The USPHL has announced its weekly player awards, with two coming from the Premier Division and one from the Elite Division.

Potomac Patriots blueliner Cooper James is the Southeast Premier Defenseman of the Week, Ventura Vikings forward Kai Tsoar is the Pacific Premier Forward of the Week and Tampa Bay Juniors goalie Shane Passaro is the Florida Elite Goaltender of the Week.

James (‘04/Huntington Beach) scored one goal and one assist on Dec. 14 to help the Patriots continue a three-game win streak. The blueliner is in his third season with the Patriots and is set to play in his 50th career game. He has 23 career points and counting.

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

Tsoar (‘04/Calabasas) had another big week for the Vikings, registering three goals and adding five assists for eight points to give himself some serious heat going into the USPHL Las Vegas Showcase this week. He has 25 points over nine games for his currently active scoring streak.

Prior to the Vikings, Tsoar played for the California Golden Bears, California Titans and Ventura Mariners.

Passaro (‘04/Palm Springs) made 36 saves on 39 shots for a .923 save percentage against the Florida Jr. Blades on Dec. 13. The goalie has a .936 save percentage in his second season with the Juniors. He is 21-5-0-0 over two seasons with two shutouts to his name.

— USPHL Staff

(December 20, 2024)