OAK FOREST, IL - When the puck drops and the ice chips fly, there’s one name on every Crush fan’s lips right now: Spencer Kauke. The Rockford native has been absolutely feasting on the competition this season, and his December performance was nothing short of electric. The USPHL took notice, crowning him the Midwest Division Player of the Month—and let me tell you, this kid has been playing like a man possessed.
Kauke, an ‘05 with the hands of a surgeon and the vision of a chess grandmaster, racked up four goals and five assists for nine points in just six games last month. That’s not just production—that’s dominance. He’s currently riding a seven-game heater, piling up 11 points during that stretch, and has already notched a career-high 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) in just 23 games this season. For those keeping score at home, that’s a 1.43 points-per-game pace. Yeah, you read that right. The kid is a walking highlight reel.
But let’s break it down even further, because the numbers don’t lie. Kauke isn’t just scoring—he’s doing it in every situation. Five of his 13 goals have come on the power play, and he’s even added a shorthanded tally for good measure. That’s the kind of versatility that makes coaches drool and opponents lose sleep. He’s not just a scorer, either. With 20 assists, he’s dishing out dimes like he’s running a bakery. And let’s not forget the grit—32 penalty minutes show he’s not afraid to mix it up when the game gets chippy.
What’s even more impressive is the trajectory of his game. In his third season with the Crush, Kauke has already amassed 73 points in 105 career games. But this year? He’s taken his game to a whole new level. After putting up 27 points in 43 games last season, he’s already blown past that mark in just over half the games. That’s not just improvement—that’s a full-blown breakout.
And let’s talk about that seven-game point streak for a second. In hockey, momentum is everything, and Kauke is riding a wave of confidence that’s turning him into a nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether he’s sniping top-shelf, setting up his teammates with tape-to-tape passes, or killing penalties with the tenacity of a honey badger, Kauke is doing it all. He’s the Swiss Army knife of the Crush lineup, and he’s proving it every shift.
But here’s the thing about Spencer Kauke: he’s not just a stat sheet stuffer. He’s a gamer. When the stakes are high, he elevates his play. Last season’s divisional playoffs? Three goals in five games, including a power-play marker and a shorthanded goal. That’s clutch. That’s the kind of player you want when the lights are brightest.
So, what’s next for Kauke? If December was any indication, the sky’s the limit. He’s already on pace to shatter his previous career highs, and with the Crush looking to make noise in the Midwest Division, Kauke will be at the heart of it all. Whether he’s lighting the lamp, dropping the mitts, or making a game-changing play on the PK, one thing’s for sure: Spencer Kauke is the real deal.
Crush fans, buckle up. This kid is just getting started, and the best is yet to come. Let’s celebrate this well-deserved honor for one of the brightest stars in the USPHL. Spencer Kauke, Midwest Division Player of the Month—say it loud, say it proud.
From the entire Chicago Crush organization, congratulations Spencer!
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