Elite January Stars of the Month
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Elite has announced its January Stars of the Month, recognizing standout performances from the month. Only players nominated by their teams were eligible for consideration.
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Forward: Colin Evans – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights: Colin Evans continued to be a driving force for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights in January, producing 15 points in 8 games. He consistently sparked the Knights’ offense with his speed, puck control, and ability to turn small openings into scoring chances. Evans delivered in key moments and set the tone for the division’s top forward performance.
Defenseman: Adrien Poirier – Hershey Cubs: Adrien Poirier posted an excellent month on the blue line for the Hershey Cubs, recording 9 points in 6 games. His efficiency in transition, strong skating, and ability to jump into the offense made him a constant dual-threat presence. Poirier logged heavy minutes and impacted the game in all three zones all month long.
Goalie: Braiden Buccino – P.A.L. Jr. Islanders: Braiden Buccino went 2-0-1 on the week, stopping 97 of 102 shots for a .951 save percentage and a 1.71 GAA across 174:58 of action.
FLORIDA DIVISION
Forward: Riley Furbeck – Tampa Bay Juniors: Riley Furbeck powered the Tampa Bay Juniors attack throughout the month, producing 17 points in 11 games. His combination of scoring touch and ability to generate offense off the rush made him a constant challenge for opposing defenses and one of the league’s most effective forwards in January.
Defenseman: Michael Rozenblat – Coral Springs Jr. Cats: Michael Rozenblat was a major catalyst from the blue line for the Coral Springs Jr. Cats, recording 9 points in 7 games. He excelled at moving pucks quickly, joining the play with confidence, and quarterbacking transition efforts. Rozenblat’s two-way consistency made him one of the division’s most valuable defenders.
Goalie: Tyler Mundie – Coral Springs Jr. Cats: Tyler Mundie delivered a strong, reliable month, going 3-0-0 with a .920 save percentage in January. He provided stabilizing, composed goaltending for Coral Springs, making timely saves and giving his team a consistent chance to secure points.
MIDWEST DIVISION
Forward: Kristopher Funk – Chicago Crush: Kristopher Funk was outstanding for the Chicago Crush, putting up 14 points in 7 games. He attacked defenders with pace, finished with confidence, and generated offense in all situations. Funk’s consistency and impact made him the division’s top forward in January.
Defenseman: Nathan Galvan – Chicago Cougars: Nathan Galvan delivered a strong, steady month for the Chicago Cougars, producing 8 points in 7 games. His ability to move the puck efficiently, defend with structure, and contribute to the attack allowed him to influence games on both ends of the ice.
Goalie: Austin Schaertel – Fort Wayne Spacemen: Austin Schaertel posted a fantastic January for the Fort Wayne Spacemen, going 4-0-0 with a .946 save percentage and 1.82 GAA. He was consistently sharp, controlling rebounds and maintaining excellent command of the crease in every appearance.
NEW ENGLAND DIVISION
Forward: Zack L’Ecuyer – Montreal Knights: Zack L’Ecuyer lit up the scoresheet for the Montreal Knights, posting 19 points in 8 games, including 13 goals. His finishing ability, especially in high-danger areas, drove Montreal’s offense and made him one of the most productive forwards in the entire league this month.
Defenseman: Zach Mackeil – Northern Cyclones: Zach Mackeil turned in another strong month for the Northern Cyclones, registering 10 points in 9 games. His poise under pressure, smart reads, and ability to transition the puck effectively made him a consistent difference-maker from the blue line.
Goalie: Daniel Muratov – Montreal Knights: Daniel Muratov was exceptional throughout January, going 4-0-0 with a .955 save percentage and 1.25 GAA. His technique, positioning, and ability to deliver big saves at timely moments helped anchor Montreal in a strong stretch of play.
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Forward: Ariel Elkin – Charlotte Rush: Ariel Elkin delivered an explosive month for the Charlotte Rush, recording 10 points in 4 games. His creativity, quick-strike scoring ability, and ability to drive offense off the rush made him one of the division’s most dangerous players.
Defenseman: Colby Markham – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Colby Markham was a bright spot for the Carolina Junior Hurricanes, producing 6 points in 6 games. He played with confidence on both sides of the puck, contributing offensively while maintaining strong structure and defensive reliability.
Goalie: Layne Hubert – Carolina Jr. Hurricanes: Layne Hubert provided steady, winning play in the Southeast, earning three victories and posting a 2.16 GAA on the month. His calm presence and timely saves allowed Carolina to control momentum in close games and build consistency throughout January.