NCDC October Stars of the Month
The National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) has announced its October Stars of the Month, recognizing standout performances from the month. Only players nominated by their teams were eligible for consideration.
Atlantic Division
Forward: Eric McHale- West Chester Wolves: Eric McHale was a driving force for the Wolves’ offense throughout October, finishing the month with 9 points (5 goals, 4 assists) over 10 games. He consistently generated scoring chances and delivered in key moments, including multi-point efforts in back-to-back high-scoring contests against the Rangers and Islanders.
Honorable Mention: Derek Tremblay – Jersey Hitmen
Defenseman: Aiden Holland – P.A.L Islanders: Aiden Holland anchored the Islanders’ blue line throughout October, contributing both offensively and defensively during a strong month for P.A.L. The steady defenseman totaled 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points over the span, including a three-assist night in a shutout win and multiple multi-point efforts throughout October.
Honorable Mention: Nico Pasquale – West Chester Wolves
Goaltender: Nick Bunch – Jersey Hitmen: Nick Bunch was outstanding in net throughout October, helping the Hitmen to a strong month with consistently dominant performances. He posted a 4–1–0 record with a .958 save percentage, 1.27 goals-against average, and one shutout, stopping 138 of 144 shots faced.
Honorable Mention: Ethan Ramonneti – P.A.L Islanders
Rookie: Beckett Homlish – Rockets Hockey Club: Rookie forward Beckett Homlish posted 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in October, highlighted by a three-point effort in a 4–3 road win against the Hitmen and a two-goal and one assist performance in the team’s 10–0 victory over the Mercer Chiefs.
Honorable Mention: Billy Collins – P.A.L Islanders
Mountain Division
Forward: Ben Taylor – Pueblo Bulls: Ben Taylor was a force for the Bulls’ throughout October, finishing the month with 8 goals and 5 assists for 13 points in 9 games. He opened the season on a tear, registering multiple multi-point efforts including a two-goal, two-assist game in a 10–1 win over Grand Junction and a hat trick performance against Utah.
Honorable Mention: Sam Grimaldi – Idaho Falls Spud Kings
Defenseman: DJ MacLeish – Idaho Falls Spud Kings: DJ MacLeish was a steady two-way force for Idaho Falls throughout October, helping the Spud Kings to several key wins while leading the team’s blue line in scoring. He finished the month with 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points, highlighted by a three-point performance in a 6–1 win over Pueblo and clutch goals in tight divisional games.
Honorable Mention: Tai Kontrec – Grand Junction River Hawks
Goaltender: Merik Grinaker – Ogden Mustangs: Merik Grinaker was outstanding in goal for the Mustangs during October, going 3-0 while allowing only 4 goals over his starts. He posted an impressive .963 save percentage and 1.33 goals-against average
Honorable Mention: Devin Degenstein – Idaho Falls Spud Kings
Rookie: Liam Sheward – Ogden Mustangs: Liam Sheward was a key offensive piece for Ogden in October, posting 9 points (2G, 7A) over eight games. The rookie forward showed strong vision and consistency, highlighted by a three-assist performance in a 6–1 win at Casper, helping the Mustangs to an unbeaten month.
Honorable Mention: Blake Schultz – Pueblo Bulls
New England Division
Forward: Jake Kavanagh – South Shore Kings: Jake Kavanagh was a driving force behind the Kings’ offense in October, totaling 15 points (4G, 11A) over nine games while riding a steady point streak through much of the month. The skilled playmaker recorded an 8 game point streak that included five multi-point performances and two three-point games.
Honorable Mention: Xavier Goodwin – Utica Jr. Comets
Defenseman: Logan Petlansky – Northern Cyclones: Logan Petlansky was a steady and impactful presence on the Cyclones’ blue line throughout October, contributing at both ends of the ice. He totaled 7 points (4G, 3A) over nine games, including goals in back-to-back road wins and key contributions in several close contests.
Honorable Mention: Andrew Jensen – South Shore Kings
Goaltender: Patrick Mueller – South Shore Kings: Patrick Mueller was unbeatable through October, backstopping the Kings to a perfect month and establishing himself among the top goalies in the NCDC. The netminder went 7–0–0 with a 1.43 goals-against average, .943 save percentage, and one shutout (17 saves).
Honorable Mention: Brett DeVincent – Utica Jr. Comets
Rookie: Noah Jimbo – Worcester Jr. Railers: Noah Jimbo made an impact for the Railers in October, leading the team offensively with 11 points (5G, 6A) through nine games. The first-year forward showcased his scoring touch and playmaking ability early, highlighted by a four-point outing (1G, 3A) against the Springfield Pics and a two-goal performance in a win over New York.
Honorable Mention: Eli Heinze – South Shore Kings