AJHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release

CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Walpole Express forward Eric Salzillo (left), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights defenseman Tommy Dowell (middle) and Northern Cyclones goaltender J.J. Solloway have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Nov. 25.

Salzillo, from Johnston, R.I., struck for three goals and four assists as the Express forged a 3-0 record at the AJHL Showcase in Hudson, N.H. On Friday, the 1994-born tallied the game-winning marker and an assist in a 6-1 triumph over the New Jersey Rockets. The next day, the 5-foot-10, 171-pounder scored a goal as the Express blanked the New Jersey Titans, 6-0. Salzillo connected for another goal and three more assists in a 7-3 victory over the New York Bobcats on Sunday.

“Eric has brought his game to a new level over the past few weeks,” said Express head coach Mark Kumpel. “He’s putting in a lot of hard work and it’s nice to see him being rewarded for his efforts.”

Dowell, a Kansas City native, recorded three assists as the Knights finished the Showcase with a 3-0 mark. On Friday, the 1992-born assisted on forward Jason Zaleski’s game-winning goal in overtime in a 3-2 victory over the Bobcats. The next day, the 6-foot, 190-pounder picked up another helper as the Knights edged the Rockets in overtime, 5-4. Dowell also assisted on forward Craig Skudalski’s game-winning marker in a 4-2 triumph over the Titans on Sunday.

“Tommy has been the anchor of our blue line all year,” said Knights head coach Justin Lyle. “He's a tremendous leader who will contribute in all facets of the game at the college level.”

Solloway, from Derry, N.H., backstopped the Cyclones to a 2-0-1 record at the Showcase, turning aside all 58 shots he faced. On Friday, the 1992-born made 25 saves in a 0-0 draw with the Philadelphia Little Flyers. The next day, the 6-foot, 190-pounder stopped 22 shots in a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers. Solloway made 11 saves as the Cyclones blanked the Washington Jr. Nationals on Sunday, 5-0.

“J.J. had an outstanding weekend for us,” said Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan. “He continues to prove he’s a top goalie in our league and is now getting the college interest he deserves.”

HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSIVE: Connecticut Wolfpack forward Ori Benyamini; Laconia Leafs forward Nick Turner

DEFENSIVE: New Jersey Rockets defenseman Will Campion; Express defenseman Jamie Young

GOALTENDER: Walpole’s Nick Commesso

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