Monthly player awards announced

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Last Updated on Thursday, 06 December 2012 16:16

The North American Hockey League announced its monthly player awards for the month of November. The Combat Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month is Kyle Sharkey from the Topeka RoadRunners. The Combat Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month is Casey Nelson from the Johnstown Tomahawks. The Brian’s Custom Sports NAHL Goaltender of the Month is Robert Nichols from the Wenatchee Wild. 

Kyle Sharkey shined during the month of November. The forward is currently riding a 12-game point streak after registering at least a point in all nine games in the month. During those nine games, Sharkey had 16 points (8-8--16), two game-winning goals and was a +6.

“Kyle puts the stress and responsibility of winning and team success squarely on his back and that is something I think is unique and special about him, and a big reason why he is respected in the lockerroom,” said Topeka head coach Scott Langer. “He is one of our go-to guys and is determined to leave his mark on the RoadRunners. He is the type of player that spends an endless of amount of time on the ice trying to always improve. His determination is a big reason why I think bigger things are ahead for him.”

Sharkey said that his success and production in the month of November was largely due to his teammates. “Playing with the guys on my line (Sean Gaffney and Tyler Andrew) has really helped me have success.  We have a pretty special bond and being able to trust them and know they have my back, makes it easier to play and produce,” said Sharkey. “Scott Langer has had a lot to do with my growth and development as a player, and we sat down before the season and set up some goals.  I want to get better and better as the year goes along so by the time the playoffs come around, we are all playing our best hockey of the season.”

It is rare that a team has a defenseman lead them in scoring during any month of the season, but that is exactly what occurred during November in Johnstown.  Tomahawks defenseman Casey Nelson led his team in scoring during the month with nine points (3-6--9) in seven games. The native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., recorded a point in all but two games during the month. His 18 points to date is currently tied for third among NAHL defensemen.

“Casey is a player that is starting to see things happen because he is a very hard working player,” Tomahawks head coach Jason Spence said. “ He came in here from Day 1 and bought into the system, the new team in Johnstown and accepted his role as a leader. He has a tremendous amount of speed and is able to get up the ice quickly and transition into offense.  His first couple of strides really enables him to separate from defenders and create space.”

“Looking back on November, I would have to say that I was able to have some success because our entire team really came together. There was a lot of cohesion in the lockerroom and that translated into everyone playing better,” said Nelson.  “Our power play really started to click and once you get used to your teammates habits on the ice, it makes everything a little easier.” 

No stranger to earning NAHL awards, Wenatchee Wild goaltender Robert Nichols had his best month of the season in November. The Wild played in just five games during the month, going 4-0-1, but Nichols was in goal for all of them as he posted a 1.49 goals against average and a .936 save percentage during the month. 

Wild head coach Bliss Littler knew that after having a record-breaking season last year and a NCAA Division I commitment in hand, that Nichols had to be challenged in different ways this season.  “I knew coming in that I wanted us to play an up-tempo, high-pressure style of game. However, in order to do that you need a goalie who is going to come up with some big saves. You have to have a goalie that doesn’t get rattled and can make big saves on odd-man situations. I think knowing we had Robert back in goal gave us confidence we could play that way this season. I wanted to really push him this season to become a goaltender that can play every night and be that go-to guy. I also want him to be good enough to go into the NCAA next season and compete to be the starter as a freshman.”

Nichols said that this season has been some validation for him from a season ago. “I think the common feeling was last year that the numbers and success was a product of the system instead of the player, so I entered this season with something to prove. We had such a great defensive team, but I want to prove that no matter what type of system I play under that I can be the go-to guy and a goalie that can win hockey games. I constantly push myself to be better because I know that is the only way I am going to be able to take my career to the next level in the NCAA. I also want to be the best for my team and teammates this season.”