USPHL Premier Players Of The Week: North Region

Mid-Atlantic Division 

Forward: Elias Holunga, Connecticut Jr. Rangers

Holunga, an ‘03 from Golden, Colo. was huge for the Rangers in his first year with that organization and third season in the USPHL Premier. His three goals and four assists for seven points helped propel the Jr. Rangers to a 3-1 record at the BJB Shootout showcase in Marlboro, Mass. He scored a goal in each of the Rangers’ first three games, including the first goals of the Rangers’ first two games. 

Defense: Jack Dodd, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders

Dodd (‘04/Lido Beach, N.Y.) showed just how valuable a returning defenseman can be, not only scoring a goal in the Jr. Islanders’ close 5-3 loss to the Boston Advantage. His defensive play, that saw him finish with an even rating despite an overall tough weekend for his team overall, was additionally signified by his 16 takeaways and a team-leading six blocked shots for the weekend in Massachusetts. 

Goaltender: Ryuto Nakamoto, Connecticut Jr. Rangers 

Nakamoto was in net for two of the Jr. Rangers’ three wins, helping them defeat the Springfield Pics and New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs. Between the two games, he stopped 67 of the 68 shots he faced, including all 27 faced by the Pics. “Ryuto is a 2004 goalie from Japan, a big kid that is always excited to be in the net,” said Head Coach Jim Henkel. 

New England Division 

Forward: Jesper Seeberg, Islanders Hockey Club

Seeberg (‘03/Lake Worth, Fla.) is in his third season with the IHC Premier squad, and he has additionally seen time in five USPHL seasons at the 15U, 16U and NCDC levels. He’s showing exactly how veterans get it done, with four goals through his most recent two games, including his first Premier career hat trick on Sept. 30 at Twin City. 

Defense: Luc Fricchione, Springfield Pics

Fricchione (‘02/West Springfield, Mass.) is one of the longest-serving USPHL veterans, going back to playing 15U with the Pics in 2016-17 and progressing from there through the 16U and Elite to the Premier Division these past two seasons. At the BJB Shootout, Fricchione posted a goal and five assists for six points, as well as a +2 rating, 23 takeaways and eight blocked shots. 

Goaltender: Ben Bernard, Boston Advantage

Bernard (‘03/Bedford, N.H.) is a fourth-year USPHL veteran himself who is off to a fantastic finish for a surging Advantage squad. In his two most recent games, he stopped 85 of 90 shots (including 40 of 41 against the WBS Knights at the Shootout) for a .944 save percentage.