Topeka Pilots defenseman Luc Salem had a big month of December, helping his team to a 6-1-1 record during the month on the way to being named the NAHL Defenseman of the Month.

The Santa Monica native and California Titans (NAPHL) grad recorded nine points in eight games during the month on three goals and six assists. He also had a plus-6 rating.

READ OUR LATEST ISSUE

“Luc has been a steady performer for us all season,” Pilots head coach Simon Watson said. “He was a big reason for our success in December by making big plays in key situations. His mobility and poise under pressure have been exceptional as of late. We are happy to see Luc be recognized for his recent performance. He will continue to be counted on to play big minutes for us down the stretch.”

Salem recorded at least a point in six of the nine games and had four multi-point games. For the season, Salem is fourth in team scoring with 24 points in 36 games played. His 24 points ranks tied for 3rd among all NAHL defensemen in scoring this season.

“I think we did a great job of bouncing back in December after a small slump prior to that,” Salem said. “The whole team was clicking and playing together really well. Personally, I think I just capitalize and convert my chances. Sometimes the pucks go in and you can’t get frustrated if they don’t — you just have to keep working hard. I want to keep improving to the point where I can play NCAA Division 1 hockey and then, hopefully, somewhere professionally after that.

“Growing up in California, you were used to playing just teams in your area, but playing in the NAPHL opened up a whole new level of competition and it really opened my eyes to the level of exposure and what types of other teams and programs were out there. It really gave me a glimpse of what juniors and the NAHL was going to be like.”

In his youth hockey days, Salem also played for the San Diego Jr. Gulls and Anaheim Jr. Ducks.

Photo/NAHL

(Jan. 7, 2020)