NCDC Stars of the Week | Sept. 22-28, 2025
The National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) has announced its Division Stars of the Week, recognizing standout performances from September 22-28, 2025. Only players nominated by their teams were eligible for consideration.
Atlantic Division
Forward: Riley Lephart – Jersey Hitmen
Riley Lephart of the Jersey Hitmen had a standout two-game stretch. The 2006-born forward posted back-to-back multi-point games, finishing the week with 2 goals and 2 assists. With his consistent production, Lephart has quickly emerged as a reliable offensive driver for the Hitmen, totaling 7 points (2G, 5A) in his first seven games this season.
Defenseman: Cole Jackson – West Chester Wolves
Jackson provided a steady two-way presence from the blue line, picking up an assist in each game of a weekend set against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Buffalo native now sits at 4 points through 7 games played. “Cole is an Elite skater who really put in the work both on and off the ice this summer,” said R.C. Lyke, General Manager and Head Coach of the Wolves. “His play from the start of the season has been a huge lift to our team especially in puck movement, transition, and his ability to make plays every night. We are very excited to see him take the next step in his development this season in year two with our program.”
Goaltender: Koen Webber – West Chester Wolves
Webber was flawless in his latest start, turning aside every shot he faced in a 32-save shutout victory over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The St. Albert, Alberta native now boasts a 1.50 goals-against average, .970 save percentage, and his first shutout of the season, cementing himself as a rock in the Wolves’ crease. “Koen is a big goalie who moves very well and controls his rebounds,” R.C. Lyke, General Manager and Head Coach of the Wolves said. “We have a great dynamic with our goaltending group this season and Koen has been a huge part of that both on and off the ice. We are excited to see him take the next step in his development this season with our group and program.”
Rookie: Charles Driscoll – Jersey Hitmen
Driscoll delivered in a big way for the Hitmen, scoring the game-winning goal against Rockets Hockey Club in a tight divisional matchup. The 2006-born forward added to his strong rookie campaign, bringing his totals to 1 goal and 2 assists through 7 games, while showing he can step up in clutch moments.
Mountain Division
Forward: Sam Grimaldi – Idaho Falls Spud Kings
Sam Grimaldi was a force up front for Idaho Falls, posting 2 goals and 2 assists across two games. He scored twice against Casper and followed it up with a 2-assist performance against Ogden, finishing the week with 4 points.
Defenseman: Adam Brown – Pueblo Bulls
Adam Brown was the offensive driver from the back end, collecting 3 assists in two games against Casper. The Lincoln, Nebraska native had a 2-assist night in the opener and added another helper the following game.
Goaltender: Merik Grinaker – Ogden Mustangs
Grinaker was unbeatable in net, turning aside every shot he faced in a 32-save shutout against Utah. The Fargo, ND native improved his season line to a 0.48 GAA and .987 save percentage with one shutout, establishing himself as one of the division’s top goaltenders.
Rookie: Blake Schultz – Pueblo Bulls
Schultz had a breakout weekend, scoring two goals in his second game against Casper. The New London, Minnesota native has shown he can be an offensive difference-maker early in his junior career, earning Rookie of the Week honors.
New England Division
Forward: Zach Groleau – Utica Jr. Comets
Zach Groleau was dominant offensively, putting up 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points in two games. The Sain-Constant, QC native scored twice in each game, including a 3-point effort against Boston. This season Groleau has played in 5 games and has totalled 9 points. “Zach had his most prolific scoring weekend in a Comet Jersey,” Head Coach Nevin Hamilton said. “Scoring 2 goals in back-to-back games for a 4 goal and 1 assist weekend. Zach is a very talented player with the puck and is a pass first player. He has started to shoot more pucks which is turning him into a very dynamic threat with the puck.”
Defenseman: Jack O’Connor – Boston Jr. Rangers
Jack O’Connor showcased his offensive instincts from the blue line, recording 2 goals and 2 assists across two games against Woodstock. The Canton, GA product found the back of the net in both contests while adding a helper each night, finishing with 4 points from the back end. So far this season O’Connor has recorded 7 points over 6 games played.
Goaltender: Justin Bayers – South Shore Kings
Justin Bayers was outstanding in his start against Universel Academy, stopping 35 of 37 shots (.946 save percentage) to backstop a 4-2 win. The Kamas, UT native was steady all night, giving the Kings the backbone they needed in net.
Rookie: Brendan Keaveney – South Shore Kings
Brendan Keaveney made a big statement with 3 goals and 1 assist in two games at Universel Academy. He opened with a 2-goal, 1-assist performance and followed it up with another tally the next night. The Westwood, MA native has 9 points through his first 7 games, quickly proving to be an impact rookie scorer.