Players of the Month
Defenseman of the Month: Joel Anderson - Wausau Cyclones
As an ’07 rookie, Wausau’s Joel Anderson has quickly emerged as a major contributor from the blue line, leading all Cyclones defensemen in scoring. After putting up 10 points in November, he carried that momentum into December with another strong month, adding 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) to push his season total to 27 points in 29 games.
Averaging 1.22 points per game, Anderson’s most impressive stretch, similar to Gruden, came on the league’s biggest stage at the NA3HL Showcase. With Wausau going 2-1, Anderson was a standout in all three outings, scoring in every game and finishing the event with five total points. His opening performance set the tone, powering the Cyclones to a commanding 6-0 win over the Buzz with back-to-back second period goals and an assist. He was the only player in the game to score multiple goals and finished with the highest point total of any Cyclones skater that day.
One of just three ’07 defensemen in the league with 25+ points this season, Anderson’s transition to junior hockey has been smooth. His immediate impact is even more notable given the strength of the Central Division, and his consistent production continues to elevate Wausau’s blue line each night.
When asked about Anderson’s month, Head Coach Nathan Oystrick didn’t hesitate to highlight just how important the rookie defenseman has been to Wausau’s success: “Joel has been tremendous for us all season. He logs big minutes in every situation and quarterbacks our power play with confidence. He shows up every morning with a great attitude, ready to work and improve. His work ethic and positivity are infectious, and he is very deserving of this honor. We’re fortunate to have him in Wausau.”
Runner up: Tommy Perkins, Minnesota Wilderness
Goalie of the Month: Gabe Otis - Minnesota Moose
After being named runner up Goaltender of the Month in November, Gabe Otis made sure to claim the spotlight himself to close out 2025. As the backbone of the top team in the West Division, the second year netminder was unbeatable, starting five of the Moose’s seven December victories as the team finished the month with a perfect record.
The Lakeville, MN native was heavily tested throughout the stretch, facing 165 shots and turning aside 158 of them, allowing just seven goals all month. He finished December with an impressive 1.40 goals-against average and a stellar .958 save percentage, reaffirming his place among the league’s elite goaltenders.
Otis’ standout performance came on New Year’s Eve in a 1–0 thriller against the Minnesota Wilderness. He was dialed in from start to finish, stopping all 28 shots he faced to secure his third shutout of the season and preserve the Moose’s winning streak.
After helping lead the Moose to the postseason in their inaugural year, Otis has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the organization, continually elevating his game each season. His continued development has not gone unnoticed, resulting in an NAHL tender with the St. Cloud Norsemen for the 2026–27 campaign.
Otis’ dominance hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Moose coaching staff, and Head Coach Todd Sanden reflected on the qualities that have made him such a reliable presence in net: “Gabe has demonstrated an elite level of goaltending for the Moose. His work ethic and compete level set him apart from others at this level. His body of work has earned him a tender from the St. Cloud Norsemen.”
Runner up: Brady Faille, Wausau Cyclones
Forward of the Month: Owen Gruden - Peoria Mustangs
The Peoria Mustangs turned in their strongest stretch of the season in December, winning all five of their matchups, and rookie forward Owen Gruden was at the center of it. As the team’s second leading scorer, the Pekin, IL native delivered a breakout month, averaging 3.2 points per game with 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists).
Gruden rose to the occasion on the biggest stage of the year at the NA3HL Showcase, piling up 11 points across the three game event. His standout performance of not only the event but the season came against the Atlanta Capitals, where he recorded a five point night that included his first junior hat trick and two assists.
Gruden’s consistency continues to stand out. He enters the new year on an 11-game point streak, with every appearance in December resulting in a multi-point effort. With 16 points added to his season totals, he now sits at 38 points in 29 games, firmly establishing himself as one of Peoria’s most impactful players.
His surge reflects more than just skill, something Head Coach Luke Gruden made clear when speaking on Luke’s approach and consistency: “Owen leads by example in everything he does. He takes care of the little details extremely well, and the more you watch him play, whether in games or in practice, the more you appreciate the complete player and person he is.”
Runner up: Denis Portnoy, Bayou State Rougarou
Goalie of the Month: Will Zinnen - Long Beach Sharks
Rookie netminder Will Zinnen has been nothing short of spectacular for Long Beach, delivering a dominant November with a 5-0-0-1 record, his only setback coming in overtime, as the Sharks currently sit atop the East Division.
The NAPHL T1ER alum has made a seamless jump to the junior level, earning Star of the Week honors in the first week of November and showing no signs of slowing down. Over the course of the month, the Madison, Wisconsin native faced 166 shots, turning aside 157 for an impressive .950 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average.
Zinnen’s month featured four consecutive wins and back-to-back shutouts, his second and third of the season. His standout performance came against the Maine Nordiques, where he stopped all 31 shots, showcasing why he’s quickly emerging as one of the league’s top netminders.
With November’s numbers, Zinnen has firmly established himself among the league’s elite, currently ranking fifth in goals-against average and ninth in save percentage.
What separates Zinnen isn’t just his performance, it’s his approach. As Head Coach Jeff Tory put it: “Will is the perfect example of having great preparation, commitment and excellent work ethic. He trusts his process to get better each and everyday working towards his goal to earn an opportunity at the next level. It’s not a matter of if he will do that, it's just a matter of when.”
Runner up: Gabe Otis, Minnesota Moose
Defenseman of the Month: Caden Feinstein - Helena Bighorns
After earning All-Rookie Second Team honors at the end of the 2024–25 season, second-year Bighorns defenseman Caden Feinstein has continued his upward trajectory, once again proving to be a key piece on Helena’s blue line.
November was a breakout month for the ’06 blueliner, as he recorded 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in just seven games, an average of two points per game. Half of his season total to date came during this stretch, marking a true surge in his production.
Feinstein posted four multi-point outings, including two games with a pair of goals. His best performance of not only November but the entire season came on the 15th, when the Bighorns erupted for an 11–5 win over the Irish. He scored the game-winner, added four assists, and followed it up the next night by netting his second straight game-winning goal against the Wild.
He also made his presence felt on special teams, contributing three powerplay goals, five powerplay assists, and a shorthanded assist, rounding out a dominant, all-situations month on the back end.
His month was impressive on paper, but the impact goes even deeper. As Head Coach Damon Hanson put it: “Caden has brought a tremendous level of stability to our group, not just on the blue line but in every situation we’ve put him in during the first half of the season. On top of that, it’s been a huge bonus to see him start finding the back of the net consistently and giving our offense an extra boost.”
Runner up: Owen Rattray, Austin Ice Bats
Forward of the Month: Ivan Korshikov - New Jersey Titans
After earning Star of the Week honors twice in November, it’s no surprise that Ivan Korshikov has been named the month’s Forward of the Month. The ’08 rookie has been nothing short of electric, playing a major role in the Titans’ recent success.
Across nine games, the Yaroslavl, Russia native led the league in goals for the month, piling up an impressive 22 points (18 goals, 4 assists). He was held off the scoresheet just once and finished November averaging 2.4 points per game.
All eight of his scoring outings were multi-point performances, highlighted by a four-point effort against the Buzz and a five-point night against the Nordiques. His matchup with the Buzz also featured his first junior hat trick, capped by the overtime game-winner, plus an assist.
To top it off, Korshikov wrapped November on a six-game point streak, a run he has already carried into December. He’s quickly become a major piece of the Titans’ lineup, driving offense every night and delivering in key moments.
Runner up: Carter Lehmann, El Paso Rhinos
Goalie of the Month: TJ Wonnacott - Sheridan Hawks
The Sheridan Hawks have been trending upward, and veteran netminder TJ Wonnacott has been a major factor in their success between the pipes. The Lake City, CO native appeared in five games during October, posting a stellar 4-1 record while turning aside 125 of 131 shots faced. That performance translated to an impressive .955 save percentage and a 1.20 goals-against average for the month.
Wonnacott’s standout moment came during a Halloween matchup against Bozeman, where he delivered his first shutout of the season. The Icedogs peppered him with 23 shots, including eight while the Hawks were shorthanded, but Wonnacott stood tall to secure the win and cap off a strong month.
Those four victories lifted Wonnacott to a 6-2-0-1 record, cementing his spot among the league’s top goalies and showing no signs of slowing down.
A big part of Sheridan’s recent success has come from the crease out, and Head Coach JJ Santagata was quick to credit his goaltender: “We’re super proud of TJ and his recognition of goaltender of the month. A lot of our team success comes from a crease out, more than a few wins this month TJ played a big part in those games. Being able to bail us out when we need him most, make big saves when we’re on the kill. He’s an extremely focused, detail oriented goalie that gives myself and our team a sense of relief each night. He’s an unreal kid that has worked diligently to earn this recognition!”
Runner up: Josh Middleton, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Forward of the Month: Wyatt Mineheine - Texas RoadRunners
Second-year forward and the NA3HL’s current scoring leader, Wyatt Mineheine put together a sensational month of October. The Proctor, MN native averaged just over five points per game as the RoadRunners rolled to a perfect 10-0 record. Mineheine racked up 51 points in 10 games, highlighted by an impressive 28 goals during that stretch.
He found the back of the net with ease, stacking up five hat tricks and two four-goal performances, including three straight hat tricks to close out the month. Beyond his dominance at even strength, Mineheine was a force on special teams as well, tallying four power-play goals and 12 power-play assists, along with three shorthanded goals and three shorthanded helpers. In total, 22 of his 51 points came while shorthanded or on the man-advantage.
As his production continues to climb, so do expectations. Head Coach Mike Beavis shared these thoughts about his season so far: “Wyatt has been on point all season long, he is on pace for a fantastic season and will be turning lots of heads this year. Honestly, as an ’06, seeing him get a shot in the NAHL this year wouldn’t shock me at all.”
Runner up: Vincent Leaf, Sheridan Hawks
Defenseman of the Month: Coltin Wassengeso - Granite City Lumberjacks
As the Lumberjacks’ top-scoring defenseman, veteran blueliner Coltin Wassengeso has taken big steps from his first to second season with Granite City. In just 12 games this year, the Chaska, MN native sits one point shy of surpassing last season’s total, thanks in large part to a standout October.
In eight games last month, Wassengeso averaged 1.63 points per game, posting 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists). His first goal of the season, and of the month, was a memorable one, banking home the overtime winner to keep the Lumberjacks’ perfect record intact after a 4-3 victory over Mason City. October also featured a one-goal, one-assist game in which his goal came on the power play, and he added a power-play assist on the game-winning goal.
Over half of his points came on special teams, including five power-play assists and one shorthanded helper, highlighting his ability to make an impact in every part of the game.
Coltin’s impact goes beyond the scoresheet, shaping the team with his leadership and consistency. Head Coach DJ Vold stated: “Coltin has been a staple of consistency for us on D this year. He’s been a good leader by example and even better in the locker room. We hope he continues to find similar success throughout the year as he will be someone we lean on in important situations.”
Runner up: James Parnell, Carolina Rage
Forward of the Month: Lex Steckelberg - Bozeman Icedogs
The Bozeman Icedogs have stormed out of the gate with a 6-1 record in September, thanks in large part to the play of third-year forward Lex Steckelberg. Steckelberg leads the team in scoring and is averaging an impressive 2.29 points per game through seven contests, racking up 16 points (10 goals, 6 assists). He’s made a big impact on special teams, scoring four power-play goals and one shorthanded marker, while his ability to light up the scoreboard is highlighted by three hat tricks, including two five-point performances. Steckelberg has registered points in five of seven games, cementing himself as a driving force behind Bozeman’s early offensive success. This isn’t the first time Steckelberg has drawn league attention, as he was named Frontier Division Star of the Week following the second week of the season and recently earned 2nd Star of the Week honors.
Head Coach Mike Perkins highlighted Steckelberg’s role in the team’s early success, noting: “Lex has had a great start to the season and this honor is well deserved. He’s been working hard every day, and the results speak for themselves. We’re proud of him, and above all, he’s helping our team win games.”
Runner up: Vincent Leaf, Sheridan Hawks
Defenseman of the Month: Brody Josselyn - West Bend Power
A second-year defenseman for the Power, Brody Josselyn has picked up right where he left off after finishing as the second-highest scoring blueliner last season for West Bend. Even in just four games this season, the Rochester, MN native has already established himself as one of the league’s top defensemen, averaging an impressive two points per game with eight points (5 goals, 3 assists). Josselyn has found the scoresheet in every contest so far, scoring in three straight games, including back-to-back two-goal performances, both featuring game-winning goals, while also converting three power-play tallies. His back-to-back 2nd Central Division Star of the Week honors are a testament to his outstanding start, leading to this well-earned monthly award.
When it comes to delivering in crucial situations, Josselyn has stood out, and Head Coach Jason Woods highlighted his contributions: “Brody’s ability and consistency in making key plays at key moments is his calling card. The bigger the moment, the bigger the stage, it’s typically players of Brody’s nature that finish the job. Without question, you saw that in his game in September. His patience and execution with the puck makes everyone’s job easier.”
Runner up: Dayton Ruppel, Louisiana Drillers
Goalie of the Month: Jack Ryan - Bozeman Icedogs
Teammate Lex Steckelberg isn’t the only standout for the Icedogs, as Bozeman’s defensive backbone has unquestionably been goaltender Jack Ryan. The second-year netminder turned in a stellar month, posting a 5-1 record and capping off September with a remarkable 46-save shutout against the Gillette Wild. Over the course of the month, Ryan faced a steady stream of 214 shots, stopping 205 for an impressive .958 save percentage and maintaining a goals-against average of just 1.5. Averaging 35 shots per game, he was consistently tested, proving to be a steady and reliable presence between the pipes. With five wins already this month, Ryan has already matched his total victories from all of last season, signaling significant growth and a strong leap from his rookie campaign.
Reflecting on Ryan’s impact both on and off the ice, Head Coach Mike Perkins shared: “Jack has been outstanding to start the year, and this recognition is well deserved. He’s been a rock for us in net, but what makes him special is the way he carries himself in the locker room and as a teammate. We’re proud of how he’s playing, and more importantly, how he’s helping our group succeed.”
Runner up: Gavin Erickson, Texas Brahmas
