Day one of the AAU National tournament is in the book, and the stars were out on the first day of action. Everything was on the table on day one, from upsets to nail-biters. These players made the biggest impact for their teams:

1st Star – (G)Gavin Kreutzer, University of Buffalo 

The University of Buffalo opened its tournament against Quinnipiac University, securing the first shutout thanks to Gavin Kreutzer, who saw 25 shots. The University will continue to rely on Kreutzer, who has had an excellent first year with the team. 

2nd Star – (D)Noah Horwitz, University of Florida 

Noah Horwitz led the Gators on both ends of the ice as they upset the University of Tennessee on the tournament’s first day. Horwitz led the charge defensively as the Gators bounced back, scoring six unanswered goals while adding two assists in the 6-4 win. 

3rd Star – (G)Gregory Politis, Auburn University 

The 15th-seeded Auburn University had an early test when it took on the two-seeded University of Tampa to open the tournament. Gregory Politis was a difference-maker who kept Auburn in the game, saving 50 of 52 shots. Unfortunately, Auburn fell 2-1 despite Politis being a brick wall between the pipes for the Tigers.