A pair of four-goal performances, two shutouts in three starts, an eight-point rookie month and double-digit production from the blue line defined the BCHC’s opening month of regular-season action.
The BCHC has named Luca D’Amore of the Kamloops Storm, Leo den Besten of the Fernie Ghostriders, Miller Tedesco of the Kimberley Dynamiters and Noah Marshall of the Chilliwack Jets as its September Players of the Month.
Top Forward: Luca D’Amore, Kamloops Storm
4GP | 9G | 2A | 11PTS | 2.75 PPG
D’Amore opened Kamloops’ inaugural BCHC season with a four-goal performance in the Storm’s 7-1 victory over the Columbia Valley Rockies on Sept. 18. One week later, he did it again, scoring all four Kamloops goals in a 4-0 win over the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
The Kamloops captain finished September with nine goals and two assists in just four games, recording at least one point in every appearance. Eight of his nine goals came in his two four-goal performances.
Storm head coach Andrew Fisher said D’Amore’s start reflects the work he put in before the season and the leadership he has brought to the group.
“Luca has had a great start to the season and certainly deserves this recognition. He put in a great summer of work on and off the ice, showed up prepared for the season and the results thus far speak for themselves. Aside from how successful he’s been on the ice, he’s also done a great job leading in the room and helping our new players settle into our team and showing them the way we want to do things around here.”
Top Goaltender: Leo den Besten, Fernie Ghostriders
3GP | 3-0-0 | 0.65 GAA | .971 SV% | 2SO
Den Besten was nearly unbeatable through September, allowing just two goals on 70 shots while winning all three of his starts.
He opened the season by stopping all 18 shots he faced against the Grand Forks Border Bruins, then made 28 saves in Fernie’s shootout victory over Nelson and denied all five shooters he faced in the shootout. He closed the month with another perfect performance, stopping all 22 shots against the Columbia Valley Rockies for his second shutout.
Ghostriders head coach and general manager Chad Scharff said den Besten’s calm presence has had an impact on the entire group.
“Leo has been nothing but spectacular since returning to our team! He is such a calm presence for our group and gives us a lot of confidence as a team. Congratulations Leo from our entire organization!”
Top Rookie: Miller Tedesco, Kimberley Dynamiters
4GP | 2G | 6A | 8PTS | 2.00 PPG
Tedesco made an immediate impact in his first month of BCHC hockey, recording points in all four of his September games.
The 2008-born forward scored twice in his regular-season debut against the Grand Forks Border Bruins, with both goals coming on the power play. He followed that performance with four assists against the Columbia Valley Rockies on Sept. 25 and added an assist in each of his final two games of the month.
Kimberley head coach Derek Stuart said Tedesco has already shown signs of becoming an impact player.
“Miller has had a nice start to the season. He is a good skater that has poise with the puck and a very good shot. He has a lot of potential to develop into an impact player as a rookie and we are excited to see where he can get to.”
Top Defenceman: Noah Marshall, Chilliwack Jets
6GP | 3G | 7A | 10PTS | 1.67 PPG
Marshall produced at better than a point-and-a-half per game from the blue line, finishing September with three goals and seven assists for 10 points.
The Jets captain recorded points in five of his six games, beginning the season with two goals and an assist against the Coastal Tsunami. He added two assists against Port Coquitlam and closed September with three assists against Princeton, giving him a pair of three-point performances during the month.
Chilliwack Jets general manager Clayton Robinson said Marshall’s impact has extended well beyond his offensive production.
“Noah Marshall is a proven veteran defenceman in the league and has gotten off to an outstanding start this season. His leadership extends both on and off the ice, highlighted by being named Captain of the team this season. On the ice, Noah’s impact speaks for itself. He plays in all situations and is a trusted presence in every aspect of the game. His consistency, experience, and leadership have made him a huge part of our team’s success this season. Congratulations to Noah Marshall on being named Defenceman of the Month!”
Congratulations to Luca, Leo, Miller and Noah on earning the BCHC’s September monthly honours.
