These days, it's rare to see a player go right from high school or prep school to college hockey.
Players opt to play a year or two in junior leagues around North America as another preparatory stop for college hockey.
The 2022-23 season saw some strong performances from locals in different junior leagues. In this story, we'll focus on the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), North American Hockey League (NAHL), National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) and United States Hockey League (USHL).
Let's dive into the awards from 2022-23.
NAHL Player of the Year
Brendan Gibbons, Maine NordiquesÂ
Gibbons has exceeded all expectations in junior hockey, gaining a commitment to Air Force prior to his second season with the Nordiques. The St. Mark’s alum captained his team en route to an appearance in the NAHL Eastern Conference finals. In 60 regular-season games, he scored 17 goals and 41 assists. A smart power forward, Gibbons makes plays below the dots and along the walls.
LEGACY: How Brendan Gibbons left a lasting legacy with the Maine Nordiques
NCDC Player of the Year
Ben Jenkinson, South Shore KingsÂ
Jenkinson, a St. George’s alum, was the first-line center for the Kings as they advanced to the NCDC finals. Wearing a letter, he scored 17 goals and 33 assists. He had a handful of Division 3 schools pursuing him and is slated to play at Endicott in 2023-24. He had a 14-point increase in production during his junior hockey age-out year.
NCDC Coach of the Year
Tyler Holske, South Shore KingsÂ
Holske is one of the rising stars in hockey coaching and scouting circles. Also a valuable scout for the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, Holske led his team to the NCDC finals in his first year as a head coach. The team improved year over year and during the season. A former star goaltender at Southern New Hampshire, his efforts this past season have earned him interest from a few Division 1 programs for an assistant coaching position.
QMJHL Player of the Year
Brady Schultz, Halifax MooseheadsÂ
Schultz, who played youth hockey for Elite Hockey Academy, is one of the rare New Englanders to trek north of the border to play in the QMJHL. He performed well on one of the top teams in the CHL’s eastern-most league. In 68 regular-season games, he scored six goals and 36 assists. A smooth-skating blueliner, he helped the Mooseheads advance to the QMJHL finals against the Quebec Remparts.
LATEST ISSUE: Check out the May/June edition of the magazine
USHL Player of the Year
Shane LaChance, Youngstown PhantomsÂ
Lachance’s development path has been slow and steady. He’s climbed from Andover (Mass.) High and Tabor Academy to being the captain of the USHL’s Eastern Conference champions. While wearing the ‘C,’ he scored 33 goals and 21 assists in 62 regular-season games. It marked a 22-goal and 31-point jump from his first season in Youngstown. A terrific leader, the Edmonton Oilers prospect is off to Boston University in the fall.
