HENNIKER, N.H. - New England College senior Jesper Tarkiainen (Naperville, Ill.) of the NEC men's ice hockey team has been named the Male Pilgrim of the Month for January 2025 in an announcement by the Department of Athletics on Tuesday. 

Tarkiainen had a big month, recording a team-high 13 points across eight games in January – recording at least one point in every single game. His five goals and eight assists are both tied for the team lead during that span. Tarkiainen had four multi-point games this month, headlined by a three-point effort against Rivier on January 4th. He ended the month with a goal in each of the team's last three games against the University of Southern Maine and VTSU-Castleton. His +8 plus-minus rating on the ice for the month was the best on the team. 

The Vermont-transfer has really settled into his second year for the 'Grims, totaling 17 points on five goals and 12 assists this season. His 17 points are the most on the squad and are tied for 13th in the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC). The former Catamount sits tied for 8th in the conference with his team-high 12 assists. After recording four points in 18 games a year ago, Tarkiainen has seen a more than 300% increase in production in his senior season. 

The NEC men's ice hockey team are winners of five of their past six games and will look ahead to next weekend as they welcome a tough Elmira team to town that just received votes in this week's USCHO poll. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM on Friday night as the two teams battle it out at the Lee Clement Arena. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.