There are plenty of locals to keep track of across junior hockey these days. It's a number that'll likely grow, now that the QMJHL is a much bigger factor for New Englanders after the CHL ruling, as 37 New Englanders were selected in this year's draft. The 2024-25 season saw some strong performances from locals...
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The 2024-25 season saw some strong performances from locals across several junior leagues.
In this story, we'll focus on the United States Hockey League (USHL), British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) and North American Hockey League (NAHL).
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Let's dive into the awards from 2024-25.
USHL Player of the Year
Gavin Cornforth, Dubuque Fighting Saints
Cornforth is proof that trusting the process works out. He started the season as a 17-year-old, and it was already his third season with Dubuque. Wearing an ‘A,’ Cornforth led the Fighting Saints in goals (27) and points (54). He will be a big freshman for Boston College this fall.
Badger, in his third and final year of junior hockey, was a star for Alberni Valley, notching 22 goals and 57 points in 47 games. The former Dexter Southfield standout led his team in both categories and will be at Northeastern next season.
NCDC Player of the Year
Jason Zaccari, South Shore Kings
Zaccari was a big point-getter on defense for the Kings, scoring eight goals and tallying 43 points in 48 games, helping his team to a Founders Cup championship this season. Zaccari formerly was a standout at Tabor and will be playing at Trinity College next season.
The Redding, Conn., native was a force in the NAHL, ranking second in the league in goals (39) and fourth in points (74). He’s committed to UNH.
RinkWise podcast: How New England fared in the QMJHL Draft
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