USPHL Premier Players Of The Month – February 2023: Pacific Division

Submitted By Grace Mello

Forwards

Noak Persson, Fresno Monsters

Finishing the regular season ranked seventh in points in the USPHL Premier, Fresno’s Noak Persson (‘03/Sollefteå, SWE) has dominated the ice. Prior to post season play, Persson recorded 93 points (41 goals, 52 assists) in just 27 games with the Monsters; this put him second in the league for points-per-game with 3.44. He scored at least three points in every game played in February, finishing the month with 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) and helping Fresno to be undefeated for the month.

Matteo Pero, Ontario Jr. Reign

Earning back-to-back player of the month, Matteo Pero (‘04/Port Moody, BC) was a driving force for Jr. Reign offense. He earned points in every game played in February, putting him at 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists). This included two GWGs against the Bakersfield Roughnecks and division rivals the San Diego Sabers. Pero finished regular season play with 61 points (25 goals, 36 assists).

Trystan-Félix Tremblay, Las Vegas Thunderbirds

Joining the Thunderbirds in January, this forward has helped to propel the Las Vegas offense. In February, Tremblay (‘04/Bécancour, QC) recorded 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists); this included a five point performance in Las Vegas’ 7-6 OT win over the Ontario Jr. Reign. He also earned five PP goals in February. Tremblay finished regular season play with 33 points (19 goals, 14 assists).

Defense

Kelly Coldwater, Fresno Monsters

Fresno’s defense was hard hitting in the month of February and Coldwater (‘04/St. Louis, Mo.) was a major key to their success. He recorded 12 blocked shots and four hits as a +11 for the month. Finishing regular season play with 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists), Coldwater recorded at least one point in every game played in February; this put him at 14 points with four goals and 10 assists.

Zach Stangness, Ontario Jr. Reign

Recording 16 blocked shots in February, Stangness (‘03/Strathmore, Alb.) was a defensive force to reckon with for the Jr Reign; He recorded four hits as a +7 in 12 games played. Finishing the regular season with 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists), Stangness earned 14 points in February with five goals and nine assists. In the Jr. Reign’s 7-3 victory over the Lake Tahoe Lakes, he recorded his highest scoring game of the season with four points (two goals, two assists) including the GWG.

Goaltender

Ethan Jourden, Fresno Monsters

Totaling 319 minutes of ice time, Jourden (‘04/Arnold, Mo.) handled business for Fresno in February. Averaging just 2.63 goals against, he was the only goaltender in the Pacific Division who was under 3.00 GAA, this helped him to record wins in all five games played, including a shutout win over the Bakersfield Roughnecks. Jourden faced 151 shots and earned 137 saves in the month with a save percentage of .907.