The United States Hockey League announced the CCM Forward, Defenseman and Goaltender of the Week for Week 4 of the 2015-16 season. League leaders Peyton Jones and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Ryan Zuhlsdorf took home honors, in addition to veteran Denis Smirnov. CCM Hockey is the official equipment partner of the USHL.
Forward: Denis Smirnov – Fargo Force
2 GP: 2 goals, 3 assists, +3 rating
Smirnov is tied for the team lead for points scored, and has the Force battling for playoff position in the early season. Smirnov scored five points in two games this weekend, including a game-winning goal and an assist to the game-winning goal. The three-year USHL veteran is in his second season with the Fargo Force after winning a Clark Cup Championship with the Indiana Ice during the 2013-14 season. Smirnov was named to the USHL All-Rookie Team during the 2013-14 season after scoring 41 points (15G, 26A) in 47 games. Prior to playing in the USHL, the Moskva, Russia native skated for the Wilkes-Barre Knights U16 (AYHL) team and is currently committed to play college hockey at Penn State University.
Defenseman: Ryan Zuhlsdorf – Sioux City Musketeers
3 GP: 0 goals, 4 assists, +3 rating
Zuhlsdorf leads all USHL defenseman in scoring after a big four-point weekend that helped Sioux City pick up two wins. The Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and Sioux City captain is also second in team scoring for the Musketeers. Zuhlsdorf was a 5th round 2015 NHL Draft pick and is currently committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota following his junior career. Last season, Zuhlsdorf was named to the 2014-15 USHL All-Rookie Team at the conclusion of the regular season. Zuhlsdorf played for Edina High School (USHS) where he won a Minnesota State Championship prior to playing in the USHL, and played in the 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
Goaltender: Peyton Jones – Lincoln Stars
1 GP: 1-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV%
Jones leads the USHL in GAA, Save Percentage, Shutouts and is a perfect 3-0-0 with the Lincoln Stars this season. Playing in his second USHL season, the uncommitted goaltender has helped the Stars reach first place with a USHL best 6-1-0 record. The Stars have also allowed a league-low 13 goals this season. The Stars are currently on a five-game win streak and Jones remains perfect in net. Jones is a Langhorne, PA native and previously played for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (T1EHL).
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