Wolfpack’s Beaumont, Rockets’ Coscia, Leafs’ Specia recognized for Showcase performances
February 20, 2013
CHESTERFIELD, VA. – The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Connecticut Wolfpack forward Anthony Beaumont, New Jersey Rockets defenseman Frank Coscia and Laconia Leafs goaltender Mark Specia have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Feb. 18.
Beaumont struck for three goals and five assists as the Wolfpack forged a 3-0 record at the final AJHL Showcase of the season, which was held in Walpole, Mass. On Saturday, the 1993-born recorded two goals and assisted on defenseman Rob Belger’s game-winning marker in a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Little Flyers. The next day, the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder picked up two assists, including one on forward Mark Essery’s game-winning goal, as Connecticut doubled up the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, 4-2. Beaumont, a SUNY-Buffalo State recruit, tallied another goal and two more assists, including one on forward Kevin Briganti’s game-winner, in a 5-0 triumph over the Washington Jr. Nationals on Monday.
“Anthony’s a gifted offensive player who’s proven himself to be one of the top forwards in the entire league,” said Wolfpack head coach Chris Cerrella. “We’re counting on continued success from him as the playoffs approach, and have no doubt he’ll be an impact player in college.”
Coscia, a Staten Island, N.Y., native, registered four assists as the Rockets finished the Showcase with a 1-1-1 mark. On Friday, the 1993-born picked up a pair of assists in a 4-2 loss to the Northern Cyclones. The next day, the 5-foot-7, 203-pounder assisted on forward Kyle Fargesen’s game-winning goal as the Rockets blanked the Boston Jr. Rangers, 2-0. Coscia added another assist to his totals in a 3-3 tie with Laconia on Sunday.
Specia, from Ringwood, N.Y., backstopped the Leafs to a pair of ties in his two Showcase appearances, turning aside 83 of 87 shots. On Saturday, the 1994-born made 36 saves as the Leafs and New Jersey Titans skated to a 1-1 draw. The next day, the 6-foot-3, 183-pounder stopped 47 shots in Laconia’s 3-3 tie with the Rockets.
“Mark’s evolved into a solid goaltender at this level and proved at the Showcase he can come up with the big save in tight games,” said Leafs head coach Joe Cardarelli. “With his talent and tremendous work ethic, he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSIVE: Laconia forward Greg Soltes
GOALTENDER: Connecticut’s Gene Lane; 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
