Two California natives have been named weekly award winners by Atlantic Hockey.

American International junior defenseman Zak Galambos is the Atlantic Hockey Defensive Player of the Week, while Air Force freshman forward Clayton Cosentino is the AHA Rookie of the Week.

Galambos was brilliant for AIC in the Yellow Jackets’ split with Holy Cross.

In Thursday’s win, the Walnut Creek native notched the primary assist on the deciding goal and sealed the game with an empty-net tally. He followed that up with another assist Sunday in AIC’s comeback effort. Galambos posted a +3 rating in the two games and blocked two shots on the defensive end as well.

This is his second AHA weekly honor of the season.

During his youth hockey career, Galambos played for the San Jose Jr. Sharks, Vacaville North Stars, Berkeley Bulldogs and Oakland Bears.

Cosentino recorded a career-best three points in the Falcons’ series with Army West Point this past weekend.

The San Carlos native registered two points on a goal and an assist in Friday’s series opener and picked up a helper in Saturday’s overtime win over the Black Knights. Cosentino led the Falcons with 22 faceoff wins in the series and won 56.4 percent of his draws.

On Friday, his goal cut the Army lead to two late in the second period. On Saturday, he forced a turnover in the Army end and had the lone assist on Air Force’s first goal.

He is Air Force’s top freshman scorer on the season with 15 points on four goals and 11 assists and leads Air Force with 248 faceoff wins this season while winning 59 percent of his draws.

This is his first AHA weekly honor this season.

During his youth career in California, Cosentino played for the Golden State Elite Eagles, California Cougars, Santa Clara Blackhawks and Blackstars.

Galambos photo/Kelly Shea/AIC; Cosentino photo/Paat Kelly/Pengo Sports

(January 31, 2022)