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 24, 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 Oct. 18-24
Central Division Star of the Week: Zack Simon, Forward, Minot Mintoauros
Minot Minotauros forward Zack Simon, 19, helped his team to a big weekend home sweep of the Austin Bruins. The 5’10/170 lbs. native of Orono, MN, had a four-point weekend, which included three goals, an assist, and a +4 rating. On Friday, Simon had two goals in a 6-5 shootout win, and then on Saturday, he added another goal and had an assist in a 3-1 win over the Bruins. For the season, Simon is 3rd in team scoring with 12 points in nine games played so far during the 2021-22 season. “Zack has been a consistent producer for us since he arrived. Along with his offensive production, he has brought great intensity to our penalty kill. We look forward to Zack continuing to improve and make a positive impact within our group,” said Minotauros head coach Cody Campbell.
2nd Star: Jacob Bosse, F, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Calvin Hanson, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Brandon Lajoie, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Gavin Morrissey, F, Austin Bruins – Carter Rapalje, F, North Iowa Bulls – Quinn Rudrud, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Zach Sandy, G, Minot Minotauros – Max Scott, F, North Iowa Bulls – Jackson Yee, F, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Tommy Bannister, Forward, New Jersey Titans
New Jersey forward Tommy Bannister, 20, had a big week as he helped his Titans squad continue their hot play and climb up the East Division standings. The 5’9/180 lbs. native of Clayton, NY, posted eight points in three games this past week, which included five goals, three assists, and a +7 rating. On Wednesday, Bannister had a hat-trick, which included the game-winning goal in a 5-1 win in Danbury. On Friday, he had a pair of goals and an assist in a 12-5 home win over the Maine Nordiques. He concluded the week with two assists in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Maine. For the season, Bannister currently leads the NAHL in scoring with 22 points in 16 games played so far this season. “Tommy has come back in year two for us and been a consistent offensive force. He has matured in his game and him and line mates have been consistently effective. He plays big minutes for us in all roles on the ice and I am extremely proud of his Tommy and the results of all of his hard work,” said Titans head coach Craig Doremus.
2nd Star: Dimitry Kebreau, F, Maryland Black Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Laker Aldridge, F, Maryland Black Bears – Gabe Dombrowski, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Brendan Dumas, F, New Jersey Titans – Tommy Heaney, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Adam Johnson, G, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Brent Keefer, F, Northeast Generals – TJ Koufis, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Paul Minnehan, F, Northeast Generals
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Croix Kochendorfer, Goaltender, Chippewa Steel
Chippewa Steel goalie Croix Kochendorfer won both of his starts this past weekend as the Steel made a pass-through Kenai River for the three-game set against the Brown Bears. The 6’4/220 lbs. native of St. Paul, MN, stopped 58 of 61 shots in the two wins and extended his winning streak to three straight games. On Thursday, Kochendorfer opened the series with 18 saves in a 6-2 win. On Saturday, he made a season-high 40 saves in a 3-1 win. For the season, Kochendorfer has a 4-4-0 record in nine appearances with a 2.80 goals against average and .897 save percentage. “We are super pleased with Croix’s progression so far in this young season. He is a super talented goalie, that is starting to figure out what it takes to be successful at this level. His level of focus and preparation have gone up, and the results have followed. We are really proud of Croix and are looking forward to his continued growth throughout the rest of the season,” said Steel head coach Casey Mignone.
2nd Star: Sam Livecchi, G, Minnesota Wilderness
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cole Dubicki, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Braden Lindstrom, F, Chippewa Steel – Alex Malinowski, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – William Persson, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Billy Renfrew, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Alex Krause, Forward, El Paso Rhinos
El Paso Rhinos forward Alex Krause, 20, helped his club to a weekend home sweep of the Corpus Christi IceRays. The 6’1/190 lbs. native of Calabasas, CA, posted four points and was a +2 in the two wins. On Friday, Krause had three assists in a 7-3 win. On Saturday, he scored the game-winning goal in the 3rd period in a 2-1 win. For the season, the Dartmouth recruit leads the Rhinos is scoring with 11 points in 12 games played so far this year. “Alex is our leader on and off the ice. He is a high-character person and he stepped up for us this weekend and was proud to see him get rewarded for all his work,” said Rhinos head coach Anthony Bohn.
2nd Star: Dillan Bentley, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Logan Cleary, F, Amarillo Wranglers - Chris Duclair, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Max Gutjahr, G, Amarillo Wranglers – Frankie Ireland, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Lassi Lehti, G, El Paso Rhinos – Nicholas Niemo, F, Lone Star Brahmas
