AJHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release

CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that New York Bobcats forward Pat Schule, Northern Cyclones defenseman Jon Houk and Walpole Express goaltender Kyle Shapiro have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for games ending Oct. 8.

Schule, from Fresh Meadows, N.Y., rang up four goals and two assists at the AJHL’s second Showcase of the season, which was held over Columbus Day Weekend in Hudson, N.H. On Friday, the 1994-born struck for a goal and an assist in a 3-2 victory over the Laconia Leafs. The next day, the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder registered a hat trick, including the game-winning marker in overtime, and an assist as the Bobcats edged the Cyclones, 4-3. Schule was held scoreless in New York’s 1-0 loss to the Boston Jr. Rangers on Sunday.

“Pat has become a force for us, offensively,” said Bobcats head coach Michael Coppola. “He’s a leader on our team and sets the standard with his work ethic every day.”

Houk, from Richboro, Pa., connected for two goals and two assists in three Showcase games. After being held scoreless on Friday - a 3-1 triumph over the New Jersey Rockets - the 1992-born put home two goals and an assist the next day in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Bobcats. On Sunday, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Houk picked up another assist on forward Brian Bowen’s game-winning goal as the Cyclones downed the New Jersey Titans, 4-3.

“Jon played well for us last weekend,” said Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan. “He anchors the power play and contributed some big goals at the Showcase.”

Shapiro, from Ocean, N.J., backstopped the Express to a pair of wins in his two appearances at the Showcase, turning aside 59 of 60 shots. On Friday, the 1993-born stopped all 15 shots he faced in 25 minutes of action in a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Little Flyers. The next day, the 6-foot, 167-pound Shapiro made 44 saves as Walpole downed the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, 3-1.

“Kyle has gotten off to good start and has played excellent in his five starts,” said Express assistant coach Tony Dalessio. “He’s a calming presence in our defensive zone.”

HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSIVE: Jr. Flyers forward Ben Brouillard; Little Flyers forward James Bonaguro; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights forward Jack Ceglarski

DEFENSIVE: Jr. Flyers defenseman Jim Le Noir; Knights defenseman Tommy Dowell

GOALTENDER: Connecticut Wolfpack goaltender Spencer Landry; Jr. Flyers goaltender Scott Brown; Knights goaltender Mike DeLaVergne


(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)