The USPHL and NCDC have announced that Pueblo Bulls forward Hunter Hayes is the NCDC Mountain Division Forward of the Week and Bakersfield Roughnecks blueliner Emile Rodrigue is the Pacific Premier Division Defenseman of the Week.

In the Bulls’ trip to Idaho Falls, the 2004-born Hayes was huge for the Bulls offense with three goals (including a game winner as part of a two-goal game on Jan. 5). He also added one assist for a four-point weekend, improving his overall season total to 18 goals and 28 points in 31 games.

During the weekend, he also won 24 of 38 faceoffs, another huge contribution from the Stockton native.

Back home, Hayes also played for the Golden State Elite Eagles and Saint Mary’s High School.

Rodrigue, an ‘05 out of Saguenay, Que., has been the Roughnecks leader in ice time all year at 23:34 and ranks fourth in team scoring with 27 points in 30 games from the blue line.

In a three-game sweep against Long Beach, Rodrigue put up three goals and three assists for six points. He also added to his team-leading 49 blocks shots on the season.

During his youth hockey days, Rodrigue spent time with the Kern County Knights (LAKHSHL).

(January 15, 2024)