NA3HL announces monthly player awards for October 2019

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its monthly player awards for the month of October.  The Bauer Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month is Kolye Bankauskas of the Northeast Generals.  The Bauer Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month is Gunner Moore of the Atlanta Capitals.  The Vaughn NA3HL Goaltender of the Month is Mathias Backstrom of the Rochester Grizzlies. Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NA3HL monthly awards. 

Bauer Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month: Kolye Bankauskas, Northeast Generals

The League’s leading scorer set the ice ablaze in October, posting at least two points in each one of his 10 games throughout the month. In total, Bankauskas tallied a whopping 17g-19a—36 pts to extend his season total to 26g-25a—51pts in just 16 games. Bankauskas also nabbed three hat-tricks last month, en route to four games with at least four points. The forward carries a now 13-game point streak into November as he looks to build on his remarkable start. 

Runner-Up: James Clarke, Skylands Kings

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jacob Best, Coulee Region Chill — Brandon Connett, Alexandria Blizzard — Jack Cooper, Texas Brahmas — Matt Dahlseide, North Iowa Bulls — Kolby Donovan, Danbury Colonials — Joey Fodstad, Rochester Grizzlies — Austin Keil, Peoria Mustangs — Matt Macumber, Atlanta Capitals — Blake Siewertsen, Louisiana Drillers — Carson Simon, Granite City Lumberjacks — Jacob Wiethaupt, St. Louis Jr. Blues — Garrett Wilderman, Texas Roadrunners — Kolten Wright, Sheridan Hawks

Bauer Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month: Gunner Moore, Atlanta Capitals

Moore and the Capitals saw home ice just once in nine games during October, but the blueliner’s offensive talent shone through just the same. Opening the month with a six-game point streak, the 6-foot-1 Moore failed to hit the scoresheet just once during the month, and bagged three multi-point games in his final five October outings. Moore also came up clutch for the Capitals, netting two game-winners on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13, and bagged his first two-goal game of the season on the 13th. 

Runner-Up: Logan Syrup, Sheridan Hawks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Joey Boccardi, St. Louis Jr. Blues — Trevor Christopher, Skylands Kings — Benjamin Cope, Louisiana Drillers — Sean Davidson, Granite City Lumberjacks — Michael Heitkamp, Rochester Grizzlies — Connor Lefkof, Danbury Colonials — Deacon More, Northeast Generals — Matej Palfy, Texas Brahmas — Harrison Stewart, North Iowa Bulls — Tadeas Vicha, Texas Roadrunners

Vaughn NA3HL Goaltender of the Month: Mathias Backstrom, Rochester Grizzlies

Backstrom started four games for the Grizzlies against tough competition in October, splitting the set but posting a .903 save percentage or better in each game. After starting the month with a tough loss to the Chill in which he gave up three goals, Backstrom stepped up in a big way, stopping 26 of 27 pucks in a win over Peoria and 34 of 36 to stymie high-powered Granite City. The Lumberjacks forced Backstrom into 27 saves as they took the rematch, but the Swedish net minder capped off his month with 115 saves in just three starts, along with a .935 save percentage and stingy 1.97 GAA. 

Runner-Up: Kayden Hargraves, Texas Brahmas

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cole Garver, Texas Roadrunners — Andrew Herms, Skylands Kings — Michael Janke, Coulee Region Chill — Nate Johnston, Granite City Lumberjacks — Grady Reis, Louisiana Drillers — Justin Simmons, Northeast Generals — Dysen Skinner, North Iowa Bulls — Brett Tome, St. Louis Jr. Blues — Cole Walter, Peoria Mustangs