Atlantic Hockey Travel Team USA Weekly Awards – January 3
The second half of the season got off to a blistering start last week with strong performances in midseason tournaments and movement within the Atlantic Hockey standings. With that, Atlantic Hockey has announced its first Travel Team USA Weekly Award winners of 2017, Tyler Ledford, Cameron Heath, Francis Marotte, and Zach Evancho.
Player of the Week
Tyler Ledford – Air Force
Junior, Forward – Colorado Springs, CO/Wichita Falls Wildcats
Ledford led Air Force with three points in the Falcons’ two-game sweep at Sacred Heart. He scored the opening goal in Saturday’s game and assisted on the game-winning goal in the third period. Ledford also assisted on the game-winning goal that broke a 2-2 tie in the third period.
Defensive Player of the Week
Cameron Heath – Canisius
Sophomore, Defense – Troy, MI/Jersey Hitmen
Heath recorded the first multi-goal game of his career with two scores in Canisius’ 3-0 victory at Holy Cross. He scored twice during the Golden Griff’s three-goal second period, notching what would be the game-winner 1:43 into the period. Heath also recorded six block shots to help preserve the shutout. Heath added two additional blocked shots for eight on the weekend.
Goalie of the Week
Francis Marotte – Robert Morris
Freshman, Goalie – Longueuil, QUE/Nepean Raiders
Marotte was named the Three Rivers Classic Tournament MVP after earning his first career shutout in a 1-0 win over Ferris State and making 43 saves in the 5-2 Championship game victory over #14 Quinnipiac. Marotte made 75 saves on 77 shots, including 32 in his shutout of the Bulldogs. Marotte posted a .974 save percentage and 1.00 goals-against average over the course of the tournament.
Rookie of the Week
Zach Evancho – Army West Point
Freshman, Forward – Buffalo, NY/Buffalo Jr. Sabres
Evancho helped Army to a 1-0-1 record at the Ledyard Tournament in Hanover, NH this past week, posting two points on one goal and one assist while also going plus-one in the two games. His assist in the first game helped kickstart Army’s comeback against tournament host Dartmouth, then on Saturday, Evancho scored the game-winning goal against Colgate.
