Note: September statistics are also included in October Players Of The Month
Forwards
Liam Krupcyznski, San Diego Sabers
A third-year junior veteran with two prior years of Tier II experience, Krupcyznski (‘04/San Marcos, Calif.) has been a massive offensive force for the Sabers, adding nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 15 games from Day 1. He only missed the scoresheet once in the Sabers’ first 15 games, giving him an average of 2.13 points per game. He also led the league in shorthanded goals as of Nov. 1 with three.
Knut Hornkvist, San Diego Sabers
A second-year Premier veteran, Hornkvist (‘04/Ornskoldsvik, Sweden) made an easy transition to his new team, putting up 11 goals and adding 16 assists for 27 points in 14 games. Hornkvist scored 1.93 points per game to begin the year, and he bridged September to November with an active 12-game, 25-point scoring streak, starting it on Sept. 26.
Denver Craig, Ontario Jr. Reign
Craig (‘04/Carp, Ont.) left October tied for fifth in assists for the USPHL Premier, dishing out 20 helpers in 10 games. He also scored eight goals for 28 points, an average of 2.80 points per game, which saw him rank second in that category only to the Seattle Totems’ Roman Wolynec, the league’s leading scorer.
Forward Honorable Mention: Luke Cannon, Ontario Jr. Reign
Defensemen
Carver Alford, Lake Tahoe Lakers
The 2005-born South Lake Tahoe native Alford was one of the many reasons why the Lakers were No. 1 in points, tied with the Charlotte Rush at the top of the Premier pack, to close October. Alford put up a 5-22-27 line in 17 games through the end of October, giving him an average of 1.59. He led the league’s defensemen in points, assists and shorthanded goals (two).
Jesse Nuutinen, Fresno Monsters
Nuutinen (‘06/Finland) has had a fantastic North American debut season, being Mr. Steady with a five-game, 1-10-11 scoring streak through the heart of October. Nuutinen ranks fifth in assists among league blueliners.
Defenseman Honorable Mention: Tyler Moser, Bakersfield Roughnecks
Goaltender
Jakob Barcelona, Bakersfield Roughnecks
Barcelona (‘05/Wasilla, Alaska) was among the brightest stars in net across the Pacific Division. He put up a 4-2-0-0 record in his seven appearances, which also included making saves on all shots faced in a relief appearance. He came out of October with a .937 save percentage and a 2.61 goals against average.
Goaltender Honorable Mention: Domenik McInenly, Ontario Jr. Reign
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
