perrin, New York Aviators