Talented California quintet bags weekly USPHL awards
The USPHL has announced that a handful of California natives have earned weekly awards.
Ogden Mustangs forward Dimitri Voyatzis (Fountain Valley) is the NCDC Mountain Division Forward of the Week, while Long Beach Shredders defenseman Ian Flick (Lakewood) is the Pacific Premier Defenseman of the Week, Hampton Roads Whalers goalie Janic Kennedy (San Diego) is the Southeast Elite Goaltender of the Week, Islanders Hockey Club forward Luca Tartaglia (San Mateo) is the New England Elite Forward of the Week, and Jersey Hitmen defenseman Aedan Proof (Riverside) is the Atlantic Elite Defenseman of the Week.
Voyatzis, a 2003 birth year, is certainly already enjoying his first NCDC season, which is also his third with the Mustangs. He posted five assists, including three against the Pueblo Bulls in a 5-2 victory to complete a weekend sweep last Saturday. He now has six assists over his past three games.
Back home, Voyatzis skated for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks
Flick, a second-year Shredders defenseman and an ‘03, had a great weekend with a three-game sweep of the San Diego Sabers. Flick put up two goals and four assists for six points. He registered at least one goal in each game and two in Game 3, and an assist in each of the last two games.
During his youth hockey days, Flick played for the Jr. Ducks and California Wave and high school hockey for Beach Cities.
Kennedy, a 2004 birth year, is a second-year junior whose experience shone through with a performance of 2-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .919 save percentage at the BJB Shootout, making 34 saves on 37 shots in his two wins.
Growing up, Kennedy played for the Jr. Ducks and San Diego Saints.
Tartaglia, an ’05, is one of two repeat winners here as he just completely put up a mammoth weekend, scoring three goals and five assists for eight points in four games. He started the BJB Shootout with a 1-2-3 line against College Universel Gatineau.
As a youth, Tartaglia skated for the Golden State Elite Eagles and Palo Alto High School.
Proof, a 2004 birth year, was a point-per-game performer with a goal and three assists during the Hitmen’s four-game undefeated run at the BJB Shootout.
In California, Proof played for the Orange County Hockey Club, Jr. Ducks, and high school hockey for Corona/Norco.
(October 8, 2023)