Forwards
Ryan Franks, PAL Jr. Islanders
With 29 points in 26 games this year, the 2005-born native of Roslyn, N.Y., has remained a major contributor to the Jr. Islanders’ success, which saw them post an 18-game point streak up to Dec. 16. During the month of January, Franks put up six goals and six assists for 12 points in six games, good for exactly 2.0 points per game. He started the month with a hat trick and carries a six-game scoring streak into the new year.
Arthur Mirante, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders
The second-year Jr. Islander continues to impress, as Mirante (‘04/Garden City, N.Y.) put up 1.67 points per game, totaling six goals and 10 points in six December games. Mirante has improved from seven points last year to 31 in his sophomore season with P.A.L., leading the Jr. Islanders in scoring and ranking in the Top 10 league-wide.
Emil Szepesi, West Chester Wolves
Szepesi (‘06/Timra, Sweden) registered 2.0 points per game to tie Franks for the December division lead in that category. He scored four goals and added six assists for 10 points in the Wolves’ five December contests. Szepesi will enter 2025 on a seven-game scoring streak, during which he has posted a 6-8-14 line going back to Nov. 29. He has 22 points in 27 games.
Forward Honorable Mention: Aiden Ryan, Jersey Hitmen
Defense
Brayden Sprickman, West Chester Wolves
Sprickman (‘05/Erie, Pa.) is enjoying a tremendous rookie junior season coming out of the Twin City Ice Mavericks AAA program. In December, Sprickman put up a goal and five assists for six points for a 1.20 points per game average to lead the division. With his 21 points, he has reached the Top Five in NCDC defenseman scoring this season.
Jake Stevens, Mercer Chiefs
Stevens (‘05/Newton, N.J.) has reached point-per-game territory for his first full NCDC season, standing with 26 points in 26 games to lead all NCDC defensemen in scoring for 2024-25 so far. He registered five assists during his team’s seven December games to average 0.71 points per game last month, during which they went 4-2-1-0.
Defense Honorable Mention: Aiden Holland, PAL Jr. Islanders
Goaltender
Nick Bunch, Jersey Hitmen
Bunch (‘05/Canton, Mich.) was outstanding during the month of December, going 4-0 and making 148 saves on 156 shots for a .949 save percentage. Bunch, who joined the NCDC with previous NAHL experience, has gone 11-3-1-0 with a .935 save percentage. He ranks in the Top 10 for wins, save percentage and goals against average (2.31).
Goaltender Honorable Mention: Lukas Vejmelka, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders
Selection Process: The division’s coaches are presented with a ballot form with statistical leaders (ranked by points per game average for skaters and save percentage for goaltenders) and vote on that form. The league takes the results of that vote and presents the coaches with the finalists, who are able to vote on further changes if desired.
Summaries by Joshua Boyd
