The Elite 9 had a standout week, with several of their NCAA alumni earning prestigious honors and recognition for their exceptional performances. As the season progresses, these players continue to prove themselves as key contributors on the ice.

John Fusco (East Coast Wizards Alumni) Named ECAC Defender of the Month
John Fusco, a defenseman for the East Coast Wizards, has had a stellar start to his senior season, earning the ECAC Defender of the Month award. Fusco's all-around game has been exceptional, as he recorded three goals and three assists in November, while also blocking six shots. He notched his first two points of the season in a game against Stonehill, scoring one goal and adding an assist. The Westwood, Massachusetts native has been a consistent force on the ice, tallying at least one point in six games this season. Notably, three of his four goals so far have been game-winners, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. Fusco, who was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2020 NHL Draft, continues to build on his reputation as one of the top defensive prospects in college hockey.

Ryan Leonard (Thunderbirds Alumni) Dominates in November
Ryan Leonard, a standout for the Thunderbirds, continues to impress in the NCAA. In November, Leonard recorded 13 points in just nine games, including eight goals and five assists. He had a particularly impressive six-game goal-scoring streak, which included multiple game-winning goals. Leonard's clutch performance helped secure victories for his team, including two game-winning goals against No. 5 Maine and another against No. 10 Providence. The Amherst, Massachusetts native has proven to be a consistent offensive threat, tallying all but one of his points during his scoring streak. Leonard's play has firmly established him as one of the top players in the college ranks after being drafted #8 overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2023 NHL draft.

Shane Lachance (Valley Jr. Warriors Alumni) Named Friendship Four Player of the Tournament
Shane Lachance, a sophomore at Boston University and a Valley Jr. Warriors alum, was recently named the Friendship Four Player of the Tournament and Hockey East Player of the Week after leading the Terriers to two victories in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Lachance played a key role in helping Boston University win the prestigious Friendship Four tournament, contributing four points (2 goals, 2 assists) over the weekend. His standout performance came in the championship game against Notre Dame, where the Terriers were trailing 3-1 in the third period. Lachance helped orchestrate a dramatic comeback, proving instrumental in his team's rally to secure the title. As one of the top performers for Boston University, Lachance continues to make a name for himself. The 2021 NHL Draft pick by the Edmonton Oilers also spent the 2023 season.

Looking Ahead
These Elite 9 alumni are not only excelling in the NCAA but are also making significant strides toward professional hockey careers. These players continue to demonstrate why they are some of the top prospects in the game.

The future looks bright for these Elite 9 alumni!