Week of Jan. 21, 2025
Games played Jan. 14-20, 2025
Forward: Ryan Franks, P.A.L. Junior Islanders
Franks (‘05) is making statements ahead of the All-Star Game next week as he preps to play with the Atlantic team. The P.A.L. Junior Islanders forward added four goals and one assist to his name across three games last week, bringing his season points total to 37. In his second NCDC season, he has 69 points across 86 career games. He is preparing for a USHL call-up to the Youngstown Phantoms for next week.
Defense: Dylan Margel, Rockets Hockey Club
Margel (‘05) posted three assists for the Rockets last week, continuing to make big impacts as a seasoned NCDC blueliner. Named to the 2025 Atlantic All-Stars team, Margel has 30 career points across 76 career games played over two seasons.
Goaltender: Lukas Vejmelka, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders
Vejmelka (‘04/Trebic, Czechia) garnered a .941 save percentage and 1.50 goals against average to go 2-0 last week with the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders. He is 14-3-0-2 in his first full NCDC season with a 1.95 goals against average. He is the fifth-best-performing goaltender in the NCDC so far this season.
Rookie: Tristan Venne, Rockets Hockey Club
Venne (‘08/Montreal, Que.) scored his first career goal for the Rockets last week and registered two assists, bringing his season total to four points. With four NCDC games under his belt coming out of the major junior QMJHL, Venne has already made an impact on the team.
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 Taylor Dean
Honorable Mentions
Forward: Hudson Slenker, Rockets Hockey Club
Defense: Michael English, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders
Rookie: Ivan Zelenov, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders
