NAHL announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending October 3, 2021. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2021-22 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Players of the Week award.
Watch: Highlights for the NAHL Stars of the Week for Sept. 27-Oct. 3
Central Division Star of the Week: Huston Karpman, Forward, Minot Minotauros
Minot forward Huston Karpman, 20, had a big weekend as the Minotauros split with the Bismarck Bobcats in a home-and-home series. The 5’11/199 lbs. native of Manhattan Beach, CA, recorded five points in the two games, which included four goals and an assist. On Friday, Karpman had two goals in a 7-3 loss in Bismarck. On Saturday, he scored two more goals and added an assist in a 5-2 win. For the season, Karpman leads the team in scoring with nine points in eight games played. “Huston had a great weekend for us. His individual effort level raised the rest of our team’s effort and he was rewarded for it,” said Minot head coach Cody Campbell.
2nd Star: Hunter Garvey, G, North Iowa Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Hunter Bulger, F, North Iowa Bulls – Owen DuBois, F, Aberdeen Wings – Sutter Muzzatti, F, Austin Bruins – Cade Neilson, F, Aberdeen Wings – Ryan O’Neill, F, St. Cloud Norsemen
East Division Star of the Week: Ignat Belov, Forward, Maine Nordiques
Belov, 20, had five points in two games as the Nordiques picked up a weekend home sweep of the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks. The University of Connecticut recruit and 6’3/195 lbs. native of Minsk, Belarus, had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win on Friday, and then on Saturday, had the game-winning goal and two assists in a 5-4 win. For the season, Belov leads the Nordiques in scoring with 10 points in eight games played. “Iggy is a young man in his third season with our family who has worked incredibly hard during his time in the league, overcome many challenges, and matured into a very well-rounded hockey player that makes a huge impact for our club night in and night out in his final season as a Nordique. He has been a dominating force early this season thriving in all situations within the game, from the power play to the penalty kill, game-winning goals or defensive zone faceoffs late in games, he’s someone who is respected and trusted by his teammates and coaches. With his positive attitude and hard work on and off the ice, his early season success is no surprise and our organization is thrilled he was awarded with this honor,” said Maine head coach Nolan Howe.
2nd Star: Paul Minnehan, F, Northeast Generals
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Bottrill, F, Maryland Black Bears – Tyler Gaulin, F, Maine Nordiques – Miles Harrington, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Stephen Kyrkostas, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Michael Morelli, G, Maryland Black Bears – Hunter Young, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Ethan Wolthers, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness
Thanks to two more wins over the weekend, the Minnesota Wilderness extended their winning streak to five straight games. This past weekend, forward Ethan Wolthers, 20, was the big contributor as he put up six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in a sweep of the Janesville Jets. On Friday, the native of Valencia, CA, had a goal and an assist in a 6-5 win. On Saturday, he had two goals, including the game-winner, and added two assists in another 6-5 win. For the season, Wolthers (5’8/170) leads the team in scoring with 11 points in eight games played. “Ethan was electric all weekend. When he plays fast like he did he is extremely difficult for opponents to contain. He has worked extremely hard and has been an outstanding leader for our team since the day he got arrived in Cloquet, which makes him extremely deserving of anything good that comes his way,” said Wilderness head coach Dave Boitz.
2nd Star: Alex Malinowski, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jack Brown, F, Chippewa Steel – Patrick Czarnecki, D, Minnesota Magicians – Jan Lasak, F, Janesville Jets – Bobby Metz, D, Minnesota Wilderness – Brandon Milberg, G, Minnesota Magicians – Billy Renfrew, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Will Proctor, Goaltender, Odessa Jackalopes
Proctor, 19, backstopped the Jackalopes to a weekend road sweep of the Shreveport Mudbugs. The 6’2/175 lbs. native of Dallas, TX, allowed just two goals in two wins, stopping 63 of 65 total shots. On Friday, he stopped all 29 shots that came his way for his first shutout of the season in a 5-0 win. On Saturday, he made 34 saves in a 3-2 overtime win. For the season, Proctor is off to a great start with a 5-1-0 record, a 2.06 goals against average, and .935 save percentage. “Will had a great weekend and has been really good for us to start this year. He continues to get better every day and we look forward to seeing where he could take us this season,” said Odessa head coach Scott Deur.
2nd Star: Vincent Corcoran, D, Wichita Falls Warriors
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Austin Brimmer, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Tim Khokhlachev, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Drew Vieten, F, Wichita Falls Warrior
