USPHL Elite Players Of The Week: South Region

Week of Oct. 10, 2024 

Games of Oct. 1-7, 2024 

 

Southeast Division

Forward: Kester Stadler, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes

Stadler, an ‘05 out of Switzerland, has been performing very well as a first-time North American player. He registered a goal and four assists for five points in the Jr. Canes’ sweep of the Hampton Roads Whalers. With 12 points in eight games, he is tied for sixth in league scoring. 

 

Defense: Cooper Thomas, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes

Thomas (‘07/Apex, N.C.) put up a goal and two assists for three points in the two games against Hampton Roads. He is a career Carolina Jr. Hurricanes player who is currently tied for sixth in defenseman scoring at six points in eight games.

 

Goaltender: Cale Puzey, Charlotte Rush

Puzey (‘05/Calgary, Alb.) registered his first USPHL shutout when he stopped all 36 shots put on him by the Potomac Patriots. Puzey is in his second USPHL season and is currently 3-1-0-1 with a 1.38 GAA and his .942 save percentage ranks in the top 10 for the Elite. 

 

Florida Division

Forward: Max Ratliff, Tampa Bay Juniors 

Ratliff (‘06/Tampa, Fla.) put up a 3-3-6 line, including a hat trick and two assists against the Florida Jr. Blades on Oct. 4. He improved to nine points on this season in his second campaign with the Juniors. 

 

Defense: Carter Trussler, Tampa Bay Juniors

Trussler (‘06/Land O’ Lakes, Fla.) is back for his third season with the Juniors organization and he continues to impress, recently putting up three assists during the Juniors’ series against the Florida Jr. Blades. He has 49 points in 87 career games. 

 

Goaltender: Carson Phillips, Bold City Battalion

Phillips (‘07/Daytona, Fla.) made 34 saves on 36 shots to earn his first junior win on Oct. 5. Phillips joined from the local DME Swamp Rabbits Midget team.  

Summaries by Joshua Boyd