CCM Players of the Week
October 31, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
The United States Hockey League announced the CCM Forward, Defenseman and Goaltender of the Week for Week 6 of the 2016-17 season. Eeli Tolvanen picked up his second weekly award this season with Sioux City, while Green Bay defenseman Connor Mackey and Sioux Falls goaltender Mikhail Berdin earned their first career weekly honors. CCM Hockey is the official equipment provider of the USHL.
Forward: Eeli Tolvanen - Sioux City Musketeers 2 GP: 2 goals, 2 assists, +2 rating
Tolvanen earned his second weekly award this season after scoring twice Friday night, in addition to adding a pair of assists on the weekend. The Boston College commit now has 14 career multi-point games and four multi-goal games in his USHL career. Tolvanen is currently T-6^th in USHL scoring with 12 points in 11 games, and is one goal shy of the USHL lead in goals scored. After Friday's 4-3 win over Des Moines, the Sioux City Musketeers are 4-1-0-0 this season when Tolvanen scores a goal. The Vihti, Finland native signed a USHL tender contract with the Musketeers prior to the 2015-16 season. The former Espoo Blues forward was named to the USHL All-Rookie First Team last season, and was named an A-rated skater by NHL Central Scouting earlier this month.
Defenseman: Connor Mackey - Green Bay Gamblers 2 GP: 0 goals, 3 assists, Even rating
Mackey earned his first career weekly honor after dishing out three assists on the weekend. The uncommitted defenseman assisted on Friday night's game-winning goal and followed up the performance Saturday with two primary assists in a 3-2 overtime victory. Mackey is currently fourth in Gamblers scoring, and leads all Green Bay defensemen with eight points in 12 games. The Barrington, IL native is skating in his second USHL season after playing 29 games last year with Green Bay. Mackey's current three-game point streak is tied with his career best, set earlier this season when the defenseman scored four points over three games. The Gamblers are 5-1-0-0 when Mackey picks up a point this season. Mackey was selected by Green Bay in the 2015 USHL Phase II Draft in the 13^th round, 197^th overall. Mackey previously played for Team Illinois (HPHL) and Barrington High (USHS).
Goaltender: Mikhail Berdin - Sioux Falls Stampede 1-0-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .983 sv%
The Winnipeg Jets prospect set a Sioux Falls Stampede team record for individual saves in a game to pick up his second consecutive win in net. Berdin, who stopped 35 of 37 last weekend for his first career USHL win, followed up the performance on the road with 59 saves on Friday. Berdin held a shutout through two periods, stopping all 40 shots he faced. The Ufa, Russia native is 2-2-0-0 this season with a 3.00 GAA and .932 sv% and has faced 30 or more shots in three of his four starts. Berdin was a free agent acquisition by Sioux Falls this summer. The Winnipeg Jets selected the 6'2" netminder in the 2016 NHL Draft 6^th round, 157^th overall.
United States Hockey League Stories from October 31, 2016
- U17 Team Edges Canada White - U.S. National Team
- McKay Commits to Holy Cross - Madison Capitols
- Storm Assistant Captain Joey Matthews Commits to Dartmouth College - Tri-City Storm
- Mackey Named CCM Defenseman of the Week - Green Bay Gamblers
- Berdin Named USHL Goaltender of the Week - Sioux Falls Stampede
- CCM Players of the Week - USHL
- Lancers Weekly: Lancers Look to Roll Strong October into November - Omaha Lancers
- Tri-City Storm on Season-Long Four Game Point Streak - Tri-City Storm
- U.S. Sled Hockey Teams to Train this Weekend in Madison, Wis. - U.S. National Team
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