USPHL Elite Players Of The Week: South Region

Week of Oct. 3, 2024

Sept. 24-30 

 

Florida Division 

Forward: Caleb Rae, Florida Jr. Blades 

Rae (‘07/Stouffville, Ont.) put up a line of three goals and two assists for five points during the Jr. Blades’ stand at the Southeast Showcase, from which they were able to draw a victory. Rae now has a 4-5-9 line through six games. 

 

Defense: Cooper Christensen, Florida Jr. Blades

Christensen (‘07/Oldsmar, Fla.) registered a goal and three assists to finish with a point in every game at the Southeast Showcase. The second-year Elite veteran stands with a 3-3-6 line in six games. 

 

Goaltender: Shane Passaro, Tampa Bay Juniors 

The second-year TBJ goaltender Passaro (‘04/Palm Springs, Calif.) returns to this honor for a second straight week. He turned away 50 of 51 shots in his two wins at the Southeast Showcase, including a 15-save shutout of Atlanta and a 35-save performance against regular powerhouse the Charlotte Rush. With a save percentage of .982 and a GAA of 0.32, he is the early dominant goalie in the league. 

 

Southeast Division

Forward: Braylen Cox, Potomac Patriots 

Cox (‘05/Nashville, Tenn.) is another returning Player of the Week for his position. The third-year USPHL veteran put up four goals and added three assists for seven points in his four USPHL Southeast Showcase contests. With a 9-4-13 line, Cox is leading the Elite in scoring. 

 

Defense: Zachary Alberico, Hampton Roads Whalers

Alberico (‘05/Collinsville, Ill.) is a second-year Whaler who is helping the Whalers stand at first overall going into the first weekend of October. He registered four assists, all coming in their win against the Atlanta MadHatters, to lead the Southeast’s defensemen in scoring for the week. 

 

Goaltender: Owen Nasholds, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes 

Nasholds (‘07/Raleigh, N.C.) joined the Jr. Canes junior program out of the prestigious Carolina Jr. Hurricanes youth program. The homegrown talent stopped 48 of 49 shots at the USPHL Southeast Showcase, including his first junior shutout of 15 saves.

Selection Process: Division statistical leaders are presented to coaches, who can choose to nominate alternate candidates for selection. 

Summaries by Joshua Boyd