Forward Of The Month: Jason Player, Philadelphia Hockey Club

Wow, what a Player. Anyone could say that about this Philadelphia Hockey Club forward, a key member of the PHC’s USPHL 15U championship team last year as well. 

The ‘03 out of Mount Royal, N.J., made a seamless transition to the 16U game and enjoyed a month of eight points in five October games played. Player is a big-time playmaker, as six of his eight October points were assists. The goals were both difference-makers, though, one being a GWG and the other was a shorthanded marker. He heads into November with 10 points in seven games for a rising Philadelphia Hockey Club squad. 

Honorable Mention

George Hinds, Jersey Shore Whalers Premier

Chase Williams, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes

Defense Of The Month: Joseph Ariola, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders 

The P.A.L. Jr. Islanders have been one of the defensive leaders in the American Division this season, allowing just 17 goals through nine games. A big reason for that is opponents just don’t have much of a chance to score. Ariola (‘04/Malverne, N.Y.) and his D corps mates allow only around 22 shots on goal per average game. 

On the other end, Ariola has been in on 11 Islanders goals. At the Hitmen Classic over Columbus Day weekend, he posted two goals and seven assists over four contests. He then added a goal and an assist in a game against the New York Aviators later in the month. He is one point behind the 16U defensemen scoring leader, last month’s winner, Ethan Kmiecik (South Shore Kings). 

Honorable Mention

Alexander James, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes

Goaltender Of The Month: Connor McDonough, Jersey Hitmen

McDonough (‘04/Mendham, N.J.) jumped directly from Bantam 14U hockey to 16U, all with the Hitmen. That journey has been very productive, as McDonough has played the bulk of the Hitmen’s games and been successful. 

He posted a 4-2 record, seeing a lot of minutes and posting a 1.97 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage in October alone. 

This included a shutout in his first career start against the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs, and a 28-save performance on 29 shots against the Cyclones Academy Premier team. 

Honorable Mention

Ryan Solomon, Springfield Pics

Robert Allport, Rockets Hockey Club Grey

Brody Lim, South Florida Hockey Academy