Cyclones’ Koster, Little Flyers’ Chuckran, Knights’ DeLaVergne recognized for performances
February 12, 2013
CHESTERFIELD, VA. – The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Northern Cyclones forward Jurgen Koster, Philadelphia Little Flyers defenseman Gabe Chuckran and Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights goaltender Mike DeLaVergne have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Feb. 10.
Koster, from Kittanning, Pa., struck for three goals and seven assists as the Cyclones forged a 2-0-1 record. On Wednesday, the 1992-born tallied a goal and two assists, including one on forward Jonathan Felteau’s game-winning marker, in a 6-2 victory over the Laconia Leafs. Three days later, the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder picked up a goal and an assist as the Cyclones skated to a 3-3 with the Philadelphia Little Flyers. On Sunday, Koster put home another goal and four more assists, including one on another Felteau game-winner, as the Cyclones downed the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, 6-2.
“Jurgen’s an extremely gifted offensive player who has the ability to make an impact every time he’s on the ice,” said Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan. “Not only is he skilled, but he makes the players around him better which has only fueled our success as a team.”
Chuckran, a Newtown Square, Pa., native, connected for two goals and two assists as the Little Flyers fashioned a 1-1 record. In Philadelphia’s tie with the Cyclones on Saturday, the 1994-born recorded a pair of assists. The next day, the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder rang up two goals as the Little Flyers bested the Boston Jr. Rangers, 6-2.
“Gabe continues to prove himself as one of the top defensemen in the league and has a very bright future ahead of him,” said Little Flyers head coach Steve Washkalavitch. “He’s a talented player who’s effective at both ends of the ice and, what’s even better, he’s committed to improving his game every day.”
DeLaVergne, from Pawling, N.Y., backstopped the Knights to a two-game sweep over the Washington Jr. Nationals, turning aside 46 of 49 shots. On Friday, the 1992-born made 22 saves in an 8-3 triumph. The next day, the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder stopped all 24 shots he faced as the Knights blanked the Jr. Nationals, 6-0.
“Mike’s been our most consistent player all year,” said Knights head coach Justin Lyle. “He gives us a chance to win the game before it starts, and his teammates have a lot of confidence playing in front of him. There’s no doubt he’ll be an impact goaltender at the college level.”
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSIVE: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward Jack Ceglarski; Boston forward Kevin Airoldi
DEFENSIVE: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defenseman Gianni Paolo
GOALTENDER: Boston’s Sam Bernard; the Rockets’ Anton Yanin
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012-13, the AJHL, a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior A league boasting 12 teams from seven states, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. For more information on the AJHL, visit http://ajhlhockey.pointstreaksites.com.
– AJHL –
