Will Zellers
The United States Hockey League (USHL) has officially recognized Will Zellers as the Forward of the Year for the 2024-25 season, a historic achievement for the Green Bay Gamblers. Not only did Zellers claim this prestigious title, but he also earned a spot on the All-USHL First Team, cementing his status as one of the league’s most dominant players.
Zellers’ season was nothing short of spectacular. The Maple Grove, Minnesota native led the league with 44 goals, finishing third in overall scoring with 71 points in 52 games. His 1.37 points-per-game average was the highest among all skaters, showcasing his ability to consistently produce offense.
Despite missing 10 games due to injury, Zellers remained a force on the ice, taking a league-leading 214 shots with an impressive 20.6% shooting percentage. His contributions extended beyond even-strength play, as he was a key piece of the Gamblers’ top-ranked power play, which operated at 27.8% efficiency. Zellers himself contributed 10 goals and 12 assists on the man advantage.
Zellers’ dominance did not go unnoticed. His selection to the All-USHL First Team was a testament to his impact on the league. His ability to perform under pressure and lead his team made him a standout among his peers.
The Following day, he was crowned the USHL Player of the Year.
Zellers’ season wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. He shattered the Gamblers’ single-season goal record, surpassing the previous mark of 41 goals, which had stood for 28 years.
Beyond the USHL, Zellers’ future looks incredibly bright. He was selected in the third round (76th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, though his rights were later acquired by the Boston Bruins. He is set to continue his hockey journey at the University of North Dakota, where he will further develop his skills before making the leap to professional hockey.
Zellers’ recognition as USHL Forward of the Year marks a significant milestone for the Green Bay Gamblers. He is the first player in team history to receive this honor, solidifying his place in the franchise’s legacy. His contributions helped elevate the Gamblers to new heights, and his leadership on and off the ice made a lasting impact.
As Zellers prepares for the next chapter of his hockey career, his time in the USHL will be remembered as a defining period in his development. His ability to dominate offensively, lead his team, and perform in high-pressure situations has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting future.
For Green Bay Gamblers fans, Zellers’ legacy will live on as one of the greatest seasons in franchise history. And for hockey enthusiasts everywhere, his journey is just beginning.
Dans Locmelis
According to a report by Ulvis Broze of TV3 Sport Latvia, an agreement has been finalized between Latvian National Team General Manager Rudolfs Kalvitis and the Boston Bruins regarding the release of Locmelis. He will join the national team for the IIHF World Championships following Game Two of the Providence Bruins’ second-round playoff series against the Charlotte Checkers. This development was anticipated, and it is now officially confirmed. You can find the article in it’s original Latvian language here.
Loke Johansson
The Moncton Wildcats have secured a dominant 3-0 lead in the semi-finals against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies following a hard-fought 4-3 victory on Tuesday. With just one more win, they will advance to the QMJHL Finals. Despite outshooting the Wildcats by a decisive 41-22 margin, the Huskies were unable to capitalize where it mattered most. Johansson did not record any points but delivered a strong defensive performance, finishing with a plus-3 rating, one shot on goal, and two blocked shots.
For the first time since their championship victory in 2010, the Moncton Wildcats have secured a place in the QMJHL Championship Series after a thrilling 4-3 double-overtime win against Rouyn-Noranda, completing a 4-0 series sweep. Johansson made a significant impact with two assists, including one on the go-ahead goal in the third period—later equalized by the Huskies—and another on the game-winning goal in overtime. Statistically, he finished the game with a minus-1 rating, recording two hits, one shot on goal, and three blocked shots. Throughout the playoffs, Johansson has accumulated one goal and seven assists, averaging 0.61 points per game, a marked improvement over his regular-season rate of 0.36 points per game. Not only has his offensive game reached a new level, but so has his defensive game.
Moncton eagerly awaits the outcome of the semi-final showdown between the Rimouski Oceanic and the Shawinigan Cataractes (Game 7 goes Tuesday night). One thing is certain: if Rimouski secures victory, Moncton automatically qualifies for the Memorial Cup, as Rimouski holds the distinction of being the host city—regardless of the results in the QMJHL Finals. However, if Shawinigan prevails, the winner of the Moncton-Shawinigan final will earn a spot in the Memorial Cup, joining Rimouski, the OHL champion, and the WHL champion.
Kristian Kostadinski, Jonathan Morello, Cole Spicer
The Dubuque Fighting Saints’ season has come to an end after being swept in three games by the Muskegon Lumberjacks, culminating in a 3-1 loss on Tuesday night. Forward Spicer, who was unavailable for the second consecutive game, now shifts his focus to rejuvenating his collegiate career at Arizona State University. Morello was held without a point in the matchup but registered two shots on goal and finished with an even plus/minus rating; he is set to join Boston University next season. Meanwhile, Kostadinski was also held off the scoresheet, recording one shot on goal and finishing with a minus-2 rating. He will continue his career at Boston College.
Providence Bruins
Charlotte 5 – Providence 1
The Providence Bruins faced a tough challenge in the opening game of their second-round AHL playoff series, falling 5-1 to the Charlotte Checkers at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Friday night.
Providence quickly found themselves on the back foot. Charlotte struck first with a shorthanded goal just 3:45 into the game. Just 37 seconds later, another shorthanded goal put the Checkers up 2-0. Just under 4 minutes later, Providence responded with a shorthanded goal of their own as Riley Duran fed Oliver Wahlstrom who jammed a shot over the goal line to pull within one. But that’s as close as they would come.
Goaltender Michael DiPietro faced 28 shots, stopping 24, but the defensive breakdowns in front of him made his job significantly harder. However, the third goal against is one he had to have as the shot trickled through him and Providence never recovered.
With Charlotte now leading the series 1-0, Providence must regroup quickly before Game 2 on Sunday, May 4. The Bruins will need to tighten their defensive play, limit turnovers, and find ways to generate more offensive chances against Charlotte’s disciplined defense.
Charlotte 2 – Providence 0
The Providence Bruins suffered a 2-0 loss to the Charlotte Checkers in Game 2 of the Calder Cup playoffs on Sunday. This defeat puts the Bruins in a tough spot, trailing 0-2 in the best-of-five series.
Charlotte dominated early, smothering Providence in the first period before securing a two-goal lead in the second. The Bruins struggled offensively, managing just one goal or fewer in four of their last five playoff games. Charlotte goaltender was a brick wall, stopping 32 shots to complete the shutout.
Providence coach Ryan Mougenel expressed disappointment in his team’s effort but remained hopeful that they could turn things around. The Bruins now face the daunting task of winning three straight road games in Charlotte to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Here’s a look at the Providence Bruins leaders. You will notice a column called “Benchrates” This is provided by our friends at Benchrates. Created by a retired hockey player, Benchrates has created an algorithm that computes values in real time. The value you see is the cap hit value they’ve earned this season to date. Give them a look and check out their site.
