GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Green Bay Gamblers forward Will Zellers has been named the 2024-25 United States Hockey League Player of the Year, becoming the first Gambler to receive the league’s most valuable player award since the franchise joined the USHL in 1994-95. The 19-year-old Maple Grove, Minnesota, native was also named Forward of the Year and to the All-USHL First Team, completing a sweep of major individual honors for the season.
Zellers scored a franchise-best 44 goals in just 52 regular season games, leading the league in goals and finishing third overall in points with 71. He also led the USHL with a 1.37 points-per-game average and took a league-high 214 shots, converting at a 20.6 percent clip. His performance broke the Gamblers’ single-season goal record, previously held by Kevin Granato (41) since 1996-97.
During a three-game stretch in January, Zellers netted eight goals and 11 points, establishing himself as the league’s top goal scorer. Despite missing 10 games, he was a cornerstone of Green Bay’s top-ranked power play — which clicked at a league-best 27.8 percent — adding 10 goals and 12 assists with the man advantage.
“Winning Player of the Year is the perfect end to a historic season for Will,” said Gamblers head coach and general manager Patrick McCadden. “Coming back from an injury cost him games early in the season, but he immediately made his presence known as the league’s most electric scorer. His ability to drive offense this season made him our most valuable player, and it is great to see him earn the respect and recognition that comes with this great honor.”
All end-of-season league awards were nominated and voted upon by team general managers.
Zellers was selected 76th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, and his NHL rights were later acquired by the Boston Bruins in a trade that included former Gamblers standout Casey Mittelstadt. He is committed to play at the University of North Dakota this fall.
“We are excited to see Will earn the recognition as the league’s top forward,” McCadden added. “He broke a team record that stood for nearly three decades and did it in fewer games than a full season. That’s a testament to his dedication and all-around growth as a player.”
Zellers also represented Team USA in international play, notching five goals and seven points in five games at the Hlinka-Gretzky Memorial Tournament last August. He later helped the U.S. capture gold at the World Jr. A Challenge, contributing two goals and five points.
In addition to Zellers’ accolades, teammates Aidan Park and Lukas Peterson were also named to the USHL’s end-of-season All-Star teams.
Park, a 19-year-old from Playa Vista, California, was named to the All-USHL Second Team after tallying 33 goals and 66 points in 55 regular season games. A two-time national champion at Shattuck-St. Mary’s alongside Zellers, Park is committed to the University of Michigan for the 2025-26 season. He ranked No. 94 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.
“Aidan’s contributions went beyond the scoresheet,” McCadden said. “He was our top centerman, took on every matchup, and played in all situations. We’re thrilled he’s being recognized for his impact.”
Defenseman Lukas Peterson, a 19-year-old from Waldwick, New Jersey, rounded out Green Bay’s representation by earning All-USHL Third Team honors. He led all Gamblers defensemen with eight goals and 44 points in 62 games — finishing second in scoring among league blueliners.
“Lukas’ rise over the past two seasons has been remarkable,” McCadden said. “He went from a 21st-round pick to one of the league’s top-scoring defensemen. That reflects his work ethic and commitment.”
“We are grateful for the contributions all three players made to the team, the league, and the Green Bay community,” McCadden added.
This story includes information from official releases by the United States Hockey League and the Green Bay Gamblers.
