USPHL Elite Stars of the Week | January 6–11, 2026

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Elite has announced its Division Stars of the Week, recognizing standout performances from across the league during the week of January 6–11, 2026. Only players nominated by their teams were eligible for consideration.

 

Atlantic Division

Forward: Colin Evans (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights)
Colin Evans recorded seven points (2G, 5A) in three games, including two game-winning goals.

Defenseman: Andrew Mervyak (P.A.L. Junior Islanders)
Andrew Mervyak scored a goal in his appearance, contributing offensively from the blue line.

Goaltender: Connor Blondal (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights)
Connor Blondal earned a shutout victory, stopping all 24 shots he faced.

 

Florida Division

Forward: Jackson Buchanan (Coral Springs Jr. Cats)
Jackson Buchanan totaled seven points (4G, 3A) in three games, including two power-play goals and two game-winners.

Defenseman: Quincy Walker (Tampa Bay Juniors)
Quincy Walker recorded three points (1G, 2A) in two games from the blue line.

Goaltender: Ayden Bednarek (Tampa Bay Juniors)
Ayden Bednarek posted a shutout win, stopping all 23 shots he faced.

 

Midwest Division

Forward: Tyson Finefrock (Fort Wayne Spacemen)
Tyson Finefrock scored five goals in three games, including two game-winning tallies.

Defenseman: Nikolai Polus (Chicago Crush)
Nikolai Polus contributed three points (1G, 2A) in his single game appearance.

Goaltender: Austin Schaertel (Fort Wayne Spacemen)
Austin Schaertel delivered a shutout performance, stopping all 33 shots he faced.

 

New England Division

Forward: Connor Posthumus (Islanders Hockey Club)
Connor Posthumus posted three points (2G, 1A) in one game, including a power-play goal and a game-winner.

Defenseman: Garrett Davidson (Islanders Hockey Club)
Garrett Davidson recorded two assists while logging key minutes on the Islanders’ blue line.

Goaltender: Marcus Claxton (Islanders Hockey Club)
Marcus Claxton earned the win, stopping 28 of 31 shots for a .903 SV% and a 3.00 GAA. 

 

Southeast Division

Forward: Ariel Elkin (Charlotte Rush)
Ariel Elkin provided extreme offensive for the Rush, as he totalled 4 points (1g, 3a) in one game. 

Defenseman: Nathan Kuhns (Charlotte Rush)
Nathan Kuhns recorded two assists in his appearance from the blue line.

Goaltender: Josh Ellenberger (Charlotte Rush)
Josh Ellenberger went 1-0, stopping 18 of 19 shots with a 1.00 goals-against average.