The first Hockey Commissioners Association National Player of the Month of the 2018-19 season is Bowling Green sophomore forward Max Johnson, while the HCA National Rookie of the Month for October is Wisconsin defenseman K’Andre Miller and the inaugural HCA Goaltender of the Month is Miami junior Ryan Larkin.
Johnson tied for the NCAA scoring lead with six goals and 13 points in October, helping the Falcons go from unranked in preseason polls to No. 9 nationally following a 5-1-1 opening month.
Among NCAA skaters with at least four games played in October, Johnson ranked third with 1.86 points per game and fifth with 0.86 goals per game.
Miller, a New York Rangers prospect, finished the month of October tied for third in points among all freshmen in the nation with seven (two goals, five assists), two more points than any other freshman defenseman.
Larkin posted a 5-1-0 record in six October starts, including three shutouts, which led the NCAA. He allowed only five goals all month, including only three at even strength, as he posted a 0.83 goals-against average and a .966 save percentage, both of which led all NCAA netminders in October with at least three games played.
Larkin totaled 144 saves in October on 149 shots faced, while he allowed one goal or less in all five of his victories. He now has five shutouts in his collegiate career.
