Week of Dec. 18, 2024
Games of Dec. 10-16, 2024
Northwest Division
Forward: Sami Kallionkieli, Vernal Oilers
Kallionkieli (‘05/Helsinki, Finland) continues the 16-game point streak he started after joining Vernal in early October, racking up 35 points. Six of those points came on Dec. 13-15 as the Oilers kept adding to their record start, which was 24-0 entering the USPHL Las Vegas Showcase.
Defense: Marek Mraz, Iron County Yeti/Vernal Oilers
Mraz (‘06/Kolin, Czechia) enjoyed a strong three-game stretch recently in his final games with the first-year Yeti, putting up two goals and two assists for four points. He has since been traded to the Vernal Oilers, with whom he is competing this week at the #USPHLLasVegasShowcase. He has 12 goals and 24 points in 22 games this year between the two teams.
Goaltender: Tyrus Pratley, Vernal Oilers
Pratley (‘04/Hollywood, Md.) improved to 4-0 on the season after stopping all 32 shots he faced from the Iron County Yeti on Dec. 13. He has given up just three goals all season and has a .972 save percentage.
Pacific Division
Forward: Kai Tsoar, Ventura Vikings
Tsoar (‘04/Calabasas, Calif.) had another big week for the Vikings, registering three goals and adding five assists for eight points to give himself some serious heat going into the USPHL Las Vegas Showcase this week. He has 25 points over nine games for his currently active scoring streak.
Defense: Jett McCullum, Ventura Vikings
McCullum (‘04/Moncton, N.B.) passed out nine assists and added one goal in just two games for a USPHL Premier-leading 10 points between Dec. 10-16. And just like his teammate Tsoar, McCullum is currently on a nine-game point streak with 25 points.
Goaltender: Stepan Vedernikov, Long Beach Bombers
Since November, Vedernikov (‘07/Chelyabinsk, Russia) has put up a fantastic save percentage of .928, with his most recent venture – prior to the Vegas Showcase – coming on Dec. 13. Although it ended in a loss, Vedernikov was strong in stopping 48 out of 51 Ontario Jr. Reign shots.
Selection Process: Divisional statistical leaders are presented to coaches, who are able to vote on the leaders, or nominate and vote on alternate candidates.
Summaries by Joshua Boyd