USPHL Elite Stars of the Week | Sept. 20-28, 2025

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Elite has announced its Division Stars of the Week, recognizing standout performances from September 20-28, 2025. Only players nominated by their teams were eligible for consideration.

Atlantic Division

Forward: Robert Engel – P.A.L. Jr. Islanders

Robert Engel exploded offensively with 6 goals in just two games, which included back-to-back hat tricks. The 2008-born forward also netted a game-winner, powering the Islanders’ attack and cementing himself as one of the league’s top scorers this week.

 

Defenseman: Brett Spiers – P.A.L. Jr. Islanders

Jr. Islanders defenseman Brett Spiers posted two points in one game. The 2008-born defenseman added a goal, and an assist to extend the Islanders over the Impact.

 

Goalie: Anthony Scalia – P.A.L. Jr. Islanders

Goaltender Anthony Scalia picked up a big win in net after turning away 35 shots on net. The North Babylon, NY native posted a .921 SV% in the win. 

 

Florida Division

Forward: Yoshin Takahara – Tampa Bay Juniors

Yoshin Takahara was unstoppable, putting up nine points (6 goals, 3 assists) in three games. He recorded multiple two-goal outings, including a 5 points game, and chipped in two game-winning goals. 

 

Defense: Nikita Shchevyev – Florida Eels

Nikita Shchevyev had a dominant three-game stretch, tallying six points (4 goals, 6 assists). His ability to jump into the rush and produce offensively from the blue line was key in the Eels’ strong weekend.

 

Goalie: Nic Baggaley – Florida Jr. Blades

Nic Baggaley turned in a stellar effort with a .971 save percentage in his win against Coral Springs, stopping all but one of the shots he faced. 

 

Midwest Division

Forward: Caleb Lind – Chicago Crush

Caleb Lind powered the Crush offense with a four-point game (3 goals, 1 assist) against the Chicago Prospect Stars, including a game-winning goal. 

 

Defenseman: Brody Luzbetak – Chicago Crush

Brody Luzbetak contributed on both ends of the ice, posting a four-point night (2 goals, 2 assists) against the T-Rex and adding another helper versus the Prospect Stars. His seven points in six games played on the season show his impact as a two-way defenseman.

 

Goalie: Aidan Karst – Fort Wayne Spacemen

Aidan Karst delivered a stellar outing, stopping 29 of 30 shots for a .967 save percentage and 1.00 GAA. His performance secured a win for the Spacemen and earned him Midwest Goaltender of the Week honors. “Aiden has put together back to back incredible performances for us and has been our leader in net over the past 4 games and is deserving of his accolades,” said Head Coach Cameron Wirick. 

 

New England Division

Forward: Michael Funaro – Montreal Knights

Michael Funaro was a playmaker all week, piling up seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) across three games. He contributed in every matchup, highlighted by a three-point effort against the Islanders Hockey Club, and continues to be a driving force in the Knights’ attack.

 

Defenseman: Cristiano Ferreira – Montreal Knights

Cristiano Ferreira made a two-way impact from the blue line, recording four points in three games (2 goals, 2 assists). His two-goal outing against Hershey, including a game-winner, was a standout performance that solidified his spot as the week’s top defenseman.

 

Goalie: Orane Green – Montreal Knights

Orane Green was reliable in net, earning two victories while posting a .922 save percentage and a 2.00 GAA over 51 shots. His steady presence backstopped Montréal’s strong weekend.

 

Southeast Division

Forward: Carson Olsen – Charlotte Rush

Carson Olson put together a strong weekend with five points (2 goals, 3 assists), including a three-point performance against Charleston. His consistent production helped drive the Rush offense. “Carson is one of the hardest working players in our organization,” said Rush Head Coach and General Manager Justin Fisher. “He committed this offseason to training and developing his game and it is showing to start the season.”

 

Defenseman: Caden Smith – Charlotte Rush

Caden Smith contributed on both ends of the ice, recording three points (1 goal, 2 assists) across the weekend. His play at the blue line was highlighted by a game-winning goal, proving his ability to come through in key moments.

 

Goalie: Josh Ellenburger – Charlotte Rush

Josh Ellenberger turned aside every shot he faced in a 20-save shutout over Charleston. The flawless performance secured him Goaltender of the Week honors.