The Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) have announced team honors for the 2017-2018 season. Players were selected for the following awards:
Most Valuable Player – Josh Dunne
Offensive Player of the Year – Trenton Bliss
Defensive Player of the Year – Maksim Zhukov
Community Service Award- Rory Herrman
Dunne ranked second in team scoring with 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) in 60 games. His 21 goals tied for a team best with fellow forward Trenton Bliss. Drafted in the first round (10th overall) in 2014 USHL Futures Draft, Dunne played a total of 140 career USHL games over a span of four seasons totaling 74 points (34 goals, 40 assists) and a plus 17 plus/minus rating. A native of O’Fallon, MO, Dunne is committed to Clarkson University.
Bliss led the Gamblers in scoring this season with 55 points (21 goals, 34 assists) in 60 games. Bliss ranked 2nd overall in the USHL in shorthanded goals (4) and 9th overall in powerplay goals (10). The Appleton, WI native appeared in 84 career games with the Gamblers over two seasons. Bliss is committed to Michigan Tech.
Zhukov led all USHL goaltenders in wins (27), games played (53) and total minutes (3,034). The Vegas Golden Knights draft pick also finished in the top 10 among all USHL goaltenders in goals against average (2.45/9th) and save percentage (.909/10th). Zhukov was named Goaltender of the Week five times over his two year USHL career, three times this season. During his rookie campaign in 2016-17, Zhukov posted a 2.25 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. Zhukov, who is uncomitted, was selected in the fourth round of 2017 NHL Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights. Prior to his time with the Gamblers, Zhukov suited up for Lokomotiv-Yaroslavl in Russia.
Off the ice, Herrman volunteered countless hours to various community-based programs, such as youth hockey and reading in the local elementary schools. On the ice, the Poway, CA registered 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 55 games this past season with the Gamblers. His plus 10 plus/minus rating led all Gamblers skaters.
