Taylor Fernandez, Cameron Clarke named NAHL players of the month
By @MichaelCaples –
The NAHL announced its players of the month for February today, and Michigan natives claimed two of the three awards.
The league’s forward of the month award went to Northville native Taylor Fernandez, while Tecumseh native Cameron Clarke was named top defenseman.
Fernandez, in the midst of his third NAHL season, recorded 14 points and two game-winning goals for the Janesville Jets this past month, helping his club to a 5-2-1 record.
“I think things really clicked during the month because I got two new linemates and sometimes a change like that does everyone some good,” Fernandez said in a release. “In my case, I just think it was refreshing some things and maybe matching guys up who had skill sets that complimented one another better,” said Fernandez. “Knowing that its my last season in the league, I have been working hard to earn an NCAA opportunity because that has been a long-term goal of mine. I am in the right place because I really like playing in Janesville for Coach Dibble. He really challenges the players and we understand that hard work is the key.”
“Taylor has been a reliable leader and scorer for us all season,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble. “He is not only producing offensively but he has been very reliable in all three zones for us thus far. He brings 100 percent everyday no matter what and that is a main reason we will lean on him as we enter the home stretch of the playoff race.”
Meanwhile, Clarke, a Ferris State commit, posted nine points and a plus-3 rating during the month while his Lone Star Brahmas registered a 7-2 record. His NAHL Selects Team also finished with a 2-0 record at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Plymouth – Clarke scored a goal and was plus-4 in the victories.
“I think getting the NCAA commitment out of the way early was huge because I could just focus on my game and also becoming a better player,” Clarke said. “My coaches and team let me play my game here and a big part of that is the offensive side, which I think has really been the focus of the interest from the NHL scouts,” said Clarke. “I think the Top Prospects event really helped with the exposure because the NAHL Selects team had some great players on it and we played well together. The talent level was incredible and it was a great experience for me to be there and represent my team and league.”
“I can’t say enough about Cam. He has been playing unbelievable and has gone from a guy that two years ago was playing in the NAPHL to now being someone that is on the radar of NHL scouts,” said Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong. “He brings a lot to our team’s offense because he is such a great distributor of the puck and is very smart with the puck. As soon as his body catches up with his hockey sense, I truly believe he will be capable of playing in the NHL one day.”