Forward Of The Month: Ethan Chapman, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes

You could pick almost any player on this near-perfect team to fill a Player Of The Month category. But few were as powerful for the 12-1-0-1 Jr. Hurricanes as this ‘02 from Wake Forest. 

Chapman, a career member of the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, posted seven points (four goals, three assists) in five October games. This included a game-winning goal over the Charlotte Rush, another team trying to stand at the top in the 17-team USPHL Elite Division. 

Overall, Chapman entered November with seven goals and six assists in 13 points through 12 contests.  

Honorable Mention

Ivan Korcak, Charlotte Rush

Rob Simmons, Richmond Generals 

Defenseman Of The Month: Mikhail Melikov, Florida Eels. 

Just as one Elite Eels player moves out of this Defenseman Of The Month position to the Premier team (Zechariah Thomas), another Eels works his way in. 

Melikov has helped the Eels put together a strong 2.49 goals against average (and gave up just 27.65 shots per game through the end of October). While frustrating opponents in the Eels’ own end, he’s also frustrating them the other way, too. 

Melikov scored five goals and five assists in October, including a game-winning goal and the shootout winning goal on Oct. 12 in their win over the rival Florida Jr. Blades. He has helped the Eels to a 12-2-1-1 record overall, helping them tie the Charlotte Rush for first overall in the league. 

Honorable Mention

Kyle Ball, Hampton Roads Whalers

Tyler Roepke, Richmond Generals

Goaltender Of The Month: Nick Bernstein, Richmond Generals

Four starts, four wins. Just five goals against, never more than two in any game. Yes, it was a very good month for this ‘01 native of Valley View, Ohio. He’s experienced defeat just once this season, giving up a paltry two goals to the league-leading Carolina Jr. Hurricanes. 

Not only does he win, but he also stops a lot of pucks. Out of the 98 shots he faced, he stopped 93, including 32 of 34 in the Generals’ win over the Charlotte Rush on Oct. 20. 

Entering November, Bernstein stood first in goals against average (1.21) and second in save percentage (.957). 

After an equally inspiring September, his October was out of this world. Could November be even better? 

Honorable Mention

Tyler Moschella, Tampa Bay Juniors 

Karlis Meszargs, Eels