AJHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release

CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Walpole Express forward Collin O’Neil (left), defenseman Jimmy Burns (middle) and Washington Jr. Nationals goaltender Mitch Collum have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Oct. 14.

O’Neil, from Hummelstown, Pa., struck for four goals and three assists as the Express forged a 3-0 record. On Friday, the 1992-born notched the game-winning goal in a 2-1 triumph over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. The next day, he picked up a goal and three assists as the Express blanked the Laconia Leafs, 11-0. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound O’Neil wrapped up his weekend on Sunday with a two-goal performance, including the game-winner, in a 4-0 win over the Leafs.

“Collin is one of our captains and our leaders,” said Express assistant coach Tony Dalessio. “He has the offensive abilities to have an explosive season and he’s shown those abilities in the early part of our schedule.”

Burns, a Red Bank, N.J., native, collected three assists in the Express’ three wins. On Friday, the 1993-born assisted on O’Neil’s game-winning goal in Walpole’s victory over the Knights. The next day, he assisted on another game-winning marker - scored by forward David Goff - in the Express’ win over the Leafs. In his team’s triumph over Laconia on Sunday, the 5-foot-9, 168-pounder added another helper.

“Jimmy has steadily grown into our top offensive defenseman and has matured greatly in a short amount of time,” said Dalessio. “We’re looking forward to more big things from him.”

Collum, from Lake Placid, N.Y., backstopped the Jr. Nationals to a two-game sweep over the New Jersey Titans, turning aside 79 of 84 shots. On Saturday, the 1992-born made 45 saves in a 5-3 victory. The next day, the 5-foot-8, 160-pounder stopped 34 shots as Washington downed New Jersey, 5-2.

"Mitch's consistently stellar performances between the pipes continues to not only help him out in his collegiate pursuit, but is giving our whole team the confidence to work hard and take the chances it needs to be successful," said Jr. Nationals head coach Anthony DiPalma.

HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSIVE: Jr. Nationals forward Aaron Madsen; Philadelphia Jr. Flyers forward Franny Mackin

DEFENSIVE: Jr. Flyers defenseman Spencer Keglovic

GOALTENDER: Walpole’s Kyle Shapiro; Jr. Flyers’ Tommy Bay

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