BOSTON, Mass. -- The Eastern Hockey League has announced its Players of the Week for December 16-22, 2013.  Left to Right: Brendan Pascarella, , Cole Burack, Kevin Valenti.

DEFENSIVE:  Brendan Pascarella, Hartford Jr. Wolfpack
The 1994 birth-year defenseman from Sloatsburg, N.Y., stepped in to play big minutes with the absence of injured blue line anchor Zach Stein, helping the Wolfpack to a three-game sweep in the Christmas Showcase.  A big, physical presence, for the ‘Pack, Pascarella has recently caught the eye of numerous NCAA coaches with his steady defensive efforts.

GOALTENDER:  Cole Burack, Boston Jr. Rangers
The 1994 birth-year goalie from Rockwell, Texas, led the Rangers to three victories at the EHL Christmas Showcase, including a 2-0 shutout of defending league champion Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.  He kicked away 101 of 105 shots during the weekend for a save percentage of .962.

OFFENSIVE:  Kevin Valenti, Northern Cyclones
The 1993 birth-year forward from Queenburg, N.Y., kept up his league-leading scoring pace at the Christmas Showcase with four goals and an assist as the Cyclones claimed three victories and gained two points on league-leading New Hampshire.  Valenti leads all EHL players with 27 goals, 29 assists and 56 points and is tied for the league lead with six game-winning goals.