The USPHL has announced its monthly awards for December, with five players from California being honored.

Potomac Patriots blueliner Cooper James is the Southeast Premier Division Defenseman of the Month, while Ventura Vikings forward Kai Tsoar and San Diego Sabers forward Liam Krupcyznski are Pacific Premier Division Forwards of the Month, Henderson Force goalie Nicholas Perry is the Pacific Premier Division Golatender of the Month, and Potomac defenseman Rafe Armstrong is the Southeast Elite Division Defenseman of the Month.

James (‘04/Huntington Beach) scored nine points over eight games in December, helping the Patriots finish out 2024 on top of the Southeast Division standings. The blueliner is the highest-scoring defenseman for his team, with 14 points across 16 games in his third season. He recently surpassed a milestone of 50 career games, with 53 and counting. He has 28 career points, with six goals and 22 assists.

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

Tsoar (‘04/Calabasas) averaged a massive 3.13 points per game in December, scoring 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points across eight games. In his first Premier season, Tsoar is on an 11-game points streak, scoring in all but one of 14 games played so far this season. He has 35 points to his name, with 16 goals and 19 assists.

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

Krupsckyznski (‘04/San Marcos) is making statements in his first Premier season, just one point behind franchise points leader Knut Hornkvist. This month, he scored 21 points across seven games for an average of three points per game. He has registered points in all but three of 28 games played this season, with 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 total points.

Back home, Krupcynzski played for the San Diego Saints and Jr. Ducks.

Perry (‘05/Chino Hills) went 3-0 in December with a .950 save percentage. He performed a career-first 26-save shutout on Dec. 18, securing a win for the Force against the Columbus Mavericks. In his second season, he has made 463 saves on 506 shots. He has a career .909 save percentage.

Back home, Perry played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, high school hockey for Mater Dei and Placentia-Yorba Linda USD, and for the Sabers.

Armstrong (‘07/Long Beach) put up three goals and three assists for six points for 0.75 points per game average – and half of his 12 total points – in December.

In California, Armstrong skated for the Empire Hockey Club and Beach Cities.

— USPHL Staff

(January 9, 2025)