Tuesday, October 2, 2012

AJHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release

The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Boston Jr. Rangers forward Matt Swett, Northern Cyclones defenseman Grant Gallo and Connecticut Wolfpack goaltender Gene Lane have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Sept. 30.
 
Swett, from Groveland, Mass., rang up three goals and an assist as the Jr. Rangers skated to a 1-0-1 mark in Pennsylvania. On Saturday, the 1993-born connected for a pair of goals, including the game-winner in overtime, and an assist in a 3-2 triumph over the Philadelphia Little Flyers. The next day, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Swett put home the game-tying marker with 21 seconds left in regulation to help lift Boston to a 4-4 draw against the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers.

“Matt is one of our hardest workers so it’s no surprise to us that he’s off to a fast start and drawing interest from some Division I schools,” said Jr. Rangers head coach Mario Martiniello. “He’s a big kid and a very strong skater, and throw in his ability to find the back of the net and he should continue to draw interest from other schools.”


Gallo, a 1993-born from San Diego, recorded three assists as the Cyclones picked up two victories in Pennsylvania. After being held scoreless on Saturday - a 3-1 triumph over the Jr. Flyers - the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder assisted on three goals, including one on forward Connor Bates’ overtime game-winner, as the Cyclones bested the Little Flyers, 5-4.


“Grant logged a lot of effective minutes for us last weekend,” said Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan. “Along with his offensive contributions, he was also tremendous on the penalty kill. He continues to improve every week.”


Lane, from Plymouth, Mass., backstopped the Wolfpack to a two-game sweep over the Laconia Leafs, turning aside 42 of 44 shots. On Friday, the 1992-born stopped all 16 shots he faced in 40 minutes of action in an 8-2 victory. The next night, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Lane made 26 saves as the Wolfpack downed the Leafs, 6-2.


“Gene brings a veteran presence every time he’s between the pipes,” said Wolfpack head coach Chris Cerrella. “He’s getting interest from several schools right now and would be a great asset to any college program. His work ethic and attitude are top-notch.”


HONORABLE MENTION


OFFENSIVE: Connecticut forward Jon Cieri; New York Bobcats forwards Pat Schule and Joey Gilhooly; Jr. Flyers forward Manny Billones; Little Flyers forward James Bonaguro


DEFENSIVE: Little Flyers defenseman Gabe Chuckran


GOALTENDER: New York’s David Lynch



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

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