The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) announced its Elite Nationals All-Tournament Team. The team consists of three forwards, two defensemen, one goalie and a Most Valuable Player.
Forwards
Lucas Connery – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Lucas Connery led all tournament scorers with 9 points (5G, 4A) in five games, averaging 1.80 points per game while adding two game-winning goals. “ I couldn’t be more proud of this young man,” said Carolina Jr. Canes Head Coach Brad Gaylord. “He came to us this year knowing he was done when the season was over, but in the National tournament he showed up and provided this team with offense that we knew was there. He was a huge piece to this team’s success in regular season, divisional playoffs and the National tournament.”
Liam Geyer – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Liam Geyer posted 8 points (4G, 4A) in five games, providing consistent offensive production and
contributing on special teams with three power-play assists. “Liam was also a massive piece to this team’s success all season long,” said Brad Gaylord. “He too showed up and produced offensively in moments when it was needed. Not only in the regular season winning offensive player of the year for us, but also divisional playoffs and the National tournament. Very proud of this young man to handle the pressure and produce offensively as well as defensively being a huge PK guy for us all season long. To do what this young man did for this team in high pressure situations, says a lot of his character. So proud of him.”
Nicolas Cheeney – Fort Wayne Spacemen: Nicholas Cheeney recorded 7 points (2G, 5A) in five games, serving as a key playmaker in Fort Wayne’s run to the championship game. “Nic stepped up for us in every key situation at Nationals,” said Spacemen Head Coach Cameron Wirick. “Besides scoring key goals, he also provided elite defensive ability. He truly played a complete 200 foot game for us and was a big part of our Nationals run.”
Defensemen
Colby Markham – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Colby Markham was one of the tournament’s top offensive defensemen, finishing with 9 points (4G, 5A) in five games, including three power-play goals. “Where do I start with this young man? Him [Markham] and I go way back over the years, and we’ve had our battles,” said Brad Gaylord “But he is without question, one of the biggest competitors and smartest players I have ever coached in my coaching career. I love this kid to death, and what he provided this team on the ice, no one can argue! He’s a hockey player that loves to win, and having that on the ice to see by his teammates is infectious. Massive piece to this team’s success all year and especially in the playoffs and National Tournament.”
Charlie Connor – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Charlie Connor added 5 points (1G, 4A) from the blue line and contributed heavily on special teams with three power-play assists. “This young man has an amazing future in hockey,” said Brad Gaylord. “I hope to have him one more year, but after that, he’s likely gone to a higher level. His all around game is superb and his attitude and respect for others is even better. Just a joy to coach, a joy to have in our program, can’t wait to see and hear his success stories in this game.”
Goaltender
Owen Nasholds – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Owen Nasholds appeared in five games, earning three wins while making 123 saves on 138 shots (.89 SV%) and logging over 268 minutes in net during Carolina’s championship run. “This young man is absolutely amazing! The trust I have in him in that net is so comforting as a head coach,” said Brad Gaylord. “This young man prepares for practice, prepares for games like a professional, and it shows winning goalie of the year in the USPHL this year. His approach to every game, provided the team with such confidence, that we knew we were never out of any game. This young man has a very bright future in this game, and we look to ride him once again and give him that opportunity next season.”
Most Valuable Player
Lucas Connery – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Lucas Connery’s tournament-leading 9 points and ability to deliver in key moments, including multiple game-winning goals, made him the clear MVP of the USPHL Elite Nationals. “Like I said earlier, I couldn’t be more proud of this young man,” said Brad Gaylord. “As an offensive player, relied upon to produce offensively, he did just that. It was his first year with us and it will be his last, he went out a champion, but he went out doing what he was supposed to do, being a huge piece to our offense. A testament to his composure under pressure in a National Tournament. So proud of him.”
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