Week of Nov. 12, 2024
Games of Nov. 5-11, 2024
Forward: Niko Benjamin, Utica Jr. Comets
The NCDC’s active leader in games played with 158 (good for sixth all-time in NCDC history), Benjamin was huge for the Jr. Comets as they won two of three of their games during their trip to Worcester to face the Railers and Boston Jr. Rangers. He posted a goal and five assists for six points in three games. He currently has 16 points in 16 games this season, and 73 points in his career that dates back to the 2021-22 season, all spent with Utica. He is the Jr. Comets games played leader and ranks sixth in points all-time for Utica.
Defense: Ricky Volpe, Utica Jr. Comets
A third-year NDC veteran, Volpe (‘04/Commack, N.Y.) registered a pair of goals and added three assists for a five-point weekend for the Jr. Comets in this, his first year with Utica. Both goals were power play goals and put Volpe at the top of the list in the NCDC for PPG’s. He currently has 10 points in 16 games.
Goaltender: Ryan Crowshaw, Islanders Hockey Club
Crowshaw (‘04/Avon, Conn.) put up a fantastic performance in his Nov. 10 victory against the Boston Jr. Rangers, stopping 37 of the 39 shots he faced, a season high in saves for the recent Arcadia University NCAA Division III commit. He improved to 6-1-0-2 with a .922 save percentage on the season.
Rookie: Aidan Petroff, Northern Cyclones
Petroff (‘06/Natrona Heights, Pa.) registered a pair of goals and added one assist when the Cyclones registered a 1-1-1-0 stretch between Nov. 5 and 9, including pushing the league-leading South Shore Kings to overtime on Nov. 9. His goal on Nov. 5 was a shorthanded goal. Petroff, who joined the team in late October, was a Pittsburgh Stars (THF) standout, including in five games there this season.
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 Joshua Boyd
