Minnesota Wilderness forward Max Neill today captured the NAHL’s award for top forward for the month of January. The announcement comes just 3 days after goaltender Konrad Kausch was named Midwest Division Star of the week for his performance last weekend versus the Chippewa Steel and 3 weeks after linemate Will Persson was named the Midwest’s SOW. He’s also the first from the Wilderness to be named Forward of the Month since Tyler Cline won the award in October, 2015.
Neill’s accomplishments this month include a 3-goal hat trick on Jan. 28 in a 5-1 win over Chippewa and a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist and fight) in a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Magicians.
Below is the release from the NAHL:
A big reason behind the resurgence of the Minnesota Wilderness in January was 21-year-old forward Max Neill. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of Portage La Prairie, MB, played in eight games during the month of January and recorded 14 points, including 9 goals and 5 assists to go along with a +11 rating. Neill had two game-winning goals during the month and four multi-point games. He recorded at least a point in seven of the eight games played in January. So far during the 2021-22 season, Neill is 5th in team scoring with 32 points in 40 games played. “Max is the ultimate team player. He has played left and right wing and center for us. It’s great to see him have the success he has had as of late. Not only has he put up big numbers but has elevated himself to one of our best leaders on and off the ice. Wherever Max decides to play college hockey that program will be getting the ultimate package in terms of what he brings to a team,” said Wilderness head coach Dave Boitz.
“Personally, I found a groove playing with some really talented players and found a lot of chemistry and I also switched to playing center. Our team has really come together this past month, with every line chipping in and staying to our structure. We have really keyed in on our defensive play and that has led to offensive success,” said Neill. “My goal is to make an NCAA D1 commitment by the end of the season and for our team to grow closer and win a Robertson Cup. I want to play hockey as long as I can and start coaching as soon as I’m done.”