USPHL Elite Stars of the Week | Dec. 29 – Jan. 5, 2026
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Elite has announced its Division Stars of the Week, recognizing standout performances from December 29 – January 5, 2026. Only players nominated by their teams were eligible for consideration.
Atlantic Division
Forward: Gabe Vignato (P.A.L. Jr. Islanders)
Gabe Vignato made the most of his opportunity, recording two points (1G, 1A) in his appearance while providing a steady offensive presence for P.A.L.
Defenseman: Logan Veary (Hershey Cubs)
Logan Veary contributed from the blue line with three assists in four games, helping drive play and create offense for the Cubs.
Goaltender: Braiden Buccino (P.A.L. Jr. Islanders)
Braiden Buccino earned the win in his lone appearance, stopping 29 of 32 shots while providing a steady presence in net for P.A.L.
Florida Division
Forward: Scotty Craft Jr. (Typhoon HC)
Scotty Craft Jr. had a strong offensive week for Typhoon, scoring six goals and adding an assist over four games to finish with seven points.
Defenseman: Michael Rozenblat (Coral Springs Jr. Cats)
Michael Rozenblat chipped in offensively from the back end, posting four points (1G, 3A) in three games for Coral Springs.
Goaltender: Ethan Gabler (Florida Eels)
Ethan Gabler earned the win in a 2-1 final on Monday where he stopped 20 shots. Gabler posted a .952 save percentage and a 1.18 goals-against average for the Eels.
Midwest Division
Forward: Niko Dougan (Chicago Crush)
Dougan led the Crush attack with nine assists in two games, showcasing elite playmaking ability during a dominant offensive stretch.
Defenseman: Alex Yakimenka (Chicago Crush)
Yakimenka recorded six points (2G, 4A) in two games, playing a key role in Chicago’s offense from the blue line.
Goaltender: Austin Schaertel (Fort Wayne Spacemen)
Spacemen goalie Austin Schaertel backstopped 20 shots in a 5-2 win on Friday against the Florida Jr. Blades. His play was good for a .909 SV%.
New England Division
Forward: Zack L’Ecuyer (Montreal Knights)
Zack L’Ecuyer delivered a standout performance with seven goals and three assists for 10 points in three games, leading all Elite skaters during the week.
Defenseman: Zach Mackeil (Northern Cyclones)
Zach Mackeil was solid on both ends of the ice, contributing four points (2G, 2A) while anchoring the Cyclones’ defense.
Goaltender: Daniel Muratov (Montreal Knights)
Daniel Muratov delivered a dominant week in net, going 2-0 while stopping 86 of 90 shots for a .956 save percentage and a 1.48 GAA.
Southeast Division
Forward: Peyton Evans (Carolina Jr. Hurricanes)
Peyton Evans posted six points (2G, 4A) in four games, providing consistent offense for the Hurricanes throughout the week.
Defenseman: Nathan Paine (Charlotte Rush)
Nathan Paine added two assists in two games, helping Charlotte move the puck effectively from the back end.
Goaltender: Cameron Duda (Charlotte Rush)
Cameron Duda earned a win in two appearances, turning aside 34 of 36 shots and finishing the week with a .944 save percentage for the Rush.