NA3HL announces monthly player awards for October

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its monthly player awards for the month of October.  The Easton Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month is Tim Santopoalo from the North Iowa Bulls.  The Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month is Kyle Meeh from the St. Louis Jr. Blues.  The Brian’s Custom Sports NA3HL Goaltender of the Month is Nathan Klebe from the Flint Junior Generals.  Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NA3HL monthly awards.

Easton Hockey NA3HL Forward of the Month: Tim Santopoalo, North Iowa Bulls

To average almost three and half points per game in hockey in quite a feat.  To do it in the competitive environment that is the NA3HL is something special. That’s exactly what North Iowa forward Tim Santopoalo did in the month of November, as the 20-year-old forward from Roscoe, Illinois, registered 17 points (6 goals, assists) in just five games during the month, earning the NA3HL Forward of the Month for October. Santopoalo (5’7/160) has led North Iowa to an undefeated record to date, including a 5-0 record in October. He had multi-point games in all five, recorded one game-winning goal and was a +10 during the month. Santopoalo had a five-point game in a win over Breezy Point on October 12^th, a four-point game in a win over Twin City on October 25^th and he also had two, three point games. His 23 points to date leads the Bulls in scoring and ranks 3^rd in the NA3HL. “We knew we were going to have some good players back, but Tim is the catalyst,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden. “He is focused, he is trying to be an all-around student athlete and we hope it leads to a college opportunity. He has the ability with his speed to get around guys, but the way he sees the ice and the ability to read defenders and react really sets him apart.”

Runner-Up: Jared Johnson, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Joe Anderson, Alexandria Blizzard – John Arms, Michigan Mountain Cats – Conor Durgan, Flint Junior Generals – Tommy Heinzman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Yu Hikosaka, Topeka Capitals – Ryan Martin, Wisconsin Whalers – Raurie Petrich, Dallas Jr. Stars – Brett Podgorski, Toledo Cherokee – Kevin Shand, Metro Jets – Aidan Verbeke, Granite City Lumberjacks

Easton Hockey NA3HL Defenseman of the Month: Kyle Meeh, St. Louis Jr. Blues

Anytime a defenseman leads his team in scoring, you know he is doing something right. St. Louis Jr. Blues defenseman Kyle Meeh, 18, has picked up right where he left off last season by being a big-time producer. The native of St. Louis, Missouri, used the month of October to springboard himself right up to the league-leaders. In eight games, Meeh (6’2/180) recorded 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) and was a +10. His 15 points to date is tied for the team lead and ranks 5^th among NA3HL defensemen. Meeh had two, three-point games during the month of October. He recorded at least a point in seven of the eight games, as the Jr. Blues fashioned together a 6-1-1 record. “Kyle has established himself as an elite defenseman with his consistency this season and last season,” said Jr. Blues head coach Chris Flaugher. “He is a team leader and backbone of our club. He plays in every situation and does a good job of playing two-way hockey. Has a bright future ahead of him.”

Runner-Up: Oskar Thorsen, Pittsburgh Vengeance

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Dan Addie, Wisconsin Whalers – Tobias Gabrielsen, Granite City Lumberjacks – Chancie Hanson, North Iowa Bulls – Avery Huibregtse, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Jake Huspen, Dallas Jr. Stars – Conner McGovern, Flint Junior Generals – Nick White, Topeka Capitals

Brian’s Custom Sports NA3HL Goaltender of the Month: Nathan Klebe, Flint Junior Generals

Flint Junior Generals rookie goaltender Nathan Klebe could arguably be one of the early surprises and candidates for Rookie of the Year thanks his first two months of the year. That included the month of October, where Klebe, 19, was virtually unbeatable. The native of South Lyon, Michigan appeared in four games, put together a 3-0 record with a .96 goals against average and a 96.6% save percentage during the month to earn Goalie of the Month honors. Klebe (6’0/160) began the month with a 34-save performance in a 2-1 win at Toledo. It continued with a 22-save shutout of Michigan two days later. Klebe then made a perfect relief appearance in a 3-2 shootout win over Toledo on October 23^rd, which was followed by a 24-save performance in a 7-2 win over Pittsburgh on October 26^th. Klebe’s .98 goals against average and 95.5% save percentage currently are tops among all NA3HL goaltenders to date. “Nathan has been a big and pleasant surprise for our team this season,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard. “He certainly hasn’t played like a rookie. We have two #1’s in goal right now, which is one of the reasons we are having the success as a team to date.”

Runner-Up: Tyler Jansen, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical):  Chris Amsden, North Iowa Bulls – Walker Bass, Michigan Mountain Cats – Billy Hindle, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Jude Hull, Topeka Capitals – Chris Mallon, Dallas Jr. Stars – David Volkmann, Wisconsin Whalers – Austin Wilson, Granite City Lumberjacks

About Easton: Easton Hockey continues to rank atop the industry in sticks and gloves and is growing faster in skates than any other company. It also offers a comprehensive collection of protective gear including helmets and pants. To learn more, go to www.easton.com

About Brian's Custom Sports: The Official Goaltending Equipment Supplier of the NAHL, Brian's has been a leading Canadian supplier of custom-built goal equipment since 1984. As one of the original and remaining custom goal equipment manufacturers Brian's remains committed to continuing to lead the industry with exceptional design and quality.  Visit Brian’s online at www.goaliesonly.com