The National Ice Hockey League are pleased to announce the December winners of the Player of the Month awards.
Each division in the NIHL – Moralee, Laidler, Britton and Wilkinson – sees a player recognised for their performances throughout the month, as chosen by a panel of ice hockey media who focus on NIHL hockey.
This month’s winners are:
South 1 (Britton) – Aaron Connolly (Basingstoke Bison)
South 2 (Wilkinson) – Kamil Kinkor (Oxford City Stars)
North 1 (Moralee) – Scott McKenzie (Telford Tigers)
North 2 (Laidler) – Zack Brown (Telford Tigers 2)
The panel selected Aaron Connolly of the Basingstoke Bison as the NIHL South 1 (Britton) Player of the Month. The Herd had a busy December with 9 games and their captain really led from the front with the forward scoring 10 goals and 2 assists in that time including a hat trick in their away win at Streatham.
Kamil Kinkor of the Oxford City Stars was chosen as the NIHL South 2 (Wilkinson) Player of the Month for December. The Czech forward has bounced back from a serious leg injury in style this season, netting 24 times and assisting on a further 25 goals to give him 49 points on the season. December saw him scoring five goals and seven assists in just three games, including a nine-point night against Lee Valley.
Scott McKenzie picks up the North 1 (Moralee) award at Telford Tigers. Since rejoining the Tigers he has bagged 19+15=34 in just 13 games, with 7+3=10 in the month of December where Telford won four from five. McKenzie bagged a pair at home to Swindon and a hat-trick away at Bracknell as Tigers overturned two NIHL South sides in Cup action.
Netminder Zack Brown of Telford Tigers 2 has been chosen for North 2 (Laidler) Player of the Month. Tigers went through December unbeaten with five wins from five including a win at promotion chasing Altrincham. Brown posted an impressive .915 save percentage in the month including a shared shutout against Blackburn, 45 saves against Sheffield and 43 saves at Altrincham.
The players will be presented with their trophies at their next suitable home game.
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