Week of Dec. 23, 2024
Games of Dec. 17-22, 2024
Forward: Andrew Schmidt, Idaho Falls Spud Kings
Schmidt (‘05/Chicago, Ill.) put up two goals – including one game-winner – and two assists for a four-point weekend, as they beat both Rock Springs and Utah to remain undefeated in regulation in 14 games (11-0-2-1). Schmidt improved to 36 points in 27 games this year, including 16 points over each of his last 10 games straight.
Defense: Ryan Tong, Ogden Mustangs
Tong (‘04/Burnaby, B.C.) registered a goal and added three assists as the Mustangs defeated the Pueblo Bulls on Dec. 21, giving him a career high for points in a game. He now has 20 points in 27 games in his first season with the Mustangs.
Goaltender: Hunter Bauer, Ogden Mustangs
Bauer (‘06/Bristow, Va.) put up two victories in a row against the Bulls, stopping all but three of 56 shots, including 29 of 30 on Dec. 21. Bauer improved to 8-2-0-0 on the season, and he holds a .932 save percentage.
Rookie: Nikita Schneider, Ogden Mustangs
Schneider (‘05/Bern, Switzerland) may see his days in the USPHL Premier numbered, as the call-up from the Minnesota Squatch picked up two goals and two assists for four points in the Mustangs’ sweep of the Pueblo Bulls. USPHL Advancement In Action has seen Schneider come up to the NCDC after registering 31 points in 24 games with the Minnesota Squatch this year.
Selection Process: Team coaches first nominate players, the League sends back finalists, and coaches are then able to further vote on finalists or nominate other players.
Summaries By Joshua Boyd
