Tuesday, December 11, 2012

AJHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release 

CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Boston Jr. Rangers forward Matt Swett (left), Philadelphia Jr. Flyers defenseman Jim Le Noir (middle) and Connecticut Wolfpack goaltender Gene Lane have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Dec. 10.

Swett, from Groveland, Mass., struck for four goals and four assists at the Jr. Rangers forged a 2-1 record. On Wednesday, the 1993-born tallied both Boston goals in a 3-2 defeat to the Northern Cyclones. Three days later, the 6-foot-1, 200-pounder tallied a goal and two assists as the Jr. Rangers downed the Washington Jr. Nationals, 8-2. Swett came through with another goal - the game-winner - and two more assists in a 4-1 triumph over the Jr. Nationals on Sunday.

“Matt’s played an important role in our team’s success since Day 1,” said Jr. Rangers head coach Mario Martiniello. “His offensive abilities speak for themselves, and he continues to be a leader for us, on and off the ice.”

Le Noir, an Exton, Pa., native, recorded two assists as the Jr. Flyers celebrated a two-game sweep over the Philadelphia Little Flyers. On Saturday, the 1992-born assisted on forward Franny Mackin’s game-winning goal in a 4-1 triumph. The next day, the 5-foot-10, 195-pounder picked up another assist as the Jr. Flyers blanked the Little Flyers, 5-0.

“Jim’s had a tremendous presence on our blue line all season, and he proved that again last weekend,” said Jr. Flyers head coach Jerry Domish. “Not only did he contribute offensively, but he set a physical tone and helped neutralize our opponent’s top players.”

Lane, from Plymouth, Mass., backstopped the Wolfpack to a pair of wins in his two starts, turning aside 81 of 86 shots. On Wednesday, the 1992-born made 41 saves in a 3-2 victory over the Walpole Express. Three days later, the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder stopped 40 shots as Connecticut downed the Cyclones, 5-3.

“Gene’s shown that he’s one of the top two goalies in this league over and over again,” said Wolfpack head coach Chris Cerrella. “He’s done a great job, and is a big reason why we’ve had success early on this season.”

HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSIVE: Connecticut forward Ori Benyamini; New Jersey Titans forwards Anthony Stempin and David Ramos; Jr. Flyers forwards Kyle Matsumoto and Mackin

GOALTENDER: Connecticut’s Spencer Landry; Laconia’s Brandon Bechard; the Jr. Flyers’ Scott Brown

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

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