Hockey Edmonton Players Named “Players of the Month” for November by Hockey Alberta

Dec 13

Congratulations to the following players who have been honoured as Hockey Alberta's AFHL and AEHL "Players of the Month" for November2024:

AFHL Players of the Month:

Humanitarian of the Month - Brooke Rydel – Edmonton Ice U18 AA
Brooke dedicates much of her time outside her team commitments by volunteering with a local U13 team, focusing on working directly with the team’s goaltenders. In this role, she has shared her expertise, and Brooke has built a strong bond with the entire team, becoming a mentor for the young athletes. Her efforts have created a seamless bridge between the teams, building the relationship between the two groups. The U13 team has developed a sense of excitement and pride in connecting with the Ice U18 AA players through her involvement. They frequently attend games, eager to watch and cheer on the girls, often expressing their admiration and enthusiasm. This connection goes beyond just attending games—it symbolizes mentorship and the power of building relationships within the sporting community. Brooke’s work has helped inspire the younger players, providing them with role models to look up to while fostering a sense of community between teams at different levels.
U15 AA – Brooklyn Raczynski – Edmonton Ice Blue – G (10GP, 2.40 GAA, .923 SV%)
Brooklyn showcased her exceptional skills and leadership by playing ten games in November while her goalie partner battled illness. Despite the challenging circumstances, she maintained impressive statistics and secured five wins for her team. Her commitment and ability to lead on the ice bolstered her team’s performance and earned her the nod for this recognition.

AEHL Players of the Month:

Humanitarian of the Month - Thomas Acquaye – CAC Imperial Equities U15 AA
Thomas has an exceptional dedication to giving back to his community. Beyond his impressive performance on the ice, Thomas consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to helping others. He actively volunteers at his local church and participates in all fundraising activities while supporting his team’s bottle drive and other fundraising initiatives. Additionally, Thomas has been a part of the CAC Hockey Loves Moms campaign, where he and his teammates will select a charity to support and fundraise for during the season. His compassion extends further as he will be volunteering with his teammates at the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society on December 20th, and he is also helping provide for a family in need over the holidays by gathering and delivering a hamper of essential items. Thomas’s ongoing efforts to make a positive difference, both in his community and beyond, embody the true spirit of humanitarianism, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
U17 AAA – Taylor Raynard – MLAC Beverly Optimist Leafs – G (5GP, 5W, 1.38 GAA, .957 SV%)
Taylor has won his last six starts, dating back to late October. In November, he achieved a perfect record of 5-0, with two shutouts and an impressive goals-against average (GAA) of 1.38 during that time. He concluded October by winning his last two games, both of which were shutouts. Currently, Taylor has a season record of 7-1-1, which ties him for the most wins among goalies. He also ranks first in GAA and save percentage, and he is tied for allowing the fewest goals this season.
U16 AA North Metro – Ryan Skoropad – MLAC Lenbeth Weeping Tile – D (8GP, 1A, 1P)
In November, Ryan demonstrated remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to his team, making a significant impact beyond just the stats. With one assist in eight games, his contributions on the ice tell only part of the story. Ryan is not just a skilled player; he embodies the spirit of professionalism and dedication, inspiring those around him and solidifying his role as a vital leader on the team.