Soo Eagles forward Jared VanWormer named NAHL’s Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year

FRISCO, TEXAS – The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the remainder of its awards for the 2012-13 season.  The selections are based on performance during the 2012-13 regular season, as voted upon by the league’s 24 head coaches.

The 2012-13 season awards include: Most Valuable Player, Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Brian’s Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with the Academic Achievement Award, Community Service Award and Mark Messier Leadership Award.  Here is a look at the winners:

2012-13 Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year:  Jared VanWormer, Soo Eagles

Like many players that play in the league, Soo Eagles forward Jared VanWormer, 20, is a perfect example of how the NAHL is supposed to work.  The native of Traverse City, Michigan, just completed his third season in the league and ended up as its leading scorer during the 2012-13 season with 76 points (25 goals, 51 assists) in 60 games played.  His 51 assists also led the league and his +35 rating ranked 7th.  This past February, VanWormer played in the 2013 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a part of the Great Lakes team.  In 176 career NAHL regular season games, VanWormer tallied 58 goals and 85 assists for 143 career points.  In 14 career playoff games, he totaled six points (2 goals, 4 assists). VanWormer has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Ferris State University.

2012-13 Defenseman of the Year:  Josh Hartley, Wenatchee Wild

Wenatchee Wild defenseman Josh Hartley, 21, completes his third and final season in an NAHL uniform as one of the most decorated defensemen in league history.  This season, the native of Coquitlam, British Columbia, led all NAHL defensemen in points with 43 in 58 games played.  His 34 assists were tops among all NAHL defensemen and his +21 rating ranked in the Top 10.  In 170 career NAHL regular season games, Hartley recorded 95 points from the blueline (25 goals, 70 assists).  Prior to playing in Wenatchee this season, Hartley played two years for the Dawson Creek Rage.  He played in the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a part of Team West.  Hartley has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Dartmouth College.

2012-13 Brian’s Goaltender of the Year: Tyler Marble, Soo Eagles

This year’s Brian’s Goaltender of the Year is Soo Eagles goaltender Tyler Marble.  A veteran of three NAHL seasons, the native of Howell, Michigan, led the Eagles to the North Division regular season title in 2012-13.  In the process, Marble, 21, recorded the highest save percentage in the NAHL at 93.8%.  He also led the league in saves with 1,463 and was tied for 3rd in wins with 30.  In Marble’s three-year NAHL career, which began with the Traverse City North Stars and ended with the Soo Eagles, he recorded a career record of 67 wins, 26 losses and 7 overtime/shootout losses with nine shutouts.  He posted a career goals against average of 2.76 and a career save percentage of 91.5%.  Marble played in the NAHL Top Prospects event in late 2010 in Boston, MA.  Marble has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Colorado College.

2012-13 Rookie of the Year: Brandon Hawkins, Texas Tornado

Relatively unknown to start the 2012-13 season, Texas Tornado forward Brandon Hawkins, 19, burst onto the scene as a 18-year-old rookie in September.  By the end of October, he registered 21 points (including 15 goals) in his first 15 games in the NAHL.  His 16 points in the month of October led the NAHL and Hawkins was named as the NAHL’s Forward of the Month.  He continued on a hot pace as he helped the Tornado to winning streaks of nine straight games in September-October and 10 straight games in December-January, both of which were NAHL-highs this past season.  The native of Macomb, Michigan finished with 58 points in 60 games played during the 2012-13 season.  His 35 goals led the league and his nine power play goals ranked in the Top 10.  In February, Hawkins played in the 2013 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a part of the NAHL 18U Selects team where he tied for the team lead in scoring with four points in three games.  Hawkins has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Bowling Green State University.

2012-13 Coach of the Year:  Dennis Williams, Amarillo Bulls

Under the direction of head coach Dennis Williams the Amarillo Bulls secured a third straight Robertson Cup appearance, a third straight NAHL South Division playoff title, a second consecutive NAHL regular season title and highest point total, a second consecutive NAHL South Division regular season title.  In addition, a league-leading 13 players on the current Amarillo roster have secured an NCAA commitment.  Pretty remarkable numbers for a head coach finishing just his third season in the league.  The Bulls also equaled their NAHL-record total of 99 points this past season, a mark that they also set last season.  Their 46 wins and seven regulation losses both led the NAHL.  The Bulls also finished the season as the #1 ranked offense and the #1 ranked defense in the league.  Williams also was the coach of team Texas at the 2013 NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament.

2012-13 General Manager of the Year:  Rob Proffitt, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Under the direction of General Manager Rob Proffitt, the Ice Dogs had another successful season, both on the ice and in the community.  On the ice, the Ice Dogs won 39 games during the regular season and advanced to a Division Finals in the playoffs for a sixth straight season. They also had nine players commit to NCAA schools so far this season.  Proffitt has also developed one of the most impressive lists of corporate partners in the NAHL.  Perhaps more impressively, he helped his team sellout 24 of possible 28 home games this season, which lead the NAHL.  With a seating capacity of 2,242 at the Big Dipper Ice Arena, the Ice Dogs averaged 2,209 fans during the 2012-13 season, which put them at an amazing 98.5% capacity.  This marks Proffitt’s third consecutive year of being honored as NAHL General Manager of the Year.

2012-13 Organization of the Year:  Johnstown Tomahawks

Johnstown is a hockey town, and the fans proved it once again by welcoming the NAHL’s Johnstown Tomahawks with enthusiasm as the team revitalized a community with a rich hockey tradition.  The Tomahawks finished fifth in the NAHL in total and average attendance, which included 11 home games with 3,000 fans or more. That’s an impressive stat for a first-year team in a market that had never witnessed NAHL action. The team also made the playoffs in their first season in Johnstown and had three players make NCAA Division I commitments.  While there was a lot to celebrate on game nights the Tomahawks were equally as impressive in the community. The Johnstown Tomahawks Foundation directly donated and assisted with donations exceeding $25,000 during the inaugural 2012-13 season. By providing both donations and assisting with community events, the team contributed to over 15 local charitable, non-profit, and youth hockey organizations.  Among these organizations are the Special Olympics of Western PA, Conemaugh Health Foundation Cancer Fund, Planet Ice Arena – Ziggy’s Kids Hockey Program, Portage School SAAD, Johnstown Police K-9 Unit, the Tomahawks Booster Club, and the Forest Hills Girls Varsity Volleyball Event, “Spike Autism.”

2012-13 Academic Achievement Award: Drew Kariofiles, Topeka RoadRunners        

The balancing act required for an athlete to maintain a level of excellence both in their sport and in the classroom can be a challenging one, but it’s one that Topeka RoadRunner captain Drew Kariofiles has not only embraced, but mastered.   Kariofiles has been taking online classes with Miami University Middletown; a state-assisted regional campus of Miami University located in Middletown, Ohio.  It is the oldest regional campus of Miami University. His program is for a Bachelor of Arts degree in University Studies, and his grades have been exemplary. He recorded straight A’s in four classes: English, History, Psychology and Sociology.  His percent average in the four college courses was a 97.51%.  The numbers speak for themselves, and would be impressive under any circumstance, but when one considers the toll of being a junior hockey player, with all the travel, practices, games, workouts, and public appearances, the achievement becomes all the more impressive. Then when you factor in that Drew has been the captain of his team, his academic success was all the more remarkable.

2012-13 Community Service Award:  Ryan Cole, Amarillo Bulls

Ryan Cole’s Community Humanitarian project during the 2012-13 season was for Habitat for Humanity (H for H). H for H is an organization that has strong roots in local communities and builds houses for those who are less fortunate and would not be able to afford it. Ryan felt it was important to help lead the charge in regards to community outreach within the city of Amarillo. When he arrived at the beginning of the season he put together Bulls4Habitat, a charity that would raise money for Habitat for Humanity. His goal at the beginning of the year was to raise at least $5,000 for the organization and donate his time to help build houses in the community. As the year went on he organized and ran fundraising events at local Chili's, Youth Fun Houses, the Amarillo Discovery Center and at the rink during games to reach his goal. Ryan had a booth set up at home games offering up chances to donate to the Bulls4Humanity project as well as participate in auctions and raffles with proceeds going to B4H. These items were donated to the Amarillo Bulls specifically for the Habitat For Humanity project by local businesses. Ryan also managed to get an Autographed and personalized Rodney Atkins (Country Musician) Amarillo Bulls Jersey. The Jersey was also raffled off with all proceeds donated directly to B4H. At the end of the season over $7,000 and counting was raised by Cole and his efforts for the Amarillo Chapter of Habitat For Humanity. The most impressive and exciting part of the whole campaign is that the Amarillo Habitat For Humanity chapter has decided to dedicate their next built house to Ryan and his organization, Bulls4Habitat. Construction on the Bulls4Habitat house began on April 20th with a ground-breaking and special presentation made by Ryan and his teammates.

2012-13 Mark Messier Leadership Award:  Conor Lemirande, Janesville Jets

Lemirande, a native of Janesville, WI, has been a rock-solid cornerstone for the Jets on the ice and in their community. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound forward recorded 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) and 127 penalty minutes in 54 games during the 2012-13 season, his second season with the Jets. He has established himself as a selfless leader who never hesitates to stand up for his teammates.  He is a great leader on and off of the ice and leads in areas other than hockey. He helped raise money for the Salvation Army, he helped collect toys for toys for tots and he also raised money for Mercy Health Cancer Awareness.  He totaled 87 hours of community service from September-April. He was a big motivator for his teammates to get more involved in the community on a regular basis. He led the team every month in community service hours and even after the season is over he is still volunteering in the community of Janesville. Some of the programs that Conor volunteered for were Big Brothers/Big Sisters, as Conor was a Big Brother for the entire season. As a Big Brother Conor was responsible to mentor, play sports with, help with homework and just be a big brother. Conor also volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club where he was a lunch buddy for elementary child in Janesville.  The Mark Messier Project Leadership Award was established in 2010-11, and recognizes the NAHL player who best exemplifies strong leadership both on and off the ice.

About the NAHL

The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 24 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.  So far during the 2012-13 season, over 120 NAHL players committed to NCAA schools.  The NAHL also had two players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  A total of 23 NAHL alumni appeared in the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four.  For more information, visit www.nahl.com.

by Randy Russon
 
Recognition remains rampant for many connected to the Soo Eagles.
 
To be sure, the performances of several of the Eagles, who finished atop the North Division of the 24-team North American Hockey League during the regular season only to be upended by the Jamestown Ironmen in the playoff finals, are being duly noted.
 
Two Eagles were among only six from the entire NAHL who earned all-league, all-star honours for their outstanding play during the 2012-2013 regular season as Tyler Marble was named best goalie and Jared WanWormer top centre.
 
Then there is defenceman Alex Robert, who was named to the NAHL's all-rookie, first all-star team for 2012-2013.
 
Not to be outdone, veteran defenceman Nathan Harris has joined Marble (Colorado College) and VanWormer (Ferris State University) in becoming the latest Eagle to get a Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association commitment for the 2013-2014 campaign. Harris will return to Sault Ste. Marie in the fall after committing to Lake Superior State University.
 
Marble, a 1992 birth year, fashioned a record of 30-9-3 and had 5 shutouts to go with a 2.39 goals against average and .938 save percentage.
 
"He exceeded our expectations," Eagles coach-general manager Bruno Bragagnolo said of Marble. "He won a number of games for us on his own."
 
VanWormer, who also has a 1992 birth date, led the Eagles and the NAHL in scoring with 76 points, including 25 goals, in 60 games.
 
"Jared is the epitome of a team leader and character player," said Bragagnolo. "He was a go-to-guy on and off the ice for us."
 
The rookie Robert, a 1995 birth year, took a regular turn on the Eagle blueline despite being one of the youngest players in the NAHL. He played in 59 games, had 14 points and had a +20 rating.
 
"Alex showed the poise of a veteran," praised Bragagnolo. "This is a kid who could play pro down the road."
 
Harris, a 1992 birth year, played in just 18 games and had 7 points before a concussion ended his season early. He has since been medically cleared to play.
 
"It says a lot about Nate's abilities that despite missing most of the season he's considered to be a Division 1 player," noted Bragagnolo. "We are very happy for Nate that he is healthy enough to play again and to be given a Division 1 opportunity." 
 
Other Eagles have NCAA commitments besides Marble, VanWormer and Harris.
 
1992 birth year forward Brandon Adams is off to Division 3, Oswego State University in the fall and 1995 birth year forward Denver Pierce has a future commitment to Division 1, Northern Michigan University.
 
"We expect to have commitments from more of our players in the days and weeks ahead," said Bragagnolo.

Six players from four NAHL clubs honored with all-league recognition
 
FRISCO, TEXAS –The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its All-NAHL Team for the 2012-13 season.  The selections are based on performance during the 2012-13 regular season, as voted upon by the league’s 24 head coaches.
 
Watch the exclusive 2012-13 All-NAHL Team highlight video here
 
2012-13 All-NAHL Team
Forward: Kyle Sharkey, Topeka RoadRunners
Forward: Brandon Wahlin, Austin Bruins
Forward: Jared VanWormer, Soo Eagles
Defenseman: Cody Dixon, Austin Bruins
Defenseman: Josh Hartley, Wenatchee Wild
Goaltender: Tyler Marble, Soo Eagles
 
Forward: Kyle Sharkey, Topeka RoadRunners
Sharkey completed his 2012-13 season finishing as the all-time leading scorer in RoadRunners franchise history.  The native of Moore, Oklahoma, set career highs during this past season in goals, assists and points.  His 69 points this season ranked him tied for 2nd in the NAHL, his 32 goals ranked tied for 3rd and his 37th assists were tied for 8th.  In 159 career regular season games, Sharkey recorded 129 career points (55 goals, 74 assists).  He also had 25 points in 23 career playoff games.  Sharkey has secured an NCAA commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
 
Forward: Brandon Wahlin, Austin Bruins
Wahlin completed his second season in the NAHL as the Bruins leading scorer this season, leading them to the Central Division regular season crown.  The native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, was tied for the 2nd in the NAHL with 69 points this season.  His 49 assists also ranked 2nd in the league.  In 115 career NAHL regular season games with the Bruins, Wahlin recorded 109 career points (33 goals, 76 assists).  He also had nine points in 15 career NAHL playoff games.  Wahlin has secured an NCAA commitment to the University of Massachusetts.
 
Forward: Jared VanWormer, Soo Eagles
Like many of those on the All-NAHL team, Soo Eagles forward Jared VanWormer is a perfect example of how the NAHL is supposed to work.  The native of Traverse City, Michigan, just completed his third season in the league and ended up as its leading scorer during the 2012-13 season with 76 points (25 goals, 51 assists) in 60 games played.  His 51 assists also led the league and his +35 rating ranked 7th.  In 176 career NAHL regular season games, VanWormer has 58 goals and 85 assists for 143 career points.  In 14 career playoff games, he totaled six points (2 goals, 4 assists). VanWormer has secured an NCAA commitment to Ferris State University.
 
Defenseman: Cody Dixon, Austin Bruins
Little did Bruins defenseman Cody Dixon know that his trade from Springfield to Austin early in the 2012-13 would be just the spark the native of Hales Corners, Wisconsin would need to complete a memorable season.  Dixon, who would end up being named NAHL Defenseman of the Month in October, was second among all NAHL defensemen in scoring with 41 points this past season.  His 14 goals from the blueline also ranked 2nd.  In 105 career NAHL regular season games with Austin and Springfield, Dixon recorded 61 points (16 goals, 45 assists).  He also had six points in 17 career playoff games.
 
Defenseman: Josh Hartley, Wenatchee Wild
Wenatchee Wild defenseman Josh Harley completes his third and final season in an NAHL uniform as one of the most decorated defensemen in league history.  This season, the native of Coquitlam, British Columbia, led all NAHL defensemen in points with 43 points in 58 games played.  His 34 assists were tops among all NAHL defensemen and his +21 rating ranked in the Top 10.  In 170 career NAHL regular season games, Harley recorded 95 points from the blueline (25 goals, 70 assists).  Prior to playing in Wenatchee this season, Hartley played two years for the Dawson Creek Rage.  Hartley has secured an NCAA commitment to Dartmouth College.
 
Goaltender: Tyler Marble, Soo Eagles
In a common theme of this year’s veteran line-up on the All-NAHL team, the team is rounded out by Soo goaltender Tyler Marble.  A veteran on three NAHL seasons, the native of Howell, Michigan, led the Eagles to the North Division regular season title this past season.  In the process, Marble recorded the highest save percentage in the NAHL during the regular season at 93.8%.  He also led the league in saves with 1,463 and was tied for 3rd in wins with 30.  In Marble’s three-year NAHL career, which began with the Traverse City North Stars and ended with the Soo Eagles, he recorded a career record of 67 wins, 26 losses and 7 overtime/shootout losses with nine shutouts.  He posted a career goals against average of 2.76 and a career save percentage of 91.5%.  Marble has secured an NCAA commitment to Colorado College.
 
The remainder of the NAHL 2012-13 season awards, including Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Brian’s Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with the Academic Achievement Award, Community Service Award and Mark Messier Leadership Award winners, will be announced in the near future.
 
About the NAHL
The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 24 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.  So far during the 2012-13 season, over 120 NAHL players committed to NCAA schools.  The NAHL also had two players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  A total of 23 NAHL alumni appeared in the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four.  For more information, visit www.nahl.com.

24 players honored from the league’s four divisions
 
FRISCO, TEXAS –The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its All-Division teams for the 2012-13 season.  The teams represent the four divisions in the NAHL: Central, North, South and West Divisions, as voted upon and selected by the league’s 24 head coaches.  The awards are based on performance during the 2012-13 regular season.
 
Central Division
Forward: Brandon Wahlin, Austin Bruins
Forward: Mac Jansen, Coulee Region Chill
Forward: Adam Knochenmus, Bismarck Bobcats
Defenseman: Cody Dixon, Austin Bruins
Defenseman: Drew Brevig, Brookings Blizzard
Goaltender: Aaron Nelson, Bismarck Bobcats

North Division
Forward: Jared VanWormer, Soo Eagles
Forward: Brett Skibba, Springfield Jr. Blues
Forward: Robbie Payne, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
Defenseman: Dylan Zink, Jamestown Ironmen
Defenseman: Brett Beauvais, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
Goaltender: Tyler Marble, Soo Eagles

South Division
Forward: Kyle Sharkey, Topeka RoadRunners
Forward: Rudy Sulmonte, Corpus Christi IceRays
Forward: Sean Gaffney, Topeka RoadRunners
Defenseman: John Rey, Amarillo Bulls
Defenseman: Nick Neville, Texas Tornado
Goaltender: Paul Berrafato, Amarillo Bulls

West Division
Forward: Jono Davis, Wenatchee Wild
Forward: Garret Clemment, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Forward: Alex Jackstadt, Kenai River Brown Bears
Defenseman: Josh Hartley, Wenatchee Wild
Defenseman: Doug Rose, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Goaltender: Robert Nichols, Wenatchee Wild
 
The remainder of the NAHL 2012-13 season awards, including the All-NAHL Team, Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Brian’s Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with the Academic Achievement Award, Community Service Award and Mark Messier Leadership Award winners, will be announced in the near future.
 
About the NAHL
The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 24 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.  So far during the 2012-13 season, over 120 NAHL players committed to NCAA schools.  The NAHL also had two players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  A total of 23 NAHL alumni appeared in the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four.  For more information, visit www.nahl.com.

Aberdeen, Kenai River and Texas lead the way with two selections each of the 12 players honored
 
FRISCO, TEXAS – The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its All-Rookie Teams for the 2012-13 season, as voted upon and selected by the league’s head coaches.
 
2012-13 NAHL All-Rookie 1st Team
Forward: Jay Dickman, Austin Bruins
Forward: Brandon Hawkins, Texas Tornado
Forward: Peter Krieger, Aberdeen Wings
Defense: Nate Repensky, Bismarck Bobcats
Defense: Alex Robert, Soo Eagles
Goalie: Evan Cowley, Wichita Falls Wildcats
 
2012-13 NAHL All-Rookie 2nd Team
Forward: Tyler Andrew, Topeka RoadRunners
Forward: Scott Conway, Texas Tornado
Forward: Matt Seidel, Kenai River Brown Bears
Defense: Jake Horton, Aberdeen Wings
Defense: Jake Bushey, Kenai River Brown Bears
Goalie: Marcus Due-Boje, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
 
NAHL players that are playing in their first year of junior hockey, or entered the season having played less than 10 NAHL regular season games, are considered rookies.
 
The remainder of the NAHL 2012-13 season awards, including the All-NAHL Divisional Teams, the All-NAHL Team, Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Brian’s Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with the Academic Achievement Award, Community Service Award and Mark Messier Leadership Award winners, will be all be announced in the near future.
 
About the NAHL
The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 24 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.  So far during the 2012-13 season, over 120 NAHL players committed to NCAA schools.  The NAHL also had two players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  A total of 23 NAHL alumni appeared in the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four.  For more information, visit www.nahl.com.

Joe Ballmer was superb between the pipes for the Jamestown Ironmen, as he did not allow a goal in a 1-0 victory over the Soo Eagles.

After the loss made the series score 2-0 in the best of five series, Soo faces elimination next time out.

Elliot Tisdale's game-winning tally was the game's only goal. It came at 6:25 in the second period. Victor Johansson provided the assist.

Jamestown was paced by Tisdale, who finished with one goal.

The Eagles were unable to stop the Ironmen from sending pucks towards the net, and Jamestown eventually piled up 33 shots on goal.

Other players who recorded assists for Jamestown were Brett Szajner, who had one.

Soo's offense rang up 34 shots on the Ironmen's net.

The Eagles were led by Denver Pierce, who took five shots.

Ballmer rejected 34 shots on goal for Jamestown. The Ironmen incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Tyler Marble made 32 saves for Soo on 33 shots. The Eagles incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.