USPHL Elite Players Of The Week: Southeast And Midwest Divisions

Week of Oct. 17, 2024

Games of Oct. 8-14, 2024

 

Southeast Division 

Forward: Zachary Rich, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes

Veteran Jr. Cane Rich (‘05/Omaha, Neb.) registered a goal and posted two assists for three points as the Jr. Canes came away with an OT loss point against the Atlanta MadHatters. Rich now has nine points in eight games this year, and 60 points for his career. 

 

Defense: Andrew Pi, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes

Pi (‘07/Ottawa, Ont.) scored the first two goals for his team in the Jr. Canes’ eventual OT loss in Atlanta. Pi improved to a 2-3-5  line on the season. 

 

Goaltender: Cale Puzey, Charlotte Rush

Puzey (‘05/Calgary, Alb.) stopped 47 of the 49 shots he faced against the Hampton Roads Whalers last week, giving him a .959 save percentage and 0.97 GAA in two wins. Overall, he is 5-1-0-1 with a .929 save percentage. 

 

Midwest Division 

Forward: Justin Ward, Metro Jets

Second-year Jet Ward (‘04/La Plata, Md.) registered a pair of goals in the Jets’ Oct. 13 game against the Motor City Gamblers. 

 

Defense: Troy Naill, Chicago Crush 

Naill (‘04/Wheaton, Ill.) registered a pair of assists – his first junior points – for the Crush, as they split the weekend with a 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cougars and a 2-1 win over the Decatur Blaze. 

 

Goaltender: Daniel Gurtner, Chicago Crush

Gurtner (‘06/Berwyn, Ill.) registered 45 saves on 46 shots in the Crush’s big win against the Decatur Blaze on Sunday. He is 2-0 with a .931 save percentage early on this season.