The USPHL has announced its weekly player awards, with a trio of California natives getting honors this week.

Potomac Patriots blueliner Cooper James is the Southeast Premier Division Defenseman of the Week, Henderson Force goalie Nicholas Perry is the Pacific Premier Division Goaltender of the Week, and Tampa Bay Juniors netminder Shane Passaro is the Florida Elite Division Goaltender of the Week.

In his second consecutive Player of the Week nomination, James (‘04/Huntington Beach) scored one goal and posted four assists across four games with the Patriots last week. The blueliner is on a four-game points streak, adding to his career tally of 28. This is his third season with the Patriots, with 53 games played in his Premier career.

Back home, James skated with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and California Wave and in the high school ranks for Beach Cities.

Perry (‘05/Chino Hills) went 2-0 in his games for the Force last week, garnering a .963 save percentage and 1.21 goals-against average. He captured his first-ever 26-save shutout on Dec. 18 and had 77 saves on 80 shots, which included 12 saves on 13 in relief performance. He is 9-6-0-0 in his second Premier season.

During his youth hockey days, Perry played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings and high school hockey for Placentia-Yorba Linda.

Passaro (‘04/Palm Springs) registered a pair of wins during the Florida College Showcase, stopping 73 out of 78 shots in Estero. This included a 36-save shutout against the Charlotte Rush, as well. Passaro is now 9-1-0-0 with a .936 save percentage for this season and a 22-5-0-0 record.

— USPHL Staff

(December 24, 2024)