Astley, Valentine, & Zuvela Named to USPHL All Star Team
- Jim Carr
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Mavericks are proud to announce that Thomas Astley, Giovanni Valentine, and Ethan Zuvela have been selected to represent the club at the 2026 USPHL Premier All-Star Game.
The 2026 NCDC and USPHL Premier All-Star Games will take place January 26–27, 2026, at the Foxboro Sports Center in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The annual event brings together the top players from across the league, providing a premier showcase platform for NCAA- and professional-bound talent.
The two-day event will feature six All-Star Games per league (three per day), spread across both rinks at the Foxboro Sports Center.
Mavericks All-Star Selections
Thomas Astley
Defense | Captain
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Height / Weight: 5'11", 175 lbs
Birthday: June 7, 2006
2025–26 Stats: 28 GP, 3 G, 15 A
Notes: In his first USPHL season after spending last year with the Golden Rockets (KIJHL), Astley has anchored the Mavericks’ blue line while serving as team captain.
Giovanni Valentine
Forward
Hometown: New Castle, PA
Height / Weight: 6'5", 220 lbs
Birthday: June 6, 2006
2025–26 Stats: 28 GP, 29 G, 26 A
Notes: A third-year Maverick, Valentine currently leads the team in scoring and has been one of the most productive offensive players in the USPHL Premier this season.
Ethan Zuvela
Defense
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Height / Weight: 5'10", 170 lbs
Birthday: June 14, 2008
2025–26 Stats: 27 GP, 6 G, 18 A
Notes: In his first season with Columbus after four years in the Ohio Blue Jackets AAA program, Zuvela has made an immediate impact with his mobility and offensive production from the back end.
From Head Coach & GM, Joey Recktenwald
"We’re extremely proud of our boys who were selected for this year’s All Star Games in New England. Sending three players to the event to showcase their abilities, as well as representing their teammates and club is a tremendous accomplishment."
"Our captain Thomas Astley leads by example day in and day out, and continues to guide our D group while also producing offensively. Giovanni Valentine is well on his way to owning every offensive stat we keep in Columbus, and also ranks among the league leaders this season as well. He notched his 100th junior point this season, and was the first Maverick to do so entirely with our club. Ethan Zuvela rounds out the group, and has been one of our best players all season long. He plays with a veteran poise despite being an ‘08 birth year, and showcases our commitment to developing young players. We can’t wait to see him wheel out there."
"The coaches and I believe there were multiple other Mavericks that were deserving of this opportunity as well. With that said, it shows just how big of an accomplishment being named to the All-Star event is. We’re certain all three players will shine in their games, and we look forward to continuing to develop players for years to come."
The Columbus Mavericks congratulate Thomas, Giovanni, and Ethan on this well-earned recognition and look forward to seeing them represent the organization at the 2026 USPHL Premier All-Star Event.
For more information on the All-Star Games or the Columbus Mavericks, visit the team’s official website and social media channels.
