AJHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release

CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Philadelphia Little Flyers forward Trevor Gooch (left), Northern Cyclones defenseman L.J. Fellows (middle) and Walpole Express goaltender Kyle Shapiro have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Jan. 20.

Gooch, from Mantua, N.J., rang up three goals and three assists as the Little Flyers forged a perfect 3-0 record. On Wednesday, the 1994-born tallied a goal and assisted on forward Sam Manzi’s game-winning marker in a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Titans. Two days later, the 6-foot-2, 165-pounder picked up two more assists as the Little Flyers downed the Laconia Leafs, 5-1. Gooch connected for two more goals, including the game-winner, in a 7-0 triumph over the Leafs on Sunday.

“We had great expectations for Trevor this year and he hasn’t disappointed,” said Little Flyers head coach Steve Washkalavitch. “He continues to push himself and his teammates, and I’m looking forward to him leading this team in the playoff hunt.”

Fellows, a Hyannis, Mass., native, connected for four assists as the Cyclones won both of their games. On Tuesday, the 1994-born picked up a pair of assists, including one on forward Simon Leahy’s game-winning goal, in a 4-2 victory over the Express. Two days later, the 6-foot, 180-pounder recorded two more helpers, including one on forward Christopher Zuccaro’s game-winning marker, in a 6-5 win over Laconia.

“L.J. had a great weekend for us, and played an instrumental role in our success,” said Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan. “He was effective at both ends of the ice, and we hope that continues as the postseason approaches.”

Shapiro, from Ocean, N.J., backstopped the Express to a 2-1 mark in his three appearances, turning aside 97 of 104 shots. On Tuesday, the 1993-born made 34 saves in the loss to the Cyclones. Two days later, the 6-foot, 167-pounder stopped 28 shots as the Express downed the New Jersey Rockets, 8-1. Shapiro turned in a 35-save performance in a 4-2 triumph over the Titans on Saturday.

“Kyle has been outstanding for us all year, and last week was no exception,” said Express head coach Mark Kumpel. “We have all the confidence in the world in his abilities, and are counting on continued success from him down the stretch.”


HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSIVE: Rockets forwards Jeremy Bracco and Brooks Lewis; Express forwards David Goff and Collin O’Neil

DEFENSIVE: Little Flyers defenseman Gabe Chuckran; Rockets defenseman Frank Coscia; Walpole defensemen Matt Lee and David Tearse

GOALTENDER: Connecticut’s Spencer Landry and Gene Lane; the Little Flyers’ Dan Bowen; the Rockets’ Randy Gorda

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