OAK FOREST - Let’s talk about dominance. Let’s talk about stepping up when the lights are brightest. Let’s talk about two players who didn’t just show up this past week—they took over. Defenseman Logan Landmeier and goaltender Johnny Augusta have been named USPHL Midwest Division Players of the Week, and if you’ve been watching the Chicago Crush lately, you know this isn’t just some participation trophy. This is a recognition of two players who are absolutely feasting on the competition right now.
Let’s break it down, because these two deserve more than just a headline. They deserve a deep dive into what makes them tick, what makes them special, and why the Crush are looking like a team nobody wants to face come playoff time.
Logan Landmeier: The Blue Line Playmaker
Logan Landmeier is the kind of player who makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about defensemen. The kid’s got hands, vision, and a knack for showing up when it matters most. This past week, Landmeier wasn’t just good—he was electric. In a three-game series against the Decatur Blaze, the South Elgin native put up a 1-3-4 scoring line, marking his first point streak of the season. That’s not just a hot streak; that’s a statement.
Landmeier’s game is a blend of old-school grit and new-school finesse. He’s not afraid to lay the body, but he’s also got the puck skills to quarterback the offense from the blue line. Since joining the Crush out of the Fox Valley High School team, he’s tallied 10 points in 28 games, and it’s clear he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.
What stands out most about Landmeier isn’t just the numbers—it’s the timing. When the Crush needed someone to step up, he answered the call. Whether it was a slick pass to set up a goal or a well-timed pinch to keep the pressure on, Landmeier was everywhere. He’s the kind of player who makes his teammates better, and that’s the hallmark of a true difference-maker.
Head coach Phil Bushbacher had high praise for his young defenseman:“Logan’s growth this season has been incredible to watch. He’s not just playing defense—he’s impacting the game in every zone. His confidence with the puck, his ability to read plays, and his willingness to step up in big moments are exactly what we need from him. This honor is well-deserved, and I know he’s only going to keep getting better.”
Johnny Augusta: The Last Line of Chicago Crush Defense
If Logan Landmeier is the spark, Johnny Augusta is the fire extinguisher. The Medinah native has been an absolute force between the pipes this season, and his performance last week was a masterclass in goaltending. On January 11, Augusta turned away all 31 shots he faced, securing his third shutout of the season. Let that sink in for a second—31 shots, zero goals. That’s not just a good game; that’s a statement game.
Augusta’s season has been nothing short of spectacular. With a 9-3-1-0 record, he’s already matched his win total from the entire 2023-24 season. That’s not just improvement—that’s evolution. His reflexes are sharper, his positioning is smarter, and his confidence is through the roof. When Augusta is in net, the Crush play with a swagger that’s hard to ignore.
What makes Augusta so special isn’t just his ability to stop pucks—it’s his ability to control the game. He’s a calming presence in the crease, and his ability to read plays before they develop is next-level. When the opposing team thinks they’ve got a scoring chance, Augusta shuts the door. And when he’s on his game, it’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded—good luck.
Coach Bushbacher couldn’t say enough about his star netminder:“Johnny has been our backbone all season. His work ethic, his focus, and his ability to rise to the occasion are second to none. That shutout against Decatur was a perfect example of what he brings to this team. He’s not just stopping pucks—he’s giving us a chance to win every single night.”
The Bigger Picture
Let’s not mince words here: the Chicago Crush are building something special. With players like Landmeier and Augusta leading the charge, this team is starting to look like a legitimate contender in the USPHL Midwest Division. Landmeier’s offensive instincts and Augusta’s stonewall goaltending are the kind of one-two punch that can carry a team deep into the playoffs.
But here’s the thing—this isn’t just about individual accolades. This is about culture. It’s about a team that’s buying into the process, trusting each other, and playing for something bigger than themselves. Landmeier and Augusta are the embodiment of that mindset, and their performances last week are a testament to what this team is capable of.
So, what’s next for the Crush? If these two keep playing at this level, the sky’s the limit. Landmeier is proving he’s more than just a defenseman—he’s a playmaker. Augusta is proving he’s more than just a goalie—he’s a game-changer. And together, they’re proving that the Chicago Crush are a team to watch.
From the entire Chicago Crush organization, congratulations Logan and Johnny on this well-deserved honor. Keep grinding, keep dominating, and keep showing the hockey world what Crush hockey is all about.
Comments