Alex Pelletier’s Remarkable Season with the Lincoln Stars Led to the Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award.
As he entered his final season with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, Alex Pelletier aimed to maximize his productivity.
Goal achieved.
Pelletier topped the league with 48 goals and 85 points over 59 games this season. During the playoffs, the West Hartford, Connecticut, native recorded eight points in eight games, aiding Lincoln in reaching the Western Conference semifinals.
His outstanding performance throughout the season earned Pelletier the USA Hockey Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award. Established in 2000, this award is presented annually to the most exceptional American-born player in junior hockey and is named in honor of Dave Tyler, who was a member of the USA Hockey Board of Directors for 32 years and played a crucial role in the advancement and expansion of junior hockey in the United States.
Pelletier will receive recognition at the USA Hockey President’s Awards Dinner on June 5 in Denver.
“It’s obviously a significant honor,” Pelletier stated. “It means a great deal to me. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of many excellent linemates, teammates, and a fantastic coaching staff in Lincoln.
“My friends and family have been there for me throughout the year, so I owe this to the entire community’s support, but it’s certainly a tremendous honor and a privilege.”
Pelletier entered this season with high aspirations and felt he met most of them. He led the league with an average of 1.44 points per game and 270 shots. With 48 goals this season, Pelletier tied for the second-most goals in a single USHL season, only behind Kevin Roy’s 54-goal season in 2011–12.
“I hold myself in high regard as a player. I believe everyone should have that confidence in themselves,” Pelletier remarked. “As a competitive individual, I aim high. I did that this year and came quite close to my goals. Overall, I think the year went well.”
Pelletier expressed his desire to take on a leadership role in his second year with the team. As an assistant captain, he aimed to set a positive example for the younger players on and off the ice.
“That’s why many players return for an additional year of juniors, and that’s what I did, and it turned out very well for me,” he explained. “Many other players who follow a similar path see improvements in their game as well.”
Initially, it seemed this season might not be successful for the Stars, as they lost their first six games. However, they managed to overcome the sluggish start and qualify for the playoffs. Pelletier expressed his enjoyment of the team this year and pride in the journey the Stars undertook together.
On a personal level, the 5-foot-10-inch, 190-pound player focused on enhancing his speed and explosiveness. Pelletier acknowledged his smaller stature.
“I’m not the tallest player,” he noted. “So, I aim to improve my strength, maximizing my capabilities within my frame. Clearly, explosiveness and speed are areas I will continue to develop. The game is incredibly fast and skilled… so it’s essential to be as intelligent as possible on the ice.”
Nick Fabrizio, general manager of the Lincoln Stars, expressed admiration for Pelletier’s achievements this season.
“Alex had an outstanding year, and he truly deserves this award,” Fabrizio stated. “The Stars were very fortunate to have him for two seasons and to be part of his junior hockey journey. We couldn’t be prouder of him and look forward to witnessing his ongoing success.”
That opportunity for success will take place at Boston College, where Pelletier is already preparing for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
“This past year has been excellent for providing me that final push into college hockey,” he said. “You know what to expect when attending a school like BC. You’ll face top-tier competition daily, and you’ll be competing in Hockey East, one of the premier leagues in college hockey. I plan to be one of the hardest workers every day, and I’ll see where that leads me this year.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
