Combat Hockey's Stars of the Week

North Star of the Week: Sean Murphy - Soo Eagles

Forward Sean Murphy, 20, helped the Soo Eagles to a weekend sweep of the Janesville Jets as the Eagles, who won the North Division, have a first round bye in the playoffs and await their opponent for the North Semi-Finals.  The native of Cary, NC, had a six-point weekend and was +6 in the two wins.  On Friday, Murphy (5’7/174) had two goals (including the game-winner) and an assist in a 6-4 win.  On Saturday, Murphy had a goal and two assists in regulation and then scored in the shootout as the Eagles edged the Jets for the weekend sweep, 5-4.  For the regular season, Murphy averaged more than a point per game totaling 36 points in 28 games played.  “Sean has been a big boost to the team on the ice and in the lockerroom.   The guys around him play with more confidence when they are on the ice with Sean,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “He is a scoring threat every time he steps on the ice and is one of the many reasons we have had success this season.”

2^nd Star: Chris Truehl, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brett D’Andrea, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Rick DeRosa, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Robbie Payne, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jack Sloan, defenseman, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jared VanWormer, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Rudy Sulmonte - Corpus Christi IceRays

Going into last weekend, the Corpus Christi IceRays didn’t know their playoff fate, but thanks to two wins and a rousing performance from forward Rudy Sulmonte, 21, the IceRays are in the playoffs and ready to face the Amarillo Bulls.  The native of Leavittown, NY, totaled 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) in a weekend home sweep of Odessa.  On Friday, Sulmonte (5’8/177) had a goal and three assists in a 7-5 win over the Jacks.  On Saturday, he had a repeat one goal, three assist performance in an 8-2 win.  He was also +4 during the weekend.  Sulmonte led the IceRays in scoring this season with 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists) in 60 games played.  “Rudy has been everything we have asked him to be this season and he is one of our go-to guys,” said IceRays head coach Justin Quenneville.  “At this time of the year, you ask for your best players to step up the most out of anyone and he has done that, and he also has the necessary experience it takes to hopefully help us succeed in the playoffs.”

2^nd Star: TJ Sarcona, forward, Amarillo Bulls

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Cole, forward, Amarillo Bulls - Michael Economos, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Trace Strahle, defenseman, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: AJ Reid - Austin Bruins

The Austin Bruins are right where they need to be entering the first round of the NAHL Playoffs thanks to a weekend sweep of the Coulee Region Chill to wrap-up the regular season.  Forward AJ Reid, 20, was a one-man wrecking crew as he recorded five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the two wins, which also included scoring the game-winning goal in both wins.  The native of Lakeville, MN, started his weekend with a 2 goal, 1 assist performance in a 4-2 home win over the Chill on Friday.  On Saturday, Reid (5’10/190) again had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 5-1 win in Coulee Region.  He finished second in scoring on the Bruins roster during the regular season with 65 points in 55 games played.  “AJ got back to the things he has been doing earlier in the season and is in perfect form for the playoffs,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “He has tremendous speed, which allows him to win the one on one battles.”

2^nd Star: Seth Blair, forward, Bismarck Bobcats

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Josh Bretner, defenseman, Austin Bruins – Drew Brevig, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Chad Catt, goaltender, Aberdeen Wings – Dylan Dailey, defenseman, Aberdeen Wings – Patrick Moore, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Thomas Williams, forward, Brookings Blizzard.

West Star of the Week: Ryan Walker - Kenai River Brown Bears

The Kenai River Brown Bears wrapped up their regular season with a weekend split of game in Fairbanks, who coincidentally will be their first round playoff opponent.  Along the blueline, defenseman Ryan Walker, 21, has made a significant impact including this weekend.  The native of Detroit, MI, had two goals and an assist as the Brown Bears battled in two, one-goal games during the weekend.  On the production side of things, Walker’s (6’2/208) big night came on Friday when he recorded two goals and an assist in a 4-3 win.  Although the next night Walker went pointless in a 3-2 loss, head coach Oliver David said that Walker’s impact is measured in more than just points.  “Ryan was excellent this past weekend.  A lot of times defensemen don’t put up points and have an impact and Ryan is that type of guy.  He is a guy that is a leader for our team.  Teammates feed of his energy and leadership.  It is important for us to know we can go into Fairbanks and be successful and Ryan is an important piece of that puzzle.”

2^nd Star: Devin Loe, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jayson Angus, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Evan McCarthy, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears – Max McHugh, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Evan Schmidbauer, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Tomas Sholl, goaltender, Fresno Monsters – Chase Sisk, forward, Fresno Monsters.

North Star of the Week: Easton Powers - Port Huron Fighting Falcons

With a weekend road sweep of the Janesville Jets, the Port Huron Fighting Falcons secured a spot in the 2013 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs.  Forward Easton Powers, 20, was a big contributor for the Fighting Falcons as the native of South Lyon, Michigan recorded four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in the two wins.  On Friday, Powers (5’10/195) recorded a goal and assisted on two others (including the game-winner) in a 4-1 win over the Jets.  The next night, Powers picked up another assist as Port Huron picked up a 4-3 shootout win over Janesville.  For the season, Powers has 32 points in 57 games played.  “Easton has been really, really good since the New Year.  His line is clicking and they are a very important part of our production,” said Port Huron head coach Michael Gershon.  “It is important to have that chemistry.  Has really been a good leader and his game has changed for the better this season.”

2^nd Star: Matt Iacopelli, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Taylor Burden, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Michael Lant, defenseman, Soo Eagles – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Tyler Spezia, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Trevor Stone, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Chris Truehl, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks - Jared VanWormer, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Evan Cowley - Wichita Falls Wildcats

It was a solid weekend for Wichita Falls Wildcats goaltender Evan Cowley.  The 17-year-old from Evergreen, Colorado, gave up just a single goal in two games as the Wildcats swept Odessa at home to remain in the playoff hunt in the South Division.  On Friday, Cowley (6’41/85) made 25 saves in a 7-1 win.  On Saturday, he stopped all 27 shots that came his way for his third shutout of the season in a 4-0 win.  For the weekend, Cowley stopped 52 of 53 shots that came his way.  At just 17 years old, Cowley is tied for the league lead in games played this season (48) and ranks second in minutes played (2,778).  “Evan gives our team a chance to win every night.  He has really developed nicely this year and has a wonderful skill set as a goaltender,” said Wildcats head coach Paul Baxter.  “However, I think where he has grown the most has been the mental part of the game.  He plays with a very quiet confidence and really is in a good state of mind when he is out there.”

2^nd Star: Rudy Sulmonte, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Michael Economos, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Nick Farmer, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Justin Greenberg, forward, Texas Tornado – Hampus Gustafsson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Drew Mayer, forward, Texas Tornado – Tomas Nechala, defenseman, Topeka RoadRunners – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Matt Sieckhaus, forward, Amarillo Bulls.

Central Star of the Week: Erik Baskin - Aberdeen Wings

The Aberdeen Wings remained one the hottest teams in the NAHL, as they swept the Coulee Region Chill and extended their current winning streak to eight straight games.  Contributions have been coming from the entire roster and this past weekend it was forward Erik Baskin, 19, putting up the points.  The native of Minnetonka, Minnesota, almost single-handedly took down the Wings with his output.  In two 4-1 wins, Baskin (6’3/220) scored five of Aberdeen’s eight total goals in the series and was also a +5.  On Friday, Baskin had a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.  On Saturday, he recorded two more goals, including the game-winner, in other 4-1 win.  In 55 games this season, he has 23 points.  “Erik was our most consistent player this weekend. He scored very big goals and was extremely reliable defensively,” said Wings head coach Travis Winter.  “He is improving every week and is turning into a very good two way hockey player for us. He is playing with a lot of confidence right now and he should be.” 

2^nd Star: Nate Repensky, defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kyle Haak, forward, Aberdeen Wings – Matt Pohlkamp, forward, Bismarck Bobcats - Nikita Sokolov, forward, Brookings Blizzard

West Star of the Week: Max McHugh - Wenatchee Wild

The Wenatchee Wild moved back into 1^st place in the West Division with a weekend home sweep of the Fresno Monsters this past weekend.  Wild forward Max McHugh, 19, played a big role in the offensive production during the weekend as the 5’10/173 lbs. forward from Edgewood, Washington, racked up five points (4 goals, 1 assist) in the two wins.  On Friday, McHugh had two goals including the game-winner in a 5-1 win over the Monsters.  The next night, it was another two goal effort and he added an assist in a 4-2 win over Fresno, completing the weekend sweep and moving the Wild two points ahead of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs with two games to play.  For the season, McHugh is second on the Wild roster in scoring with 49 points in 57 games played.  “Max has turned into a leader that is playing in all situations.  He has always had a lot of skill, but now he understands what it takes to be a complete hockey player.  He is getting his nose dirty and doing the little things that are making him a better and more successful, all-around hockey player,” said Wenatchee head coach Bliss Littler.

2^nd Star: Evan McCarthy, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jayson Angus, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Robert Nichols, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild – Doug Rose, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Matt Seidel, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears.

North Star of the Week: Ruslan Pedan - Janesville Jets

The Janesville Jets helped out their playoff cause this past weekend with a home sweep of the Michigan Warriors.  Getting in on the mix was 18-year-defenseman Ruslan Pedan.  The Bemidji State recruit recorded four points (1 goal, 3 assists) and was a +5 in the two weekend wins over the Warriors.  The native of Moscow, Russia started the weekend with a one goal and one assist effort in Friday’s 4-1 win.  On Saturday, Pedan (6’1/175) had two assists and a game high 11 shots on goal in a 4-2 win over Michigan.  For the season, Pedan is second on the team in scoring with 32 points and ranks tied for 7^th among NAHL defensemen in points.  “Ruslan has been our go-to guy in almost every situation this season.  He runs the power play, he can kill penalties, he just has the ability to do it all,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.  “He loves being at the arena and being around the game.  He works hard and his love for the game rubs off on his teammates and he is working very hard this season to make an impact next year at Bemidji.” 

2^nd Star: Brett D’Andrea, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jordan Himley, forward, Janesville Jets – Mitch Maloney, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons.

South Star of the Week: Mike Davis - Amarillo Bulls

It was a record-breaking weekend for Amarillo Bulls forward Mike Davis.  The 19-year-old from Newark, Delaware, recorded six goals in two home wins over the Wichita Falls Wildcats this season as the Bulls completed a weekend home sweep to close in on the NAHL’s top regular season record in 2012-13.  On Friday, Davis (5’11/180) set an NAHL season-high mark with five goals in one game as the Bulls beat the Wildcats, 7-1.  Four of the goals came even strength and one came on the power play.  The next night, Davis added the game-winning goal in a 4-1 win.  He was also +4 during the weekend.  His six point weekend moved him into a tie for the team scoring lead this season with 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists).  “Friday night was one of those nights where everything was going in for Mike, but while you were watching it, you could understand why it was happening.  He had a quick release on his shot, was working hard to put himself in a position to scored and was focused,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “He actually scored a very nice and timely goal on Saturday too, so it was a good weekend for him and he has really been playing well for us this season.”

2^nd Star: Tyler Poulsen, forward, Topeka RoadRunners

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Deresky, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Mike Economos, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Drew Mayer, forward, Texas Tornado – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Max Shuart, forward, Texas Tornado – Beau Walker, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays.

Central Star of the Week: Peter Krieger - Aberdeen Wings

The Aberdeen Wings keep winning and in the process have kept their playoff hopes alive with just two weeks to go in the regular season.  This week’s hero was forward Peter Krieger, who came up big in all three wins last week.  The 19-year-old from Oakdale, Minnesota, recorded five goals in the three wins last week and in the process became the Wings leading scorer.  On Thursday, Krieger (5’11/180) scored twice, including the game-winning goal, in a 6-1 home win against Coulee Region.  On Friday, he added another game-winning goal, this time in overtime, as the Wings edged out the Bismarck Bobcats, 2-1.  On Saturday, Krieger scored twice in regulation and then added a goal in the shootout as the Wings came from behind to win, 4-3.  “Peter was great for us this weekend and scored some very timely goals. He’s been one of our most consistent players and most consistent workers. With his work ethic and ability level he can be very tough to play against,” said Wings head coach Travis Winter.  

2^nd Star: John Simonson, forward, Austin Bruins

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kevin Becker, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Evan Giesler, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Jake Horton, defenseman, Aberdeen Wings – Brandon Parker, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Nate Repensky, defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats – Thomas Williams, forward, Brookings Blizzard.

West Star of the Week: Brad Duwe - Kenai River Brown Bears

If this past weekend was any indication, the West Division playoffs are going to a battle until the end.  Case in point was the Kenai River Brown Bears three-game home sweep of the Wenatchee Wild.  The wins moved the Brown Bears two games over the .500 mark and forward Brad Duwe, 20, had a big hand in the wins.  The local native of Soldotna, Alaska, has been with the Brown Bears for the better part of three seasons, but it wasn’t until recently that he got healthy and back into the grove of playing the type of hockey the 6’2/203 lbs. forward is capable of.  Duwe totaled six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in the three wins and was a +3.  After going scoreless on Thursday, Duwe’s big game came on Friday in which he had 2 goals and 3 assists in a 7-5 win.  In the final game of the series, he picked up another assist in a 4-2 win.  “Brad has been with us a while and is such an important part of this team,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.  “When he is healthy and playing at 100% he has the capability of being a point per game guy and a guy that is a legitimate NCAA Division I prospect.  The key now will be making sure his solid play is consistent in the playoffs.”

2^nd Star: Evan McCarthy, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jayson Angus, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Jacob Hetz, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Chris Kerr, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Noah Nelson, forward, Wenatchee Wild.

North Star of the Week: Tyler Marble - Soo Eagles

It was yet another weekend in which Soo goaltender Tyler Marble, 21, shut the door on his opponent.  This past weekend it was the Janesville Jets who struggled to solve the goaltender from Howell, Michigan, as he backstopped the Eagles to two home wins and an eight point lead in the North Division.  On Friday, Marble (6’1/180) stopped 35 of 36 shots in a 6-1 win.  On Saturday, he stopped all 26 shots that came his way in a 2-0 shutout of the Jets.  In all, Marble stopped 61 of 62 shots during the two wins and allowed just the single goal.  He is the NAHL leader in save percentage at 94.2% this season, ranks tied for 2^nd in shutouts with five and ranks 4^th in wins with 28.  Marble, who earlier this month de-committed from Lake Superior State, is attracting a lot of interest from several other NCAA Division I schools.  “Tyler has been so consistent all season long and this past weekend was no exception,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “He goes into every game focused and determined.  I think it just a short matter of time until he gets another NCAA Division I opportunity.”

2^nd Star: Zack Szajner, forward, Michigan Warriors

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Blackenburg, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Luc Boby, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Colin Larkin, forward, Michigan Warriors – Matt Leon, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Easton Powers, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Mike Sabatini, forward, Soo Eagles – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues.

South Star of the Week: Nick Neville - Texas Tornado

The Texas Tornado got back on track this past weekend with two road wins in Odessa.  Tornado defenseman and University of Denver recruit Nick Neville, 19, was at his best as he recorded five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and was a +2 in the two road wins.  On Friday, the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native recorded an assist in a 5-3 win over the Jackalopes.  On Saturday, Neville had his most productive game of the season with two goals and two assists, including setting up the game-winning goal, in an 8-2 win.  Neville, who committed to the University of Denver last month, has set career highs in goals (7) and points (30).  “Nick has really taken his game to another level this season and has become one of the best defensemen in the league,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “He wants to be an impact player not only at this level, but at the next level in college next year and he is working hard each day to accomplish that.”

2^nd Star: Paul Berrafato, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brandon Brossoit, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Ryan Chiasson, defenseman, Corpus Christi IceRays – Tyler Deresky, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Ben Kucera, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Jackson Leef, forward, Texas Tornado – Beau Walker, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays.

Central Star of the Week: Zach Nagelvoort - Aberdeen Wings

The resurgence of the Aberdeen Wings in February and March can be traced back to a few key things.  One of those is the acquisition of goaltender Zach Nagelvoort.  The 19-year-old native of Holland, Michigan, was acquired at the trade deadline by the Wings in a trade with the Soo Eagles.  Since that time, Nagelvoort (6’2/190) has been nothing short of spectacular in his six games with the Wings and this past week was a perfect example.  Nagelvoort ran his record to 5-0-1 since joining the Wings with two wins over the Brookings Blizzard.  On Thursday, he made 31 saves in a 7-2 win in Brookings.  On Saturday, he made 35 saves in a 2-1 home win over the Blizzard.  For the week, he stopped 66 of 69 shots and has a 1.62 goals against average and 95.1% save percentage since joining Aberdeen.  “I can’t say enough about what Zach has done since he has been here.  He is a true competitor and has really brought a spark to the lockerroom,” said Wings head coach Travis Winter.  “He works hard to make every save and keep us in the game and that is all we can ask for.  He is a great Division I prospect.”

2^nd Star: Jay Dickman, forward, Austin Bruins

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Hunter Anderson, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Levi Blom, defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats – Jonathan Grebosky, forward, Aberdeen Wings – Bryan Nies, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats – AJ Reid, forward, Austin Bruins.

West Star of the Week: Steve Perry - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Thanks to three wins at home this past weekend over the Wenatchee Wild, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs chances of winning a West Division title remain alive as they now just sit three points back of the 1^st place Wild.  Backstopping the wins on Thursday and Friday night was veteran Fairbanks goaltender Steve Perry, 21.  The native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania got the call in the first two games of the series and didn’t disappoint.  On Thursday, Perry (5’10/170) stopped 25 shots in a 3-1 win over the Wild.  On Friday, he made 17 saves in another 3-1 win.  For the two games, Perry stopped 42 of the 44 shots that came his way and was the difference in both games according to Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart.  “It was a big series for us and Steve really stepped up his game.  He was the big difference in the games and made some outstanding saves that allowed us to stay in the game or keep the lead.”

2^nd Star: Alex Jackstadt, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Evan McCarthy, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears – Zack Rall, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

North Star of the Week: Sean Murphy - Soo Eagles

It was a big weekend for the Soo Eagles, who swept the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings on the road to increase their North Division lead to five points with just eight games to play.  Leading the way was forward Sean Muprhy, 20.  The native of Cary, North Carolina, was front and center in the Eagles production this past weekend as he recorded four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in the two wins.  More importantly, Murphy (5’7/174) had both game-winning goals in the wins.  He had two goals in Saturday’s 3-1 win and a goal and an assist in Sunday’s 4-1 win.  Murphy has scored the last three straight game-winning goals for the Eagles and has 25 points in his 20 games played with Soo.  “Sean has given us a real boost offensively and has helped with the team depth and confidence,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “He brings instant leadership to the lockerroom.  This weekend, his took his game to a higher level and showed he really wanted to win those games.”

2^nd Star: Tyler Marble, goaltender, Soo Eagles

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Atkinson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Tom Cooney, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jason Ford, forward, Janesville Jets – Brock Kautz, goaltender, Janesville Jets – Mitch Kontny, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks.

South Star of the Week: Tyler Ledford - Wichita Falls Wildcats

Thanks to their weekend sweep in Topeka, the Wichita Falls Wildcats are now fully a part of the playoff conversation, as they sit just three points behind Corpus Christi for the fourth and final playoff spot in the South Division.  18-year-old forward Tyler Ledford was the star of the series as he racked up five points (all assists) and was a +5 in the two wins.  On Friday, the native of Folsom, California assisted on three straight goals (including the game-winner) all in the 2^nd period as the Wildcats beat the RoadRunners, 4-1.  On Saturday, he assisted on the first goal and the last goal (another game-winner) as the Wildcats came from behind to defeat Topeka, 4-3.  The assists in both games extended Ledford’s (5’9/155) point streak to five straight games.  “I thought we really played well this past weekend and Tyler was great with a relatively new line combination,” said Wildcats head coach Paul Baxter.  “He was making plays at top speed and has really picked up the pace in his game.  It has been one of the big improvements for him.”

2^nd Star: Hayden Stewart, goaltender Corpus Christi IceRays

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Deresky, forward, Amarillo Bulls – John Rey, defenseman, Amarillo Bulls – Emil Romig, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Colin Staub, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats.

Central Star of the Week: Ryan Ruck - Minot Minotauros

It was a good weekend for goaltenders in the Central Division as a couple of them stole the show in games in leading their teams to victories.  One such case was Minot goaltender Ryan Ruck.  The 18-year-old from Coto de Caza, California, started in the lone Minot game of the weekend, a Friday night home match-up against the Bismarck Bobcats.  Ruck (6’1/175) arguably played his best game of the season as he stopped all 40 Bobcats shots that came his way and posted his second shutout of the season in a 2-0 win over the Bobcats.  The win left the Minotauros just a point away from clinching the final playoff spot in the Central Division.  To date, Ruck has a 2.54 goals against average and a 91.8% save percentage.  “It was a huge win for us because Bismarck is a very good team and beating those type of teams is what we are going to have to do if we are fortunate enough to make the playoffs,” said Minotauros head coach Marty Murray.  “We have very good depth at the goaltending position with Tyler Parks and Ryan, both are competitors and both have the full confidence of the team.”

  2^nd Star: Zach Nagelvoort, goaltender, Aberdeen Wings

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Evan Giesler, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Lucas Oliver, forward, Minot Minotauros – Nate Repensky, defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats.

West Star of the Week: Max McHugh - Wenatchee Wild

The Wenatchee Wild took three of four points in a home series with the Fresno Monsters and forward Max McHugh, 19, continues to be a bright spot for the 1^st place Wild.  The native of Edgewood, Washington, picked up three more points over the weekend and now is second on the Wild in team scoring with 42 points in 49 games played.  McHugh has recorded a point in seven of his last games and that included at least a point in each of the two games this past weekend.  On Saturday, he had an assist and was a +2 in a 6-1 win.  On Sunday, he had a goal and an assist in a 5-4 overtime loss.  “Max has continued to get better each week for us,” said Wild head coach Bliss Littler.  “He continues to work hard to improve his game each day and he is very effective when he gets his nose dirty and works hard in the tough areas of the ice.”

2^nd Star: Alex Jackstadt, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jacob Barber, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Lawrence Cornellier, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs - Zach Rall, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

North Star of the Week: Tyler Spezia - Port Huron Fighting Falcons

Newly acquired Port Huron forward Tyler Spezia, 19, made his presence felt this weekend as he helped the Fighting Falcons earn a weekend split of their series in Janesville as they sit in position to make the playoffs with just eight games remaining in the regular season.  The native of Clinton Township, Michigan, recorded a point in six of Port Huron’s nine total goals over the weekend, which included three goals and three assists.  On Friday, Spezia (5’11/170) had two goals (including the game-winner) and two assists in a 7-1 win.  On Saturday, he chimed in with a goal and an assist in a 5-2 loss.  Despite the split, Spezia was a +4 on the weekend and has eight points and two game-winning goals in his six games played with the Fighting Falcons thus far.  “This past weekend was probably the most comfortable for Tyler.  Has settled in with his linemates and created some great chemistry with them,” said Port Huron head coach Michael Gershon.  “He set the tone from the first game this weekend and it’s been a very pleasant surprise to have a player of his caliber on the team and contributing the way he has.”

2^nd Star: Jared VanWormer, forward, Soo Eagles

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Atkinson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Zach Diamantoni, forward, Janesville Jets – Brock Kautz, goaltender, Janesville Jets – Sean Murphy, forward, Soo Eagles – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – David Parrittino, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Robbie Payne, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues.

South Star of the Week: Tyler Poulsen - Topeka RoadRunners

Thanks to a weekend road sweep of the Tornado and a subsequent seven-game winning streak, the Topeka RoadRunners sit comfortably in 2^nd place in the South Division and still have their sights set on 1^st place.  Leading the way this past weekend was 19-year-old forward Tyler Poulsen.  The Arvada, Colorado native made a significant impact in each of the RoadRunners two wins in Texas in the weekend sweep.  On Friday, Poulsen (5’7/146) had an assist in the eventual game-tying goal in Topeka’s 4-3 win over the Tornado.  A night later, he scored twice (including the game-winning goal) and added an assist in a 4-2 win over Texas.  He was also a +3 during the weekend.  “We acquired Tyler for exactly what he has been doing, which is adding depth to our offense and providing some spark and talent,” said Topeka head coach Scott Langer.  “He has been very dynamic, especially since Christmas and is a threat every time he touches the ice.  Tyler plays with a lot of speed and plays with some grit.  He is tough to play against.”  

2^nd Star: Conor O’Neil, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Gage Christianson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Tyler Groat, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Ben Myers, goaltender, Corpus Christi IceRays – TJ Sherman, defenseman, Amarillo Bulls.

Central Star of the Week: CJ Smith - Austin Bruins

The Bruins got closer to a regular season title with their weekend home sweep of the 2^nd place Bismarck Bobcats this past weekend.  Forward CJ Smith, 18, had a busy week and big impact over the weekend.  After playing for the NAHL 18U Selects Team at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament on Monday-Wednesday, the Richfield, Minnesota native returned to Austin where he had five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the weekend sweep of the Bobcats.  All of Smith’s (5’11/175) points came in the second game of the weekend, an 8-3 win over Bismarck.  Smith was also a +3 during the weekend.  His 49 points to date are a career high and rank tied for 3^rd on the Bruins roster.  “CJ had a long week and I thought his outstanding play was a testament to his talents, drive and conditioning,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “Bismarck is a very tough team to play against, so the fact he was able to make a significant impact is proof as to how well he played.”

2^nd Star: Tim Shaughnessy, goaltender, Coulee Region Chill

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Erik Baskin, forward, Aberdeen Wings – Peter Krieger, forward, Aberdeen Wings.

West Star of the Week: Matt Salituro - Fresno Monsters

Fresno’s sweep of the Tomahawks in Johnstown couldn’t have come at a better time for the team.  Having lost their last 10 games heading into the weekend, the Monsters needed a sweep and got one thanks to timely scoring and good goaltending.  One of those point producers was forward Matt Salituro, 20.  The native of Richmond Hill, Ontario, began the week by helping the Frontier team win the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.  His weekend concluded with a two-goal effort over the weekend in two tightly contested wins.  Salituro’s (5’11/185) big night came on Friday, in which he scored both goals in regulation in a 3-2 shootout win.  Although his night ended early on Saturday, Salituro was the biggest contributor offensively for the Monsters during the winning weekend.  “It was important for us to get back on the right track and Matt had a big impact for us during the weekend,” said Monsters head coach Eric Ballard.  “He plays with an edge and works hard to provide himself and his teammates with scoring chances.”

2^nd Star: Mitchell Snyder, forward, Fresno Monsters

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None

North Star of the Week: Tyler Dunagan - Jamestown Ironmen

Jamestown Ironmen forward Tyler Dunagan, 19, played a big role in the team’s home sweep of Fresno last weekend.  The forward from Maple Grove, Minnesota, was a scoring machine as he lit up the Monsters for six points in the two games, which including five goals.  He also recorded a +6 rating in the two games.  On Thursday, Dunagan (5’11/178) recorded a hat-trick in Jamestown’s 7-4 win over Fresno.  On Friday, it was another three point effort as he scored twice and added an assist in a 6-0 shutout win over the Monsters.  To date, the 2^nd year NAHL veteran has 32 points, including 19 goals, in 48 games played.  He is also competing in this week’s NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.  “Tyler works very hard for the chances he gets and last weekend was a perfect example,” said Ironmen head coach Dan Daikawa.  “He did a great job of finishing his chances.”

2^nd Star: Stefanos Lekkas, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Taylor Burden, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Rick DeRosa, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Dan Dupell, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Kyle Gattelaro, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Robin Hoglund, forward, Soo Eagles – Mike Severson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Paige Skoog, goaltender, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Paul Berrafato - Amarillo Bulls

The Amarillo Bulls kept their momentum rolling last weekend as they won their 6^th and 7^th straight games and increased their South Division lead to 10 points with a weekend home sweep of the Texas Tornado.  Both games came down to the wire, which is why the goaltending of 19-year-old Paul Berrafato was key to winning both games.  On Friday, the native of Buffalo, New York, made 25 saves as the Bulls pulled out a last-minute 3-2 win over Texas.  On Saturday, Berrafato (6’0/180) made 22 saves in another last minute 3-2 win.  For the weekend, Berrafato stopped 47 of 51 shots and ran his personal winning streak to six games.  Berrafato, who is competing in this week’s NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, has only lost twice in regulation this season.  “Paul is just a solid goalie and a competitor,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “All we want him to do in win games, and his teammates play with a lot more confidence knowing he is behind them and will make the big saves when he has to.”

2^nd Star: Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Gage Christianson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Hunter Leisner, goaltender, Texas Tornado – CJ Reuschlein, forward, Texas Tornado.

Central Star of the Week: Cory Lushanko - Coulee Region Chill

It was a good weekend for the Coulee Region Chill and 20-year-old forward Cory Lushanko.  The native of Chisago City, Minnesota helped the Chill to two home wins.  In the process, Lushanko (5’11/195) recorded four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in the two wins and was also a +3.  On Friday, Lushanko recorded three assists, including one on the game-winning goal in a 5-2 win over the Brookings Blizzard.  On Saturday, he scored the game-winning goal in a 3-0 shutout win over the Minot Minotauros.  Lushanko, who is competing in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, has 25 points in 45 games played to date.  “Cory has really stepped up his game and he is one of our leaders on and off the ice,” said Chill head coach AJ Degenhardt.  “I think he has a chance to create offense each time he steps onto the ice.”

2^nd Star: Tim Shaughnessy, goaltender, Coulee Region Chill

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Anders, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Nick DeCenzo, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Aaron Nelson, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats – John Simonson, forward, Austin Bruins – Brandon Wahlin, forward, Austin Bruins.

West Star of the Week: Steve Perry - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs got back on track last weekend with a home sweep of the Kenai River Brown Bears.  Fairbanks allowed just a single goal in the two games, courtesy of veteran goaltender Steve Perry, 21.  The native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stopped a combined 39 of 40 shots in the two wins, which included a shutout on Saturday.  On Friday, Perry (5’10/170) made 15 saves in a 6-1 win over the Brown Bears.  On Saturday, Perry was even better as he stopped all 24 shots that came his way in a 3-0 shutout win.  For the season, Perry’s 2.26 goals against average ranks 6^th among all NAHL goaltenders.  “Steve saw the puck exceptionally well this weekend and our guys played some great defense in front of him,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.  “It was the first time he played back-to-back games since coming back from injury and I thought he played great and got back into his grove.”

2^nd Star: Trevor Stewart, forward, Wenatchee Wild

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Joe Sullivan, forward, Wenatchee Wild.

North Star of the Week: Marcus Due-Boje - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings

Thanks to three more wins last week, the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings are just two points out of 1^st place and bookending two of the three wins last week was 19-year-old goaltender Marcus Due-Boje.  The native of Stockholm, Sweden, was perfect in both starts last week as he shutout the Michigan Warriors on Friday and then shutout the Springfield Jr. Blues on Sunday.  It was Due-Boje’s (5’11/170) first two shutouts of the season.  On Friday, Due-Boje made a career-high 46 saves in a 3-0 shutout in Flint against the Warriors.  On Sunday, he stopped all 33 shots that came his way in a 7-0 shutout at home of Springfield.  For the weekend, he stopped all 79 shots that came his way.  His 93.5% save percentage ranks tied for 2^nd among all NAHL goaltenders.  “Marcus is a fundamentally sound goalie and very calm in net,” said Kalamazoo head coach Marc Fakler.  “Marcus has come back from injury playing the best hockey he has all season.  The team has a lot of confidence in both of our goalies.  Both can get it done, so we don’t worry so much who starts.”

2^nd Star: Danny Hamburg, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Tyler Spezia, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Soo Eagles – Chris Waterstreet, forward, Soo Eagles – Jordan Watt, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks.

South Star of the Week: Kyle Sharkey - Topeka RoadRunners

The Topeka RoadRunners took a big step towards climbing the South Division standings with a weekend road sweep in Texas against the Tornado.  Veteran forward Kyle Sharkey, 20, came through in the clutch with four goals in the weekend sweep and was also a +4.  The native of Moore, Oklahoma, started the weekend off in style with a hat-trick on Friday in Topeka’s 5-3 win.  On Saturday, Sharkey scored again in a 5-2 win against the Tornado, which completed the weekend road sweep.  For the season, the three-year veteran ranks 4^th in NAHL goal scoring with 25 goals and his 50 points ranks tied for 8^th.  Sharkey is committed to play NCAA hockey next season at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  “Kyle is a smart player and knew we were not scoring a ton of goals heading into the weekend series with Texas,” said RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer.  “He just worked hard as he always does, kept with it, dug down deep and kept trying to score.  Kyle never gives upon a play.  The bigger the game, the bigger he steps up for us.”  

2^nd Star: TJ Sarcona, forward, Amarillo Bulls

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brandon Brossoit, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Nick Monfils, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Blake Roubos, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Rudy Sulmonte, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays.

Central Star of the Week: Patrick Steinhauser - Aberdeen Wings

19-year-old forward Patrick Steinhauser of the Aberdeen Wings was a force this past weekend as Aberdeen split a pair of games in Coulee Region.  The native of Plymouth, Minnesota, had five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and was also a +5 during the weekend.  Steinhauser (5’8/165) scored a goal in Friday’s 4-3 loss to the Chill.  The next night, he scored a goal late in the 2^nd period to spark a comeback and assisted on three other goals in a 6-4 win over Coulee Region.  For the season, Steinhauser has 20 points in 41 games played.  “Patrick was terrific this weekend and has a very good ability to make plays,” said new Wings head coach Travis Winter.  “He had a great week of practice leading up to the games.  I think with all of our players, including Patrick, I am just trying to get them out of their comfort zone and get them to push themselves.  Everyone is going to get an opportunity to show what they can do.”  

2^nd Star: Evan Hesse, forward, Brookings Blizzard

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Anders, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Drew Brevig, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Andy Faust, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Joe Giordano, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Jonathan Grebosky, forward, Aberdeen Wings – Derek Smith, defenseman, Coulee Region Chill.

West Star of the Week: Marcus Zelzer - Kenai River Brown Bears

Unbeaten in regulation in their last nine games and winners of their last six straight, Kenai River’s recent success is in direct correlation with the arrival of veteran goaltender Marcus Zelzer, 20.  The native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was on fire again this past weekend as the Brown Bears completed a weekend home sweep of in-state rival Fairbanks.  On Friday, Zelzer (6’3/200) made 31 saves in a 3-1 win over the Ice Dogs, as he lost his shutout bid with less than four minutes remaining in the game.  On Saturday, Zelzer was injured early in the 3^rd period and had to leave the game, but not before he stopped all 27 shots that came his way as the Brown Bears ended up winning 3-2 in a shootout.  For the weekend, Zelzer stopped 58 of 59 shots and gave up just one goal in over 102 minutes of action.  “We were and happy to jump at the chance to get him from Aberdeen,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.  “We needed to solidify things in goal and Marcus was exactly the type we were looking for.  He has lost a game in regulation since his first one with us when he stepped right off a plane.  He has been the key factor in our current success, is a great addition and we could not be happier.”

2^nd Star: Joe Sullivan, forward, Wenatchee Wild

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Hinz, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Chris Kerr, forward, Wenatchee Wild.

North Star of the Week: Trevor Gorsuch - Michigan Warriors

The Michigan Warriors are right back in the playoff hunt in the North Division and got a big boost this weekend thanks to a road sweep of the Springfield Jr. Blues.  Warriors goaltender Trevor Gorsuch, 18, started and won both games over the weekend as the native of St. Charles, Missouri, stopped 81 of a combined 83 shots in the two games and allowed just two goals all weekend, which included his second shutout of the season.  On Friday, Gorsuch (6’2/205) made 49 saves in a 4-2 win.  On Saturday, he was even better making 32 saves in a 3-0 shutout of the Jr. Blues.  “Trevor has been as solid as ever for us and this weekend was another great example,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha.  “He doesn’t get rattled easily and uses his size to his advantage.”

2^nd Star: Brandon Adams, forward, Soo Eagles

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Atkinson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues - Brett D’Andrea, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Rick DeRosa, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Martin Gruse, forward, Michigan Warriors – Parker Johnson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Denver Pierce, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Paul Berrafato - Amarillo Bulls

The Amarillo Bulls moved back into 1^st place in the South Division with a weekend home sweep of the Texas Tornado.  Backstopping the Bulls in both wins was 19-year-old goaltender Paul Berrafato.  The native of Buffalo, New York, stopped a combined 42 of 44 shots during the weekend as the Bulls outscored the Tornado 7-2 in the two games.  On Friday, Berrafato (6’0/180) made 18 saves in a 5-1 win over Texas.  On Saturday, Berrafato made 24 saves in a 2-1 win, which included some big saves during a 5 on 3 penalty kill for the Bulls.  “Paul has been the backbone of our team this year and made some really big saves for us this weekend,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “They were great games and times in both when the outcome was in question and he made some very timely saves and gave us momentum.”

2^nd Star: Eliot Grauer, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Gernhofer, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Tyler Groat, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Drew Kariofiles, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Tyler Ledford, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats.

Central Star of the Week: Peter Krieger - Aberdeen Wings

The Wings snapped an 18-game losing streak this past weekend as they got a much needed home sweep of the Coulee Region Chill thanks in large part to 19-year-old forward Peter Krieger.  The native of Oakdale, Minnesota had six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the weekend sweep that got the Wings back on the right track.  “Peter played really well this weekend.  He is a guy that plays with a lot of pace and energy,” said new Wings head coach Travis Winter.  “He has enough skill that he can really make a difference when he is out there.”  Krieger (5’11/180) had two assists in Friday’s 6-5 win over Coulee Region.  On Saturday, he was even better as he recorded a hat-trick and an assist in a come-from-behind 5-3 win.  Krieger leads the Wings in scoring this season with 39 points in 41 games.

2^nd Star: AJ Reid, forward, Austin Bruins

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Justin Parizek, forward, Aberdeen Wings – Derek Smith, defenseman, Coulee Region Chill.

West Star of the Week: Alex Jackstadt - Kenai River Brown Bears

18-year-old rookie forward Alex Jackstadt and the Kenai River Brown Bears posted a big, three-game weekend road sweep against the Monsters in Fresno this past weekend.  The native of Anchorage, Alaska, had five points during the weekend, which included three goals and two assists and scoring at least a point in all three of the wins.  On Friday, Jackstadt (5’7/153) had an assist in the Bears 6-1 win.  On Saturday, he had the game-winning goal in the 3^rd period and an assist in a 3-2 win.  On Sunday, he scored twice, including yet another game-winning goal in a 3-2 win.  “Alex has developed at a rapid pace this season and has been a solid and consistent forward for us this year,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.  “His play this weekend was great.  He put himself in good position to score goals and make his teammates successful and we really thrived off his play and leadership.”

2^nd Star: Robert Nichols, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jono Davis, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Marcus Zelzer, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears.

North Star of the Week: Robbie Payne - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings

It is now a three-horse race for the top spot in the North Division and thanks to a three wins on the road this past week, the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings are now in a tie for 1^st place.  Forward Robbie Payne, 19, had a five-point week, which included a goal and four assists in the three wins.  Payne fired 14 shots on goal during the week and was also a +3.  After going scoreless in a 2-1 win in Port Huron on Wednesday, Payne (6’0/189) had two assists (including on the game-winning goal) in a 4-2 win in Janesville on Friday.  On Saturday, the native of Gaylord, Michigan had a goal and two assists in a 6-5 shootout win, which completed a weekend sweep of the Jets.  Payne’s 46 points to date ranks him tied for 6^th currently in the NAHL scoring race.  “Robbie was big in our three road wins last week.  He has really brought a lot of veteran leadership to the team,” said K-Wings head coach Marc Fakler.  “He does the little things… block shots, plays defense, finds the open players.  He makes everyone better around him.”

2^nd Star: Cody Gylling, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brett D’Andrea, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Ryan Kellenberger, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Mitch Kontny, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks – Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Sean Murphy, forward, Soo Eagles – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Alexander Taulien, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Nick Neville - Texas Tornado

With a weekend road sweep of the Wichita Falls Wildcats, the Texas Tornado moved into 1^st place in the South Division and ran their winning streak to an NAHL season-high 10 straight games.  Defenseman Nick Neville, 19, was at the forefront of the team’s success as he recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) during the weekend wins and also had a hand in both game-winning goals.  On Friday, Neville (6’0/177) had two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in a 3-2 win.  On Saturday, Neville assisted on a goal and then had the eventual shootout winning goal in a 4-3 win.  Last week, the native of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan was named to Team Texas for the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament and he currently ranks tied for 8^th in scoring by NAHL defensemen.  “Nick has been one of our best defenseman and he is really playing at a high level,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “The bigger the game, the bigger he plays.  He has 7-8 Division I colleges interested in him right now, so it is an exciting time for him and he is playing well.”

2^nd Star: Spencer Viele, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Paul Berrafato, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Clint Carlisle, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Lawrence Cornellier, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Jackson Leef, forward, Texas Tornado – Anthony Olguin, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Beau Walker, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays.

Central Star of the Week: Jason Pawloski - Austin Bruins

It is hard to ignore the ‘perfect’ weekend when it takes place, but that’s exactly what happened to Bruins rookie goaltender Jason Pawloski.  The 17-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, played in both road games this weekend against the Minot Minotauors and promptly shutout Minot in both games.  In the process, Austin secured a playoff berth for the 2013 Robertson Cup Playoffs.  On Friday, Pawlowski (6’0/165) made 33 saves in a 5-0 win.  On Saturday, he stopped all 25 shots in a 3-0 win.  For the weekend, Pawloski stopped all 58 shots that came his way.  Last week, he was named as one of the two goalies for the NAHL 18U Selects team at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament next month.  “We had been rotating every other game, but since Jason played so well on Friday I thought he deserved the opportunity on Saturday,” said Austin head coach Chris Tok.  “He plays well and very composed for a younger guy.  He keeps pucks in sight and in front of him, which makes it easier on everyone.”

2^nd Star: Tyler Cayemberg, forward, Brookings Blizzard

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jared Docken, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Bryan Nies, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats – Filip Starzynski, forward, Bismarck Bobcats.

West Star of the Week: Garret Clemment - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs are just a point out of 1^st place in the West Division thanks to a three-game road sweep of the Fresno Monsters and there has been nobody more valuable than forward Garret Clemment.  The 19-year-old from Mosinee, Wisconsin, is tied for the team lead in scoring thanks to his seven-point (4 goals, 3 assists) weekend in the three wins.  On Friday, Clemment (5’10/170) had a hat-trick in a 7-3 win over Fresno.  On Saturday, he chipped in with two assists in an 8-3 win and on Sunday, he scored the game-winning goal in overtime and had an assist as Fairbanks climbed back from a 2-0 deficit to complete the weekend sweep with a 3-2 win.  The weekend was an emotional one for Clemment, who had seen his billet mom pass away earlier in the week.  “Garret played through some adversity this past weekend and he really played with a lot of emotion,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.  “His teammates were there to support him and back him up and he played inspired hockey.  He finds the open ice extremely well and puts pressure on the opponent.”

2^nd Star: Nick Hinz, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Honorable Mention (alphabetical):– Robert Nichols, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild

North Star of the Week: Jon Carkeek - Springfield Jr. Blues

The Jr. Blues moved into a three-way tie for 5th place in the North Division thanks to a successful trip to Alaska.  Part of that was a weekend split in Fairbanks, one of the toughest places to play in the NAHL.  Defenseman Jon Carkeek, 19, was a big help from the blueline as recorded a goal and two assists for three points as Springfield took three of four points against the Ice Dogs.  The native of Phoenix, Arizona was at his best in Friday’s 6-3 win as he recorded a three-point night and was a +3 in a 6-3 win.  The next night, Carkeek (6’0/190) played well defensively in a 2-1 shootout loss.  “Jon turned the corner in December and really started to get accustomed to the level of hockey that the NAHL plays at,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tony Zasowski.  “He does the little things… works hard in the corners, blocks shots, makes good passes, which all have helped in our recent success as a team.”

South Star of the Week: Scott Conway - Texas Tornado

Tornado forward Scott Conway has proven in a short period of time that he is one of the best rookies and younger players in the NAHL.  Having just turned 18-years-old last week, Conway (5’11/185) again showed off his skill this past weekend as he led Texas to a weekend sweep of Odessa and in the process increased the Tornado winning streak to eight games.  The native of Kessimmee, Florida, had a six-point weekend in the two wins, which included two goals, four assists and a +5 rating. On Friday, Conway had a goal and two assists in a 10-2 win.  On Saturday, he duplicated his performance on Friday with another goal and two more assists.  For the season, Conway is tied for 1st in team scoring with 45 points and is tied for 4th in NAHL scoring.  “Scott has really worked hard to get where he is right now and is very creative with the puck,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “However, as good as he has been offensively, it is because he pays attention to both ends of the ice and he is a very good, all-around two-way player.”

Central Star of the Week: Blake Cates - Coulee Region Chill

In one of the bigger upsets this past weekend, Coulee Region goaltender Blake Cates,18, led his Chill to a weekend split in Austin against the 1st place Bruins.  The Chill win came on Friday night as the Stillwater, Minnesota, native stopped 46 of 47 shots in a 7-1 win.  The next night, Cates (6’1/210) stopped 43 of 45 shots in a 3-1 loss.  Austin scored an empty net goal at the end of the game, but Cates kept the Chill in the game the entire way as they made a bid for the sweep.  For the weekend, Cates stopped a total of 89 of 92 shots, good for a 96.7% save percentage as he allowed just three goals in the two games.  “Blake has been solid in net for us as of late. He has given us an opportunity to win each night and that is all you can ask of your goaltender,” said Coulee Region head coach AJ Degenhardt.

West Star of the Week: Nick McKee - Fresno Monsters

It was quite the NAHL debut for junior hockey veteran Nick McKee.  After spending the last two seasons playing for Fresno’s Tier III junior teams, the 20-year-old got his shot in the NAHL as the Monsters travelled to take on 1st place Wenatchee.  The native of Bakersfield, California, helped the Monsters to a weekend road sweep of the Wild and in the process likely earned a regular spot playing in the NAHL for the rest of the season.  McKee (5’8/175) played well in his debut on Friday night, but went scoreless.  The next night, he almost single-handedly won the game for the Monsters as he scored all three Fresno goals in regulation and then scored the shootout winner for a 4-3 shootout win and sweep of the Wild.  “This is how the process is supposed to work,” remarked Monsters head coach Eric Ballard.  “Nick is a guy who has been working his tail off for our Tier III team, he has paid his dues and he earned his opportunity and made the most of it.  He put himself in great position to score goals and when he got his chances, he buried them.  He played with a lot of hunger and desire and it was very cool to see.”

North Star of the Week: Alex Okicki - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings

Kalamazoo goaltender Alex Okicki, 19, got back on track this past week with a pair of wins as the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings won three games overall to creep within four points of 2nd place in the North Division.  The native of Concord, Ohio, picked up wins on Wednesday in Port Huron and on Sunday at home against Michigan.  In Wednesday’s 3-2 shootout win against the Fighting Falcons, Okicki (6’1/173) made 31 saves through regulation and overtime and stopped five of six shooters in the shootout.  On Sunday, Okicki made 36 saves in a 5-1 home win over the Michigan Warriors.  For the weekend, Okicki stopped 67 of 70 shots for a 95.7% save percentage and a goals against average of 1.44.  “Alex has played very well and has gotten better as the season has gone along.  He is a solid goalie and certainly worthy of college attention.  Most of all, he is a competitor and gives the team a lot of confidence,” said Kalamazoo head coach Marc Fakler.

South Star of the Week: Sami Salminen - Wichita Falls Wildcats

With a weekend home sweep of the Odessa Jackalopes, the Wichita Falls Wildcats have now won three of their last four games, with their offense coming alive.  A big piece of that success this past weekend is owed to 19-year-old forward Sami Salminen.  The Northern Michigan University recruit and native of Helsinki, Finland, recorded five points (4 goals, 1 assist) in a pair of weekend wins over Odessa.  On Friday, Salminen (6’5/190) scored the game-winning goal late in the 1st period in a 6-2 win.  On Saturday, Salminen was even better as he had a hat-trick and added an assist in a convincing 9-3 win over the Jacks.  Salminen has now scored five goals in his last three games, which are all Wichita Falls wins.  “Sami is a big kid that has a great scoring touch.  He hasvVery good stick skills, puck skills and when he is playing with a lot of energy, he is a very effective player,” said Wildcats head coach Paul Baxter.   

Central Star of the Week: CJ Smith - Austin Bruins

Bruins forward CJ Smith, 18, has been on a roll. Since mid-December, the forward from Richfield, Minnesota, has taken his game to another level and this weekend was another example.  Smith (5’11/175) increased his point streak to 10 straight games with a five-point weekend in a road sweep of the Brookings Blizzard.  Smith recorded two goals and three assists in the two wins as Austin posted wins of 5-2 and 6-3.  On Friday, Smith assisted on two goals, including the game-winner in a 5-2 win.  In Saturday’s 6-3 win, Smith was even better as he scored twice and again assisted on the game-winning goal.  Smith leads the Bruins in goals with 20 so far this season and ranks tied for 5th in the NAHL in that category.  “I was real happy with CJ’s effort this past weekend.  He played consistent and really work hard to create turnovers and opportunities.  He has really played well the past month,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.

West Star of the Week: Jayson Angus - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

With eight points in his last three games, Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Jayson Angus, 20, has found his game.  The native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was front and center this past weekend as the Ice Dogs kept pace in the West Division with a home sweep of the Janesville Jets.  In Friday’s 4-0 shutout win, Angus (5’7/165) scored a goal in the 3rd period and assisted on two more (including the game-winner) for a three point night.  On Saturday, Angus picked up two more assists, again including one on the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win.  For the weekend, Angus had five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the two wins and was a +4.  “Jayson is a very reliable and steady forward.  I think his hard work that he has put in all season is paying off.  He plays in all ends of the ice and in any situation, which makes him a very valuable member of this team,” said Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart.

North Star of the Week: Trevor Gorsuch - Michigan Warriors

It was quite a week for the Michigan Warriors and 18-year-old goaltender Trevor Gorsuch.  The Warriors posted five wins last week, all with Gorsuch (6’2/205) in goal and now find themselves just a point out of 7th place and three points out of a playoff spot in the North Division.  For the week, the native of St. Charles, Missouri, started and won all five of the Warriors games.  He stopped a total of 157 of 165 shots, which was good for a 95.2% save percentage and allowed just eight goals in the five wins.  Gorsuch started the week with 27 saves in a 4-2 win over Springfield on New Year’s Eve.  The next day, he made 45 saves in a 3-2 in another win over the Jr. Blues.  Gorsuch started the weekend with 21 saves in Friday’s 4-2 win over Johnstown.  That continued with 29 saves on Saturday in a 2-1 win over the Tomahawks.  It concluded with a 35-save performance on Sunday in an 8-1 win, as Gorsuch had his shutout bid spoiled in the final seconds of the game by Johnstown.  “Trevor is still young, but he has playing with a lot of confidence lately and that has rubbed off on his teammates,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha.  “He has maintained his focus and has had great rebound control.  We are preaching to him that the less second chances he faces, the better off he will be.”

2nd Star: Eric Rivard, forward, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brandon Adams, forward, Soo Eagles – Ryan Atkinson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Taylor Burden, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Ryan Doucet, forward, Jamestown Ironmen – AJ Marcinek, forward, Michigan Warriors – Robbie Payne, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues.

South Star of the Week: Conor O'Neil - Wichita Falls Wildcats

Sometimes a change of scenery is what a player needs and such can be said about Wichita Falls forward Conor O’Neil.  The 18-year-old native of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, has been a great addition to the Wildcats line-up since being acquired in a trade with Amarillo earlier in the season.  O’Neil (6’1/190) has averaged a point per game with Wichita Falls and this past week was a great indicator of the impact he has made in the line-up.  In three games, O’Neil had seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) and was a +2 as the Wildcats snapped their losing streak and played well against some tough South opponents.  On Monday, O’Neil had two assists in a 5-3 loss in Amarillo against the Bulls. On Friday, O’Neil had a goal and an assist in a close 3-2 home loss to Topeka.  O’Neil saved his best performance for last as on Saturday, he had a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over the RoadRunners.  “Conor has explosive strength and speed and is very good for an 18-year-old,” said Wildcats head coach Paul Baxter.  “He uses his speed very well to create chances and I think he just needed the right opportunity to flourish.  He has also seen some Division I interest, which is exciting for him.”

2nd Star: Beau Walker, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Scott Conway, forward, Texas Tornado – Lawrence Cornellier, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Mike Davis, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – AJ Jarosz, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Hunter Leisner, goaltender, Texas Tornado – Ross Luedtke, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Drew Weigman - Brookings Blizzard

The Brooking Blizzard had three wins in three games this past week as they moved themselves back into a tie for 2nd place in the Central Division.  Goaltender Drew Weigman, 19, was in goal for the weekend wins at home over Coulee Region on Friday and at Bismarck on Saturday.  The Arnold, Maryland native, who won the NAHL Goaltender of the Month Award back in September, is back to his early season form as he stopped 46 of 48 shots in the two wins, allowing just two goals.  On Friday, Weigman (6’1/185) made 22 saves in a 7-2 win over Coulee Region.  On Saturday, Weigman was stellar in a 24-save shutout in Bismarck against the Bobcats.  Weigman is now tied for 3rd in the NAHL with three shutouts this season.  “Drew is back to his early season form and made some exceptional saves to keep us in the games,” said Blizzard head coach Cory Laylin.  “He played with composure and confidence and when he does that, he is tough to beat.”

2nd Star: CJ Smith, forward, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zack Holstrom, forward, Minot Minotauros – Justin Moody, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Ryan Ruck, goaltender, Minot Minotauros.

West Star of the Week: Devin Loe - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Devin Loe, 19, shined over the weekend for the Ice Dogs, who declared themselves as West Division title contenders as they took two of three road games in Wenatchee against the Wild.  The native Weston, Florida, had five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in the three games and was also a +3 during the weekend.  After going scoreless in Friday’s 2-1 loss, Loe (6’0/190) responded on Saturday with a goal and then a crucial assist on the game-winning goal in the 3rd period.  On Sunday, Loe saved his best game of the weekend for last as he scored the game’s first goal and then assisted on two more, including the game-winner as the Ice Dogs posted a 5-2 win over the Wild.  “Devin played well all weekend and really worked hard for his scoring chances,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Steward.  “His goals were very timely and in most cases, gave us the momentum we needed to win some critical games this past weekend.”

2nd Star: Matt Salituro, forward, Fresno Monsters
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Jackstadt, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Steve Perry, goaltender, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Mitchell Snyder, forward, Fresno Monsters.

North Star of the Week: Brandon Adams - Soo Eagles

Soo Eagles forward Brandon Adams, 20, made the most of his fresh start this past weekend.  Having spent the Fall semester at NCAA Division I Holy Cross, the native of Prospect Heights, Illinois, decided it was best for him and his family to go back to junior hockey.  In his return with the 1st place Eagles, Adams (5’11/200) helped Soo to a weekend sweep of the Port Huron Fighting Falcons with three goals.  The three goals all came in Friday’s 4-2 win, in which Adams recorded a hat-trick which included the game winning goal.  Adams didn’t score in Saturday’s 4-3 win, but did record two shots.  He was also +2 on the weekend in his first pair of games with the Soo.  Adams spent six games playing for Corpus Christi during the 2011-12 season.  “Brandon and his family were looking for a better situation and we were looking for another goal scorer, so the timing was good,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “Brandon has really good hockey sense, he is a good two-way player and has very impressive speed and strength.”
 

2nd Star: Chris Waterstreet, forward, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None

South Star of the Week: Andrew Mayer - Texas Tornado

Texas Tornado forward Andrew Mayer, 19, has been on a torrid pace the last eight games.  It is no coincidence that in those eight games, Mayer (6’0/200) has scored in seven of them, with all seven being Tornado wins.  That included a great performance this weekend for the Troy, Michigan, native as the recorded four points (3 goals, 1 assist) as the Tornado posted a home sweep of the Corpus Christi Ice Rays.  On Friday, Mayer scored on his only shot and added an assist in a 6-1 win.  On Saturday, he posted two goals, including the game-winner in a 4-1 win.  Mayer, who is averaging close to a point per game, broke his wrist the first game of the season and didn’t see action again until early November.  His return to the line-up has been a welcome presence according to Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “We are happy to see Drew back and at 100%.  He is an important part of our team and glad to have him back in the line-up and healthy,” said Curtale.  “He plays a unique style of power forward, but also has a finesse part to his game.”

2nd Star: TJ Sarcona, forward, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brandon Brossoit, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Nick Deery, goaltender, Odessa Jackalopes – Colin Delia, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Hunter Leisner, goaltender, Texas Tornado – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Chris Fischer - Austin Bruins

The Bruins kept rolling along with their weekend home sweep of the Aberdeen Wings and forward Chris Fischer was front and center for a lot of offense produced.  The 20-year-old from Apple Valley, Minnesota, had a five-point weekend, which included four goals and an assist as the Bruins outscored the Wings 10-1 in the two wins.  On Friday, Fischer (6’0/185) had two goals in a 5-0 shutout win.  On Saturday, Fischer scored twice again, which included the Bruins first and last goals in a 5-1 win.  He was also a +4 over the weekend and had 10 shots.  For the season, Fischer has 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in 32 games played.  “The big thing for Chris was not only did he play week, but so did his entire line,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “He went hard to the net and finished.  He is getting himself in great position to score goals and create opportunities for his linemates.”

2nd Star: Stanislav Dzakhov, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Collin Abitz, forward, Minot Minotauros – Kevin Becker, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Aidan Cavalinni, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Jared Docken, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Tim Donohue, forward, Minot Minotauros – Andy Faust, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Mac Jansen, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Nick Lehr, goaltender, Austin Bruins.

West Star of the Week: Mitchell Snyder - Fresno Monsters

The Fresno Monsters got back on track this weekend with two wins in a three-game home series against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.  Chiming in with points in all three games was 18-year-old rookie forward Mitchell Snyder.  The native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, totaled four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in the three games.  On Friday, Snyder (6’1/190) had an assist on Fresno’s first goal in a 4-2 win.  On Saturday, Snyder scored Fresno’s first goal in a close 5-4 loss to the Ice Dogs.  On Sunday, Snyder saved his best game for last as with the Monsters trailing 2-0, he scored two 3rd period goals to tie the game, which Fresno would ultimately win 3-2 in a shootout.  For the season, Snyder is second on the team in points with 18 in 27 games played and ranks first in +/- with a +9 rating.  “Mitchell has played very well this season and doesn’t play like a rookie.  He has a good shot and a lot of skill,” said Monsters head coach Eric Ballard.  “It was good to get some recognition because he has been playing well.  I think we have a team that is better than our record indicates and we hope to use the positive weekend against Fairbanks to move forward with more wins.”

2nd Star: Brad Duwe, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jayson Angus, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Lonnie Clary, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Josh Hartley, defenseman, Wenatchee Wild – Alex Jackstadt, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Blake Roubos, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Matt Salituro, forward, Fresno Monsters.

North Star of the Week: Aaron Scheppelman - Jamestown Ironmen

Now in his third season with the Ironmen/Metal Jackets franchise, defenseman Aaron Scheppelman, 20, has been a pillar of strength and consistency along the blueline.  The native of Hanover, Michigan, has done what his coaches have asked each season and this season and more specifically past week, have been the perfect example.  Although Scheppelman had registered just five points this season, three of them came this past weekend as his 1st place Ironmen posted a weekend home sweep of the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings.  In Friday’s 3-2 shootout win, Scheppelman (5’11/200) assisted on both goals in regulation for Jamestown.  In Saturday’s 3-2 overtime win, Scheppelman picked up another assist.  He was also +3 during the weekend sweep.  “Aaron has been the definition of a hard-working leader,” said Ironmen head coach Dan Daikawa.  “He doesn’t look for the glamorous type of role, he just brings his lunch pail to work every day and does what we ask him to do.  He has accepted a different and more defensive role this year and he has become a very well-rounded defenseman.”

2nd Star: Austin Priebe, goaltender, Janesville Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Archibald, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Luc Boby, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Ryan Kellenberger, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jonathan Kopacka, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Eric Rivard, forward, Soo Eagles – Alex Taulien, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Rudy Sulmonte - Corpus Christi IceRays

In the lone South Division match-up of the weekend, the Corpus Christi IceRays picked up a weekend sweep on the road of the Odessa Jackalopes, as they moved their record above .500.  IceRays forward Rudy Sulmonte, 20, was one of the major contributors in the wins.  The native of Leavittown, New York, racked up six points, which included four goals (including back-to-back game-winners) and two assists in the weekend wins.  On Friday, Sulmonte (5’8/177) scored two goals, which included the game-winner in the 1st period, and picked up an assist in a convincing 8-1 win over the Jacks.  On Saturday, it was a repeat performance of two goals and one assist, but this time all in the 3rd period as the IceRays scored five, 3rd period goals on their way to a 5-2 win.  Sulmonte ranks 2nd on the IceRays roster in points this season with 32 in 33 games played.  “Rudy played very well and we needed that type of great effort from our top line,” said IceRays head coach Justin Quenneville.  “He sees the ice so well and puts himself and his linemates in good position to create scoring chances and make things happen.”  

2nd Star: Perry D’Arrisso, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None

Central Star of the Week: AJ Reid - Austin Bruins

The Austin Bruins picked up four more points in a weekend road sweep in Aberdeen and now hold the biggest lead of any division leader in the NAHL at 12 points.  Bruins forward AJ Reid, 20, led the way in the weekend sweep with five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the two games.  On Friday, the native of Lakeville, Minnesota, picked up three assists in a big 5-1 win.  A night later, Reid had a goal and assist to help Austin jump out to a 3-0 and hang on to win 4-3 and complete the weekend sweep.  Reid (5’10/190) is now second in team scoring with 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 30 games played.  He ranks in the Top 10 in the NAHL in both assists and points.  “AJ uses his speed and feet to create turnovers and has had some really good chemistry with his linemates as of late,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “That has led to the entire team has been playing well, from goaltending to defense to the forwards.  We are learning that we have to manufacture and work hard for goals.”

2nd Star: Adam Knochenmus, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tim Donohue, forward, Minot Minotauros – Garrett Hendrickson, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Patrick Moore, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Mason Morelli, forward, Minot Minotauros – Matt Williams, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Matt Youso, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard.

West Star of the Week: No Award

West teams were off.  No West Award

North Star of the Week: Tyler Marble - Soo Eagles

With a weekend sweep of the Janesville Jets, the Soo Eagles have moved into a tie for 1st place in the North Division.  Backstopping the Eagles this weekend was veteran goaltender Tyler Marble.  The 20-year-old Lake Superior State recruit, allowed just a single goal in the two-game sweep as he stopped 78 of a possible 79 shots, which was good for a 98.7% save percentage over the weekend.  On Friday, the native of Howell, Michigan, stopped all 38 shots that came his way in a 3-0 shutout win.  For Marble (6’1/180) it was his 4th shutout of the season.  On Saturday, he made 40 saves in a 2-1 win over the Jets.  Marble’s save percentage of 94.6% leads the NAHL this season and he ranks 2nd in shutouts.  “Tyler was at his very best this weekend and had very good rebound control,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “Friday night, he was phenomenal.  Our guys still had their bus legs to start the game and he was awesome in the beginning and really kept us in the game early.  Saturday, he played his best hockey late in the game to secure the win for us.  It really didn’t matter the time or situation, he was just great this weekend.”

2nd Star: Collin Brennan, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Taylor Burden, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Mike Fazio, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Matthew Uvodich, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Soo Eagles – Bryan Yim, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons.
 

South Star of the Week: Mike Davis - Amarillo Bulls

In a tight-checking, low-scoring series between the Bulls and the RoadRunners this past weekend in Topeka, it was Amarillo forward Mike Davis who stood out amongst the crowd.  The 19-year-old from Newark, Delaware, had three of Amarillo’s six total goals over the weekend, as the Bulls posted a weekend road sweep of Topeka to increase their South Division lead to four points.  On Friday, Davis (5’11/180) scored both of the Bulls goals in regulation as they eventually won 3-2 in overtime.  On Saturday, Davis scored Amarillo’s first goal of the game in a 3-1 win.  He was also a +2 during the weekend.  For the season, Davis ranks 2nd on the Bulls roster in scoring with 30 points in 29 games played.  Most impressively however, is that he ranks 1st overall in the NAHL with a +33 plus/minus rating.  “Mike has really come into his own this year.  He understands fully what playing two-way hockey is about and has really improved to become an elite player at this level,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “He is a perfect example of a player that has made the most of his opportunity and is really starting to step up on the big stage.”

2nd Star: Josh Racek, forward, Odessa Jackalopes
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Cole, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Lawrence Cornellier, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Blake Cates - Coulee Region Chill

Currently on the outside looking in the Central Division playoff race, the Coulee Region Chill needed points this weekend in their series with Aberdeen and that’s what they got as they rode goaltender Blake Cates to a weekend home sweep of the Wings.  Cates, 18, started and won both games as the native of Stillwater, Minnesota, put together his best back-to-back games of the season.  For the weekend, Cates (6’1/210) allowed just two goals on a total of 79 shots, which was good for a 97.4% save percentage.  On Friday, Cates made 36 saves in a 6-1 win over the Wings.  The next night, Cates was even better as he made 41 saves in a 3-1 Chill win.  Despite having a .500 record of 6-6-2 this season, Cates ranks 5th in the NAHL in save percentage this season with a 92.5% mark.  “Blake was backbone of success for us this past weekend and really has done it the entire year,” said Chill head coach John Hamre.  “He is a great player to coach and an outstanding person on top of that and he has worked hard to become a legitimate Division I prospect.  It was an intense series with some valuable points on this line.  He had outstanding rebound control the entire weekend and was poised and calm in every situation.”

2nd Star: Andy Faust, forward, Coulee Region Chill
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Drew Anderson, forward, Austin Bruins – Evan Hesse, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Tyler Parks, goaltender, Minot Minotauros – Cameron Rowat, forward, Minot Minotauros – Brandon Wahlin, forward, Austin Bruins.

West Star of the Week: Robert Nichols - Wenatchee Wild

Wenatchee goaltender Robert Nichols, 20, keeps winning and so do the Wild.  The two have gone hand-in-hand the past two seasons and this weekend was no exception.  The native of Dallas, Texas, was in goal for two more wins over the weekend as the Wild swept West rival Fresno to keep their West Division lead at four points and hang on to the best record in the NAHL.  Nichols (5’10/177) didn’t start on Friday, but after two quick Fresno goals in the first two minutes of the game he was quickly inserted in goal and promptly stopped every shot from that point on as Wenatchee came from behind to win 3-2 in a shootout with Nichols making 17 saves.  On Saturday, the University of Connecticut recruit got the start and responded with 15 saves in a 4-1 win.  For the weekend, Nichols stopped 32 of 33 shots for a 96.9% save percentage.  His 17 wins and 1.80 goals against average both rank 2nd in the NAHL this season.  “I thought Robbie was calm and composed as usual,” said Wild head coach Bliss Littler.  “Fresno had a lot of momentum going on Friday after their start and Robbie came in and settled things down. I think the team plays with a certain type of confidence when he is in goal because they feel like they can take certain chances knowing he is there to back them up.”

2nd Star: Chandler Madry, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zack Rall, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Evan Schmidbauer, forward, Wenatchee Wild.

North Star of the Week: Brock Kautz - Janesville Jets

Since losing eight in a row, the Janesville Jets have not lost in regulation in their last seven games and that included this weekend as goaltender Brock Kautz, 18, and the Jets picked up a weekend road sweep against in-state rival Coulee Region Chill.  The native of Rochester, Minnesota, was in goal for both wins and stopped 70 of a combined 73 shots over the weekend, good for a 95.8% save percentage.  On Friday, Kautz (6’1/180) stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 win. On Saturday, he may have been even better as he made a season-high 43 saves in a 3-2 win.  Kautz has won four of his last five starts in goal.  “I think as we have gotten better and more consistent over the last few weeks, so has Brock,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.  “Brock has valuable experience playing in this league and when he is on his game he is very tough to beat.  Experience and confidence are two very beneficial things to a goaltender of his caliber and the team has really fed off his play.”

2nd Star: Martin Gruse, forward, Michigan Warriors
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Atkinson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Collin Brennan, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks – Marcus Due-Boje, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Christian George, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Ryan Kellenberger, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Daniel Kucerovy, forward, Janesville Jets – Andrew McDonald, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks – Eric Rivard, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Louie Rowe - Texas Tornado

Texas Tornado forward Louie Rowe, 18, has found his game judging by this past weekend’s performance as his Texas Tornado posted a weekend road sweep of the Corpus Christi IceRays.  The native of East Lansing, Michigan recorded five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the pair of wins and was also a +3 over the weekend.  It is a part of an encouraging trend for the 6’5/205 lbs. forward, who has recorded over half of his total points this season in the last three games.  On Friday, Rowe had a goal and two assists in a 7-2 win.  On Saturday, he recorded two goals in a 5-3 win as the Tornado pushed their winning streak to four straight games.  “Louie uses his size well and I think he has been a played that has flown under the radar until now,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “He is a very good skater for his size, he is a hard worker and has improved every day since coming to us and is a very important part of our team right now.”

2nd Star: Paul Berrafato, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mick Bruce, defenseman, Topeka RoadRunners – Gage Christianson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Justin Greenberg, forward, Texas Tornado – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Drew Weigman - Brookings Blizzard

The Brookings Blizzard took three of a possible four points over the weekend to get back on track, thanks in large part to the goaltending of Drew Weigman.  The 19-year-old from Arnold, Maryland, who was the NAHL Goaltender of the Month for September, got back to his early season form as he posted a 1-0-1 record over the weekend, which included a shutout as he stopped 61 of a possible 63 shots for a 96.8% save percentage.  On Friday, Weigman (6’1/185) stopped all 30 shots he saw in a 2-0 shutout win at home over the Aberdeen Wings.  On Saturday, Weigman and the Blizzard pushed the 1st place Austin Bruins to the brink in the shootout, but came up short in a 3-2 shootout loss.  Weigman stopped 31 of 33 shots through regulation and overtime.  “Drew is right back to where he was at the beginning of the year when we was playing some excellent hockey,” said Blizzard head coach Cory Laylin.  “We needed to get back on track and he came up with some huge saves over the weekend to earn us some valuable points.”

2nd Star: Adam Knochenmus, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zach Doerring, forward, Coulee Region Chill - Nick Lehr, goaltender, Austin Bruins – Aaron Nelson, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats – Justin Parizek, forward, Aberdeen Wings – Tyler Parks, goaltender, Minot Minotauros – Spencer Peratalo, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Derek Smith, defenseman, Coulee Region Chill.

West Star of the Week: Max McHugh - Wenatchee Wild

Edgewood, Washington, native Max McHugh played a big role in Wenatchee’s home sweep of the North Division-leading Jamestown Ironmen.  The 19-year-old recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in the weekend sweep as the Wild increased their lead in the West Division to four points.  On Friday, McHugh (5’10/173) had the game-winning goal in a 3-0 shutout win. On Saturday, he scored with :29 seconds remaining in regulation to pull the Wild to within a goal and then :12 seconds later, won the face-off to his teammate Jono Davis, who tied the game with just :17 seconds remaining.  It was McHugh’s second assist of the game and the Wild ultimately won in a shootout.  McHugh has 20 points in 23 games played to date.  “Max has been creating a lot of chances for him and his teammtes the past month because he is getting his nose dirty,” said Wild head coach Bliss Littler.  “He is going into the tough areas and doing the hard work to create opportunities.  He is very effective when he is able to collect points in even strength situations as well as on the power play.”

2nd Star: Josh Hartley, defenseman, Wenatchee Wild
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None.

North Star of the Week: Nico Sierra - Jamestown Ironmen

Sometimes a change of scenery is good for a player and that can be said for Jamestown forward Nico Sierra.  The 20-year-old from Warren, Michigan, has only been with Ironmen a few weeks after his trade from Port Huron, but he made the most of it this past weekend as Jamestown stayed in 1st place in the North with a weekend sweep in Fresno against the Monsters.  On Friday, Sierra (5’8/165) had the game-winning goal and two assists in a 4-3 win over Fresno.  The next night, Sierra scored the first goal of the game, which turned out to be the game-winner in a 4-0 shutout win.  Both of Sierra’s goals over the weekend were game-winners and he was also a +3 over the weekend.  “Nico has come in and been a good fit right away,” said Jamestown head coach Dan Daikawa.  “He brings veteran leadership to the lockerroom and  has great speed and creates opportunities for himself.”

2nd Star: Chris Truehl, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Dau, forward, Janesville Jets – Robin Hoglund, forward, Soo Eagles - Ryan Kellenberger, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Michael Lant, defenseman, Soo Eagles – Reid Mimmack, goaltender, Jamestown Ironmen – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Alec Vanko, defenseman, Janesville Jets.

South Star of the Week: Justin Greenberg - Texas Tornado

The Texas Tornado success in Odessa continued over the weekend with a sweep of the Jackalopes.  Tornado second-year forward Justin Greenberg led the way with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the two games.  On Friday, the 18-year-old from Dallas, Texas had a goal and two assists in a 6-1 win.  The next night, it was another three point effort as he scored two goals and added an assist in a 6-3 win.  Greenberg (5’8/170) is third on the Tornado in scoring with 30 points in 29 games played, which eclipsed his entire season total from a year ago.  Greenberg scored the Robertson Cup winning goal in overtime last season against St. Louis.  “Justin has been consistently one of our best players all season long,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself that he is just 18-years-old and he is able to do everything for us… power play, penalty kill and he makes great decisions with the puck.  He has a lot of Division I interest, so his future looks bright.”

2nd Star: Tyler Deresky, forward, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Andrew, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Charles Baldwin, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Scott Conway, forward, Texas Tornado – Michael Economos, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Matt Sieckhaus, forward, Amarillo Bulls.

Central Star of the Week: Tyler Parks - Minot Minotauros

Winners of their last six in the row, the Minot Minotauros are one of the hottest teams in the NAHL, and playing a big part is their goaltender Tyler Parks.   The 20-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, was instrumental in Minot’s sweep this past weekend at home of the 1st place Austin Bruins.  On Friday night, Parks (6’6/220) made 29 saves in a 2-1 win with the lone goal against coming on the power play.  On Saturday night, Parks was even better as he stopped all 22 shots in regulation for his first shutout of the season as Minot edged Austin, 1-0.  For the weekend, Parks stopped 51 of 52 shots for a 98% save percentage and allowed just a single goal.  Parks has won his last five starts and the Minotauros are on a six game winning streak.  "Tyler has been playing some outstanding hockey since he arrived in Minot,” said Minotauros head coach Marty Murray.  “He gives our team a chance to win every night and has been a key contributor to our success as of late. With his 6'6" frame, he obviously covers a lot of net, but what impresses me most is that he is a real competitor.  His second and third efforts are outstanding.  He is playing with a lot of confidence right now and the rest of our team feeds off it".

2nd Star: Jake Horton, defenseman, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Blake Cates, goaltender, Coulee Region Chill - Mike Dockry, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Adam Knochenmus, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Peter Krieger, forward, Aberdeen Wings - Nick Lehr, goaltender Austin Bruins – Jadin Martin, forward, Minot Minotauros – Eddie Matsushima, forward, Coulee Region Chill.

West Star of the Week: Gustaf Johansson - Kenai River Brown Bears

This is the second time this season that Kenai River Brown Bears goaltender Gustaf Johansson, 19, has been honored as West Division Player of the week.  The native of Uppsala, Sweden, played in both games over the weekend as the Brown Bears posted a weekend home sweep of their Alaskan rivals, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.  On Friday night, Johansson (6’4/190) made 32 saves in a 4-3 win over Fairbanks.  The next night, Johansson was even better as he posted his third shutout of the season, making 30 saves in a 2-0 shutout win.  For the weekend, Johansson stopped 62 of 65 shots, which was good for a 95.3% save percentage.  His three shutouts this season ranked tied for 2nd in the NAHL.  “I thought Gustaf was instrumental in the sweep, which was a first for our club at home against Fairbanks,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.  “Shutting a team out like Fairbanks is never easy.  He is as solid and  composed as goalies come.  He is a goalie that accepts the challenge of being the #1 guy every night and his game is as strong mentally as it is physically and technically.”

2nd Star: Jacob Barber, forward, Wenatchee Wild
Honorable Mention (alphabetical):– Kevin Aldridge, goaltender, Fairbanks Ice Dogs - Garret Clemment, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs - Robert Nichols, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild

North Star of the Week: Casey Nelson - Johnstown Tomahawks

The Johnstown Tomahawks picked up two of their biggest wins of the year in a road sweep against the 1st place Jamestown Ironmen.  Leading the way was defenseman Casey Nelson.  The 20-year-old from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, chimed in with a five-point weekend in the two wins.  On Friday, Nelson (6’1/174) scored a power play goal and added two assists in a 5-3 win against the Ironmen.  On Saturday, Nelson had two more assists (including on the game-winning goal) and a team-high seven shots on goal in a 3-2 win.  For the season, Nelson has 18 points in 23 games played.  Half of his points has come in the month of November and he is currently tied for 2nd in scoring for all NAHL defensemen.  “Casey has been an impact player all year and does a little bit of everything for us,” said Tomahawks head coach Jason Spence.  “He is a tremendous skater and knows how to keep the puck alive in the offensive zone.  He has a quick release and really likes to shoot the puck, which is one of main reasons he is able to generate offense.”

2nd Star: Nick Albergo, forward, Janesville Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Marcus Due-Boje, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Matt Leon, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Chris Truehl, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks.

South Star of the Week: Omar Mullan - Amarillo Bulls

With the Amarillo line-up impacted by injuries to several key offensive players, veteran forward Omar Mullan, 19, took it upon himself to step up during Amarillo’s two road wins over the weekend in Odessa and help his team into a tie for 1st place in the South Division.  The native of Dearborn, Michigan, scored the most points of any NAHL player during the week as he registered six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in the two wins.  On Friday, Mullan (5’9/175) assisted on three of Amarillo’s four goals in a 4-3 win, which included picking up the primary assist on the game-winning goal.  On Saturday, Mullan had a goal and two more assists in an 8-3 win.  In 22 games this season Mullan has 22 points and is third on the team in scoring and second in plus/minus with a +23.  “Omar is a guy that has really developed into a good and skilled player for us,” said Amarillo head coach Dennis Williams.  “Last year, he found himself in a more physical, grinder role, but this year, he has really been able to be an all-around player who can put up some points.  He has found a nice balance between the two and it has made him a really good two-way hockey player.”

2nd Star: Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Perry D’Arrisso, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Tyler Gernhofer, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Rudy Sulmonte, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Spencer Viele, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Aaron Nelson - Bismarck Bobcats

Bismarck goaltender Aaron Nelson, 19, helped his team to three wins and seven points in four games this past week, all coming four days in a row.  Nelson (5’9/165) began the week with a 19-save performance in a 4-1 win against Aberdeen on Wednesday.  On Thanksgiving, Nelson came in relief and stopped 12 of 13 shots in a 5-4 overtime loss to Minot.  The native of Bismarck, North Dakota, was his best over the weekend as he posted two more wins against Brookings.  On Friday, he made 38 saves in a 2-1 road win in Brookings and on Saturday, he stopped all 25 shots in a 3-0 home shutout of the Blizzard.  For the weekend, Nelson stopped 95 of 98 shots, which was good for a 96.9% save percentage.  “It was a busy week for us and getting good goaltending was paramount in being able to take 7 of 8 points,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie.  “Aaron is playing hot right now, so it was hard not to put him back between the pipes for each game.  He uses his quickness so well in getting from Point A to Point B and came up with some big saves.”

2nd Star: Jadin Martin, forward, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Anders, forward, Bismarck Bobcats - Chris Fischer, forward, Austin Bruins – Sean Lang, defenseman, Coulee Region Chill – Jake O’Borsky, forward, Minot Minotauros - John Simonson, forward, Austin Bruins.

West Star of the Week: Duggie Lagrone - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs completed a perfect sweep in the state of Texas this past weekend with a two-game sweep of the Wichita Falls Wildcats, which followed up their sweep last week of Corpus Christi.  This past week, Dallas, Texas native and Fairbanks defenseman Duggie Lagrone, 18, felt right at home as he picked up four points and was +2 in a weekend sweep in Wichita Falls.  On Friday night, Lagrone (5’8/170) assisted on the Ice Dogs first goal in a 2-1 win.  On Saturday, Lagrone had a goal and assisted on two others (including the game-winner) in a 5-3 win over Wichita Falls.  In 16 games this season, Lagrone has 11 points.  “I think there was a little added motivation for Duggie because he was back in his home state of Texas and had a lot of family in attendance at the games,” said Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart.  “You could tell he was playing with some extra emotion.  He can skate really well and does a very good job at beating the forecheck and getting the puck out of the zone and up the ice.”

2nd Star: Robert Nichols, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jacob Barber, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Lonnie Clary, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

North Star of the Week: Robin Hoglund - Soo Eagles

The Soo Eagles continue to stay on the heels of Jamestown for 1st place in the North Division.  This weekend, the Eagles split a home series with the Michigan Warriors and forward Robin Hoglund, 19, did most of the damage offensively for the Eagles.  The native of Molndal, Sweden, recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and was +4 in the pair of weekend games.  On Friday, Hoglund (6’1/180) assisted on both of the Eagles goals in a 4-2 loss.  On Saturday, he scored the first and the third goals in a 3-1 win over Michigan.  Hoglund played the first two games of the season with Fairbanks and then was traded to Soo.  Overall, he has 10 points in 16 games played this season.  “Robin has been an impact player right off the bat and this weekend really proved that,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “He does a very good job at being physical, using his size and playing the body.  He has an excellent shot and knows how to score goals.”

2nd Star: Dylan Rosen, defenseman, Springfield Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Taylor Burden, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Matt Leon, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Kody Polin, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Easton Powers, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons.

South Star of the Week: Scott Conway - Texas Tornado

It was a big week for 17-year-old Tornado forward Scott Conway, who had the best individual week of his NAHL career last week as the Tornado posted a 2-2-0 record in four games.  The native of Kessimmee, Florida, began the week with two goals and an assist in a 9-1 win in Odessa against the Jackalopes.  The next night, Conway had two more assists in an 8-2 win and sweep against Odessa.  Over the weekend against the Amarillo Bulls, Conway assisted on both Tornado goals in a 5-2 loss to the Bulls on Thursday.  He posted another assist on Friday in a 7-2 loss to Amarillo.  Conway has now recorded a point in eight straight games.  For the week, Conway had eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in four games and was a +7.  His +12 rating leads the Tornado this season and his 21 points are tied for 4th in team scoring.  “Scott is one of many young players we have on the roster who have really developed nicely in a short period of time and will be a good future NCAA Division I player,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “For being only 17-years-old, he sees the ice very well and has the ability to make great passes and find the open man.”

2nd Star: Tyler Deresky, forward, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kyle Bauman, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Paul Berrafato, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Evan Cowley, goaltender, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Peter Halash, forward, Topeka Roadrunners – Brandon Hawkins, forward, Texas Tornado – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Brandon Wahlin - Austin Bruins

Austin Bruins forward Brandon Wahlin, 20, is on pace for a record-breaking month.  The native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, got his 1st place Bruins back on track with three wins in three games this past week.  In those three games, Wahlin (5’9/175) recorded eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) and was a +3.  In the process, he increased his current point streak to six straight games.  On Monday, Wahlin scored the first and last goal and assisted on the game-winner as the Bruins beat the Coulee Region Chill, 6-3.  On Friday, Wahlin had an assist in a 4-1 home win over visiting Brookings.  On Saturday, Wahlin saved his best game for last as he racked up four assists in a 7-5 win over the Blizzard, completing the weekend sweep.  For the season, Wahlin has 32 points, which ties him for the NAHL lead and his 23 assists leads the NAHL.  “Brandon was instrumental in getting the team back on track this past week,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “He is working hard on playing a good two-way game, which will be instrumental at getting him to the next level.  You can’t coach or teach speed and Brandon has a ton of it along with great vision and hard work.”

2nd Star: Blake Cates, goaltender, Coulee Region Chill
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Hunter Anderson, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Eric Brenk, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Drew Brevig, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Mike Dockry, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Jadin Martin, forward, Minot Minotauros – Tyler Parks, goaltender, Minot Minotauros – CJ Smith, forward, Austin Bruins.

West Star of the Week: Kevin Aldridge - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

When Fairbanks goalie Steve Perry went down with a broken finger in early November, the job of carrying the work load fell on the shoulders of 18-year-old rookie Kevin Aldridge.  The native of Beverly Hills, Michigan, has responded in big fashion, winning four out of his last five starts including this weekend’s road sweep in Corpus Christi against the IceRays.  Aldridge (5’8/150) stopped a combined 60 of 63 shots and allowed just three goals in two games as Fairbanks posted the weekend sweep.  On Friday, Aldridge made 40 saves in a 3-2 overtime win.  On Saturday, he made 20 saves in a 3-1 win.  With the wins, Aldridge improved his record to 8-2-0 on the season with a goals against average of 2.17 and a save percentage of 92.4%.  “Kevin has been given the opportunity to be the main guy in net because of Steve Perry’s injury and he has responded very well,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.  “He controlled his rebounds this weekend and kept his composure in a tough environment to play in.  Each passing game, he is playing with more confidence and his teammates are also confident knowing he is behind them.”

2nd Star: Garret Clemment, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Jackstadt, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears

North Star of the Week: Tyler Dunagan - Jamestown Ironmen

The Ironmen lead the NAHL with 15 wins and picked up two more with a weekend home sweep of Janesville, thanks in large part to forward Tyler Dunagan, 19. The native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, had two goals (including a game-winner) and two assists and was a +3 this weekend as the Ironmen increased their lead in the North Division. On Friday, Dunagan (5’11/178) had a two assists on both Jamestown goals in a 2-1 win. On Saturday, Dunagan had two goals, including the game-winner, in a 5-2 win. His 14 points in 20 games this season is one short of his point total all of last season. “Tyler is a very hard working player and it was nice to see that hard work pay off with a great performance this past weekend,” said Ironmen head coach Dan Daikawa. “He has really been an important part of our success lately and has continues to improve each weekend.”

2nd Star: Andrew McDonald, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nate Chasteen, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Mike Fazio, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Zach Nagelvoort, goaltender, Soo Eagles – Robbie Payne, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Daniel Rehnstrom, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Eric Rivard, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Sean Gaffney - Topeka RoadRunners

No one in the NAHL has more points to date than Topeka forward Sean Gaffney.  The 20-year-old from Plymouth, Michigan, had another point-producing weekend as the RoadRunners split their home series with the Amarillo Bulls.  On Friday, Gaffney (6’2/188) matched an NAHL season-high with five points in one game as he recorded five assists in Topeka’s 5-2 win.  On Saturday, he recorded a goal in a 4-2 loss.  For the weekend, Gaffney had six points and he currently leads the NAHL in points with 30.  “Sean is one of the best two-way forwards I have had the opportunity to coach,” said RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer.  “He continues to be one of the hardest working players day in and day out. He also takes a lot of pride in his academics and is a very driven player in every aspect from the game. Sean's play has brought a lot of college attention and it is very deserving. This past weekend’s performance proved that when your best players are needed, he will show up.”

2nd Star: Eliot Grauer, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Scott Coway, forward, Texas Tornado – Evan Cowley, goaltender, Wcihita Falls Wildcats – Collin Delia, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Ryan Doucet, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Tyler Gernhofer, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Blake Wojtala, goaltender, Odessa Jackalopes.

Central Star of the Week: Adam Knochenmus - Bismarck Bobcats

Bismarck forward Adam Knochenmus, 20, recorded a point in all but one of Bismarck’s eight goals this past weekend as the Bobcats split a pair of games on the road against Brookings and Austin.  On Friday, the native of Roseau, Minnesota, had a goal and two assists as the Bobcats were edged 4-3 by the Blizzard.  On Saturday, Knochenmus (5’9/175) chipped in with four assists as the Bobcats beat the Austin Bruins, 5-1.  For the weekend, Knochenmus had a goal and six assists for seven points and was a +5.  He is tied for the team lead in points with 20.  “Adam is our leader and we had been struggling a little to score, so it was nice to see him produce some points,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.  “What is more important is that he played well against two really good teams that are at the top of our division right now, so that really makes a statement about his ability to come through in the clutch.”

2nd Star: Drew Weigman, goaltender, Brookings Blizzard
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cody Marooney, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Patrick Moore, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Paige Skoog, goaltender, Aberdeen Wings – Brandon Wahlin, forward, Austin Bruins.

West Star of the Week: Kyle Lee - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

19-year-old forward Kyle Lee was the offensive star of the weekend for the Ice Dogs as they split a weekend home series with in-state rival Kenai River.  The native of Wausau, Wisconsin, registered two goals and three assists for five points over the weekend.  On Friday, Lee (5’8/170) scored both Fairbanks goals in a close 3-2 loss to the Brown Bears.  Both of Lee’s goals came on the power play.  On Saturday, Lee had three assists and was a +3 in a 5-2 win.  His 21 points to date leads the Ice Dogs in scoring.  “Kyle had a great weekend, but it resulted from a lot of hard work on his part,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.  “He is proving each passing weekend that he can be an elite player at this level.”

2nd Star: Brad LeLievre, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jayson Angus, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

North Star of the Week: Jared Van Wormer - Soo Eagles

Of the five goals that the Soo Eagles scored over the weekend in their road sweep of the Janesville Jets, forward Jared Van Wormer, 20, had a point in four of them.  The native of Traverse City, Michigan, scored two goals (including a game-winner) and added two assists as the Eagles swept the Jets to remain a point out of 1st place in the North Division.  On Friday, Van Wormer (6’0/195) had the lone goal, which came in the 3rd period, in a 1-0 win against the Jets.  A night later, Van Wormer added Soo’s first goal and then assisted on two others as the Eagles completed the weekend sweep with a 4-1 win.  Van Wormer not only leads the Eagles in scoring this season with 24 points, but he is leading the NAHL in assists to date with 18 and is tied for 2nd in scoring.  “Jared knows how to score big goals and create offense because he works hard, goes to the net and does little things,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “This past weekend, he played very well shorthanded.  Jared plays inspired hockey and is one of the hardest working players I have had in my time coaching.”

2nd Star: Ryan Atkinson, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brett D’Andrea, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Josh Dangel, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Mike Fazio, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Easton Powers, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Eric Rivard, forward, Soo Eagles – Matt Wurst, defenseman, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings.

South Star of the Week: Hayden Stewart - Corpus Christi IceRays

It is no coincidence that the Corpus Christi IceRays have gone 3-0-1 in their last four games (all in Alaska) and that newly acquired goaltender Hayden Stewart, 18, has been in goal for all four or those games.  The native of Rockford, Illinois, had his best NAHL weekend to date as the IceRays swept the Kenai River Brown Bears in a weekend road series to remain in 4th place in the NAHL’s South Division.  Stewart (6’2/184) stopped a combined 90 of 94 shots during the weekend, good for a 95.7% save percentage, and allowed four goals in the two games.  In Friday’s 3-2 win, he made 47 saves and in Saturday’s 3-2 win, he made 43 saves.  Kenai River went 0 for 8 in their power play chances thanks in large part to some great saves from Stewart, who now appears to be the missing piece of the goaltending puzzle the IceRays have been looking for.  “It was noticeable right away that Hayden is very calm under pressure,” said IceRays head coach Justin Quenneville.  “He has been the big factor for us the last four games and they haven’t been easy places to play.  He plays with a lot of poise.  He is big and covers a lot of net, but he is also very technically sound.” 

2nd Star: Sami Salminen, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Andrew, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Gage Christianson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Scott Conway, forward, Texas Tornado – Geoff Fortman, defenseman, Amarillo Bulls – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Anthony Olguin, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Matt Volonnino, forward, Odessa Jackalopes.

Central Star of the Week: Jordan Stejskal - Brookings Blizzard

Brookings Blizzard defenseman Jordan Stejskal, 19, is riding a hot streak, which continued this past weekend in a weekend series at Aberdeen.  The native of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was able to chime in for four assists in two games as Brookings split a weekend set with Aberdeen.  On Thursday, Stejskal (6’2/205) recorded assists on both Brookings goals in a close 3-2 loss.  On Friday, he again recorded a pair of assists, this time on the first two goals of the game, as Brookings beat Aberdeen, 5-1.  Stejskal was also a +3 during the weekend and is currently riding a three-game multi-point streak.  His +6 mark this season ranks third on the team and six of his seven assists this season have come in his last three games.  “Jordan is a player that really has come into his own and played very well for us lately,” said Brookings head coach Cory Laylin.  “He makes good and smart passes, he makes good decisions with the puck and always seems to provide his teammates with a good breakout pass that gets our offense going.”

2nd Star: Jake O’Borsky, forward, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Hunter Anderson, forward, Coulee Region Chill - Travis Maxwell, defenseman, Minot Minotauros – John Simonson, forward, Austin Bruins – Thomas Williams, forward, Brookings Blizzard.

West Star of the Week: Brian Williams - Wenatchee Wild

The Wenatchee Wild didn’t need much offense in the weekend home sweep of the Bismarck Bobcats, as they scored just four goals in the two wins.  However, when they did score, 16-year-old forward Brian Williams was making himself a part of it.  The forward from San Diego, California, who was playing in just his second set of weekend games with the Wild, registered a point in three of the four total goals over the weekend, as the Wild increased their lead in the West Division to three points.  On Friday, Williams (5’10/170) scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 shutout win over the Bobcats.  On Saturday night, he recorded two assists, including setting up teammate Dylan Abood for the game-winning goal as Wenatchee defeated Bismarck 3-2 in overtime.  The three points over the weekend were Williams’ first career NAHL points.  “Brian has a lot of potential and skill for a player that is just 16-years-old,” said Wild head coach Bliss Littler.  “He has fit in nicely with the team so far and this past weekend was a great indicator of how he was able to generate offense and really showcase his talent.”

2nd Star: Devin Loe, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kevin Aldridge, goaltender, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Brandon Brossoit, forward, Fresno Monsters – Robert Nichols, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild – Daniel Rosse, forward, Fresno Monsters.

North Star of the Week: Mike Fazio - Springfield Jr. Blues

Springfield forward Mike Fazio, 20, had a big weekend as the Jr. Blues swept the Janesville Jets in Springfield to move up the North standings and creep closer to the .500 mark.  On Friday, Fazio (5’11/203) had two assists, including one on the game-winning goal, as the Jr. Blues beat the Jets, 5-3.  On Saturday, the native of Bartlett, Illinois, chimed in on all three of Springfield’s goals, which included two goals (including the game-winner) and an assist in a 3-1 win.  Fazio is second on the team in points this season with 12 in 16 games played.  “Mike’s strength is being a two-way player and benefitting from being that type of player,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tony Zasowski.  “He brings so much more to the table, so it was nice to see him produce on offense like he did.”

2nd Star: Tyler Marble, goaltender, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Horne, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – James McGing, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Robbie Payne, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Brandon Reinholz, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks – Huba Sekesi, forward, Jamestown Ironmen – Cody Von Rueden, defenseman, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Paul Berrafato - Amarillo Bulls

Amarillo goaltender Paul Berrafato, 19, is the #1-ranked goaltender in the NAHL thanks in large part to performances like he turned in this past weekend as the Bulls produced a home sweep of the Texas Tornado.  Berrafato (6’0/180) is tops in the NAHL with a 1.14 goals against average and is second in save percentage (94.1%).  This weekend, he helped his cause by stopping a combined 46 of 48 shots.  On Friday, he made 16 saves in a 7-2 win.  On Saturday, he posted his first NAHL shutout with a 30-save performance in a 4-0 win.  The native of Buffalo, New York has yet to lose a game in regulation this season.  “Paul had a very solid weekend.  He battles hard and doesn’t give up easy goals,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “When you have him back there making the saves he does, the guys around him play better as a result they can play loose and free-wheel it a little bit more.”

2nd Star: Trace Strahle, defenseman, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Lawrence Cornellier, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Hampus Gustafsson, forward, Amarillo Bulls – AJ Jarosz, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Hayden Stewart, goaltender, Corpus Christi IceRays.

Central Star of the Week: Aaron Nelson - Bismarck Bobcats

The return of goaltender Aaron Nelson, 19, has put a spark in the Bobcats and it was evident this past weekend in their road sweep in Fresno against the Monsters.  Nelson (5’9/165) got the call both nights and delivered two wins and in the process stopped a 41 of 44 shots (93.1% save percentage) as Bismarck got back to the .500 mark.  The Bismarck, North Dakota native made 24 saves in Friday night’s 3-1 win over the Monsters.  On Saturday, he made 17 saves in a 3-2 win to move his record to a perfect 3-0-0 since rejoining the team.  “Goaltending is always a key position and anytime you can have a veteran like Aaron back in the line-up, it is a huge lift,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie.  “I thought Aaron played with a lot of confidence this weekend and we feel really good about the 1-2 goaltending tandem we have with him and Bryan Nies.”

2nd Star: Brandon Wahlin, forward, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Adam Knochenmus, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Jake O’Borsky, forward, Minot Minotauros – Tyler Parks, goaltender Minot Minotauros.

West Star of the Week: Lucas Kohls - Kenai River Brown Bears

Forward Lucas Kohls, 19, helped the Brown Bears keep pace in the West Division with a weekend home sweep of the Wichita Falls Wildcats.  On Friday, the native of Forest Lake, Minnesota had two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist for a three-point night in a 9-3 win over the Wildcats.  A night later, Kohls (6’3/197) assisted on the game-winning goal in a 5-2 win over Wichita Falls.  For the season, Kohls is second on the team with 19 points in 16 games played, and three of his eight goals to date have been game-winning goals.  “Lucas is a very gifted player and has a lot of offensive upside.  He can score many number of ways,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.  “He has been a great addition to the team.  He is great in the community and the fans really like him.”

2nd Star: Jake Davidson, defenseman, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Devin Loe, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

North Star of the Week: Daniel Cesarz - Jamestown Ironmen

Jamestown forward Daniel Cesarz, 20, was on a mission this past weekend against his former team, the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings.  In a sweep of the K-Wings, not only did Jamestown take over 1st place in the North Division, but Cesarz burned his former team for two goals and two assists for a four-point weekend.  The native of Redford, Michigan, had a goal and assist in each game.  In Friday’s 2-1 win, Cesarz (5’10/185) also had the game-winning goal and in Saturday’s 7-3 win, he also chimed in with a goal and assist.  Cesarz was +5 on the weekend.  Cesarz is currently riding a five-game point streak and a four-game goal streak.  “The entire team wanted to prove a point last weekend and Daniel led the charge,” said Ironmen head coach Dan Daikawa.  “He was the best player on the ice all weekend.  He creates so much offense with his speed and skating.  He is also a great kid and we feel very fortunate to have him on the roster this season.”

2nd Star: Tyler Marble, goaltender, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Michael Covach, forward, Soo Eagles – Ryan Kellenberger, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Matt Leon, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Ian Miller, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Ruslan Pedlan, defenseman, Janesville Jets – Austin Priebe, goaltender, Janesville Jets – Patrick Spellacy, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings.

South Star of the Week: Mike Davis - Amarillo Bulls

Amarillo Bulls forward Mike Davis, 19, helped the Bulls keep pace in the South Division over the weekend as Amarillo took three of four points in the road weekend series at Corpus Christi.  In Friday’s 3-2 overtime loss, he registered an assist and was +1.  In Saturday’s 9-3 win, Davis (5’11/180) had two goals and an assist and was a +2.  The native of Newark, Delaware, extended his point streak to seven straight games with his performance, and is second on the team in scoring this season with 12 points.  Now in his second season with the Bulls in the NAHL, head coach Dennis Williams thinks Davis has really improved… “Mike has improved tremendously this season.  We originally got him through the NAHL Draft and he really had a nice finish to the season last year that gave him some great confidence and momentum coming into this year.  He is reaping the rewards right now for his hard work in the off-season.”
 
2nd Star: Brandon Hawkins, forward, Texas Tornado
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Deresky, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Joe Ginley, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Leo Lumm, forward, Texas Tornado – Spencer Viele, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Jay Dickman - Austin Bruins

As one of the biggest players in the league, Austin forward Jay Dickman, 19, showed his offensive touch this weekend as he helped his 1st place Bruins take three of four points in a weekend series at Bismarck against the Bobcats.  For the weekend, the native of Shoreview, Minnesota, had four points (4 assists) to lead the Bruins.  On Friday, he recorded two assists and five shots in a 4-3 overtime loss.  The next night, Dickman (6’6/225) again would record two assists in a 4-3 win. For the season, Dickman has nine points in seven games played.  “Jay is a big guy that protects the puck well,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “For his size he has great hands and vision.  Although he is big, he would prefer to be creative on the offensive side rather than be just a physical forward.  He really set up his teammates nicely this weekend.”

2nd Star: Tim Donohue, forward, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Eric Brenk, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Johno May, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Aaron Nelson, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats – Tyler Parks, goaltender, Minot Minotauros – AJ Reid, forward, Austin Bruins – Derek Sand, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard.

West Star of the Week: No Award

West teams were off from October 14-21.  No West Award

North Star of the Week: Brett Skibba - Springfield Jr. Blues

Out of the nine goals that Springfield scored this weekend in their weekend home sweep of 1st place Port Huron, forward Brett Skibba, 19, registered five of them, which included a game-winner.  The native of Verona, Wisconsin, helped the Jr. Blues out of the North Division basement with their first back-to-back wins of the season.  On Friday, Skibba (5’11/185) recorded a hat-trick, including the game-winning goal, in a 5-3 win over the Fighting Falcons.  On Saturday, he would chime in for two more goals in a 4-2 win, completing the weekend sweep.  Skibba was also a +6 over the weekend and leads the Jr. Blues in scoring with 14 points.  He had 17 points all of last season with Springfield. “Brett is buying into the things that are going to make him improve and make his team successful,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tony Zasowski.  “He really works hard to get the puck and will shoot from anywhere.  He plays really good two-way hockey which translates into offensive success.”

2nd Star: Luc Gerdes, forward, Jamestown Ironmen
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Luc Boby, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Robin Hoglund, forward, Soo Eagles – Brock Kautz, goaltender, Janesville Jets – Terry Leabo, defenseman, Springfield Jr. Blues – Reid Mimmack, goaltender, Jamestown Ironmen – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Soo Eagles – Austin Vieth, forward, Janesville Jets.

South Star of the Week: TJ Sarcona - Amarillo Bulls

The Amarillo Bulls have quietly put together the tie for the second best record in the NAHL through nine games this season and this weekend’s sweep of Odessa helped the cause, in large part thanks to veteran forward TJ Sarcona, 20.  The Niagara University recruit and native of West Islip, New York, had two goals (including a game-winner) and two assists over the weekend as the Bulls handled the Jackalopes at home.  On Thursday, Sarcona (5’11/185) had the game-winning goal in a 5-2 win.  On Friday, he recorded a goal and two assists in a 6-1 win.  Sarcona leads the Bulls with 11 points this season.  “TJ did a good job in helping lead the team this weekend, but he really works hard and that rubs off on his teammates,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “He is so good on the defensive side of the puck and really takes responsibility at all times when he is on the ice.”

2nd Star: Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brandon Hawkins, forward, Texas Tornado – Anthony Mousseau, defenseman, Texas Tornado – Matt Sieckhaus, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Spencer Viele, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Brandon Wahlin - Austin Bruins

Austin forward Brandon Wahlin, 20, helped his Bruins to another perfect weekend as they took over 1st place in the Central Division with a 7-2-0 record.  The native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, recorded four points in the two weekend wins (1 goal, 3 assists) as the Bruins picked up a road win on Friday in Brookings and a home win on Saturday against Bismarck.  Wahlin (5’9/175) had a goal and two assists (including on the game-winning goal) in Friday’s 3-2 win in Brookings.  On Saturday, Wahlin would assist on Austin’s first goal in a 4-2 win over the Bobcats.  His 13 points lead the team on scoring.  “We faced a big test in Brookings on Friday with 1st place in the line and Brandon responded,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “He has been a great leader this year and it showed this weekend because he really fired up his teammates for the two wins against two really good opponents.”

2nd Star: Patrick Moore, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cody Dixon, defenseman, Austin Bruins – Cody Marooney, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Filip Starzynski, forward, Bismarck Bobcats - Patrick Steinhauser, forward, Aberdeen Wings.

West Star of the Week: Garret Clemment - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Fairbanks forward Garret Clemment, 19, helped his team to a three-game home sweep of the Fresno Monsters to move to within a point of 1st place in the West Division.  The native of Mosinee, Wisconsin, increased his point streak to seven games by registered at least a point in all three wins.  For the weekend, Clemment (5’10/170) recorded five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the three games.  On Thursday, he scored a goal in a 4-3 win.  On Friday, he had a goal and two assists (including on the game-winning goal) in a 3-1 win and on Saturday, he had another goal in a 5-3 win.  Clemment is currently third on the team in points with 12.  “Garret had some good chemistry with his linemates this weekend and that really helped their production,” said Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart.  “He did a good job of finishing when he had the chances.  Garret is a world-class skater and uses his speed to his advantage.” 

2nd Star: Blake Roubos, forward, Wenatchee Wild
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jono Davis, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Kyle Lee, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

North Star of the Week: Mitch Kontny - Johnstown Tomahawks

Johnstown is now on a three-game winning streak thanks in part to team captain Mitch Kontny, 20.  This past weekend, Kontny (6’0/180) was instrumental in Johnstown’s weekend sweep of the Janesville Jets.  The native of Superior, Wisconsin, recorded three goals and an assist over the two-game weekend and was also a +3.  In Saturday’s 5-3 win, Kontny scored the game’s first goal and added an assist on the last goal.  In Sunday’s 4-1 win, it was Kontny again scoring the first goal of the game, which like the night before, also came in the game’s first minute.  He also added a goal midway through the 3rd period to secure the win.  He is tied for the team lead with four goals.  “Mitch is a great leader and he leads by example,” said Tomahawks head coach Jason Spence.  “He is physical player and works really hard at getting to pucks first and then capitalizing on his chances.”

2nd Star: Dylan Zink, defenseman, Jamestown Ironmen
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Vito Aluia, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Mark Evan Auk, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Kyle Gattelaro, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Christian George, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Cody Gylling, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks – Alex Robert, defenseman, Soo Eagles – Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Soo Eagles.

South Star of the Week: Brandon Hawkins - Texas Tornado

Texas Tornado forward Brandon Hawkins, 18, had one of the more dominant weeks of any player so far this year in the NAHL.  Of the Tornado’s nine goals in regulation this weekend, Hawkins (5’11/200) was a part of seven of them, which included six goals and an assist.  The Tornado won three games to remain as the only undefeated team left in the NAHL and Hawkins scored the game-winner in two of the three wins.  On Thursday, Hawkins had a natural hat-trick and the game-winning goal in a 4-2 win in Corpus Christi.  Friday, the native of Macomb, Michigan, had two goals (including another game-winner) and an assist in a 3-2 win against the IceRays.  On Sunday, he had another goal and a goal in the shootout as Texas beat Wichita Falls, 3-2.  “We think Brandon fits in really well with this group of players we have here this year,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “He probably has one of the best shots of anyone I have coached in recent memory.  His success is a direct result of his commitment to his hard work on and off the ice and getting acclimated to the NAHL game and the level of play.”

2nd Star: Hampus Gustafsson, forward, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Anthony Mousseau, defenseman, Texas Tornado – Michal Pastor, defenseman, Topeka RoadRunners.
 

Central Star of the Week: Chris Fischer - Austin Bruins

Austin Bruins captain Chris Fischer, 20, helped the Bruins to a weekend home sweep of Aberdeen to run their undefeated streak to three straight games.  For the weekend, the native of Apple Valley, Minnesota, had two goals and two assists for four points and was a +3.  In Friday’s 5-3 win, Fischer (6’0/185) chimed in with an assist on a goal that tied the game at 2-2 at the time.  On Saturday, he elevated his game to register two goals and an assist in a 6-3 win.  For the season, Fischer has six points in seven games and has led the Bruins to 2nd place in the Central Division.  “Chris does a great job of creating turnovers and then giving himself and his teammates chances,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “He plays a complete game and has great hockey sense.  He is not a flashy player, but he works hard and utilizes his teammates.”

2nd Star: Mac Jansen, forward, Coulee Region Chill
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cody Dixon, defenseman, Austin Bruins – Erick Majerle, goaltender, Brookings Blizzard – Cody Marooney, forward, Brookings Blizzard.
 

West Star of the Week: Matt Seidel - Kenai River Brown Bears

Kenai River forward Matt Seidel, 18, increased his scoring streak to five games with another great performance this weekend as the Brown Bears took two of three game at home from the Fresno Monsters.  For the weekend, the native of Troy, Michigan, had three goals and four assists and was a +6.  In Friday’s 4-0 win, Seidel (6’3/185) recorded a goal and assist.  He chimed in with another goal and assist in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Fresno.  He saved his best game of the weekend for last as on Sunday he recorded a goal and two assists in a 6-2 win.  His 14 points leads the team and his tied for 2nd in NAHL scoring.  “Matt played in every situation for us during the weekend and he was a force in the series,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.  “Matt has very good hands and with his size, he is a legitimate power forward.  He displays good patience and it is very hard for the opponents to get the puck from him.”

2nd Star: Doug Rose, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Garret Clemment, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Jono Davis, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Lucas Kohls, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Blake Roubos, forward, Wenatchee Wild.

North Star of the Week: Max Milosek - Port Huron Fighting Falcons

Port Huron is in 1st place in the North Division with an 8-2 record, thanks in large part to the play of this week’s star, goaltender Max Milosek, 19.  The native of Lapeer, MI, won both games this past weekend in a home-and-home series with 2nd place Kalamazoo, stopping 61 of a combined 63 shots.  On Saturday, Milosek made 27 saves in a 4-1 win at home.  On Sunday, Milosek (5’10/175) was even better in Kalamazoo, as he made 34 saves in a 5-1 win.  Milosek leads the NAHL in wins with seven.  “Max has been so solid all year and really stabilizes our team.  We have been outshot a number of times and he has kept us in there and gives us a chance to win every night.  We would not be in 1st place if it weren’t for Max.  He really stepped it up with the rivalry and games this weekend against Kalamazoo,” said Port Huron head coach Steve Shannon.

2nd Star: Michael Covach, forward, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Baskakov, defenseman, Springfield Jr. Blues – Nate Chasteen, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues - Jason Ford, forward, Janesville Jets – Cameron Heath, defenseman, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Bryan Kronberger, defenseman, Janesville Jets – Alex Taulien, forward, Soo Eagles - Bryan Yim, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons.

South Star of the Week: Kyle Sharkey - Topeka RoadRunners

Sharkey, 20, had one of the best offensive weekends of the year so far in the NAHL as the native of Moore, OK, registered seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) in a weekend road sweep against the Corpus Christi IceRays.  Sharkey’s best performance of the weekend came on Friday when he had a hat-trick (including the game-winning goal) and two assists for a five-point night in an 8-4 win.  The next night, Sharkey (5’8/175) had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the IceRays.  Sharkley leads the team in scoring with 10 points in seven games played so far this year.  “We had been struggling to score, so the burst of offense led by Kyle was great.  Kyle put the team on his back and really set the tone the first night.  Kyle is all about team and doesn’t care about the individual numbers.  As a third year player, he has paid is his dues and has improved to be a very good player,” said Topeka head coach Scott Langer.

2nd Star: Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Perry D’Arrisso, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Tyler Deresky, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Sam Johnson, defenseman, Amarillo Bulls – Hunter Leisner, goaltender, Texas Tornado – CJ Reuschlein, forward, Texas Tornado – Mason Wyman, forward, Odessa Jackalopes.

Central Star of the Week: Drew Weigman - Brookings Blizzard

It was quite a week for Brookings goaltender Drew Weigman, 18.  The native of Arnold, MD, stopped 71 of a combined 73 shots in a weekend home-and-home sweep of their rival, the Aberdeen Wings.  Weigman stopped 34 of 36 shots on Friday in Brookings home opener, which was a 3-2 win over the Wings.  On Saturday, Weigman (6’1/185) was even better as he stopped all 37 shots in a hostile environment in Aberdeen in a 2-0 shutout win.  “Drew has earned the #1 spot and has played even better since we gave him that role. "We had some penalty problems in each game and he really made some big saves during the penalty kills.  He really came to play at the start of the second game in Aberdeen and allowed us to hang in there,” said Blizzard head coach Cory Laylin. 

2nd Star: Jay Dickman, forward, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Josh Bretner, defenseman, Austin Bruins – Lucas Oliver, forward, Minot Minotauros – Brandon Parker, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Ryan Ruck, goaltender, Minot Minotauros.

West Star of the Week: Robert Nichols - Wenatchee Wild

Nichols, 20, was the glue behind Wenatchee’s weekend road sweep in Bismarck as the Wild remained perfect on the season.  The Dallas, TX, native stopped a combined 31 of 32 shots over the weekend as the Wild shut down the Bismarck offense.  On Friday, Nichols (5’10/177) had to make 14 saves in a 3-1 win.  On Saturday, Nichols was set for a night off, but after two quick Bobcats goals, Nichols was put in goal and shut the door for the rest of the 56+ minutes stopping all 17 shots that came his way.  Nichols has a perfect 5-0-0 record so far this season.  “Robbie makes the saves we need him to make to keep us in games.  He came in on Saturday and changed the momentum from the moment he got into the game.  He is taking his success from last year and building upon it this year and we are excited to have him back in goal,” said Wenatchee head coach Bliss Littler.

2nd Star: Nick Hinz, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Chris Kerr, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Devin Loe, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Matt Seidel, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears.

North Star of the Week: Luc Boby - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings

Kalamazoo forward Luc Boby, 20, leads the NAHL in goals with seven, thanks in large part to his five goal outburst this weekend as Kalamazoo split a weekend road series against the Soo Eagles.  On Friday, Boby (6’3/208) scored both goals in a 4-2 loss against the Eagles.  On Saturday, with his team down 3-1, the Oswego, Illinois native scored goals two, three, and four all in a row and all in successive periods as Kalamazoo went on to a 6-4 come-from-behind win.  Boby has 10 points on the season and is currently riding a four-game point streak and a three-game goal streak.  “Luc carried the team on his back this weekend.  He scored some real timely goals and has been a great addition to the team.  He has worked real hard to get where he is now and we hope he continues to better as the season goes along and earn himself a NCAA Division I opportunity,” said Jr. K-Wings head coach Marc Fakler.
2nd Star: Tyler Marble, goaltender, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Josh Dangel, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Jason Ford, forward, Janesville Jets - Reid Mimmack, goaltender, Jamestown Ironmen – Ryan Nick, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Daniel Rehnstrom, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Evan Ritt, forward, Jamestown Ironmen – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Soo Eagles – Austin Vieth, forward, Janesville Jets.

South Star of the Week: Evan Cowley - Wichita Falls Wildcats

Wildcats goaltender Evan Cowley, 17, began the week by being named to the NHL Central Scouting watch list and being selected to be in the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game.  The native of Evergreen, Colorado ended the week by posting back-to-back shootout home wins over the Corpus Christi IceRays to move the Wildcats into a tie for 3rd place in the South Division.  For the weekend, Cowley (6’4/185) stopped 58 of 63 shots for a 92.1% save percentage and a goals against average of 2.40, but really shined in the shootouts, where he stopped nine of 10 IceRays shooters to earn the Wildcats the valuable four points.  “I think in total, Evan faced about 14 breakaways during the weekend and stopped all but one of them, so that is a testament to his natural ability.  He is learning at a really fast pace and has already adapted to the level of play in the NAHL,” said Wildcats head coach Paul Baxter.
2nd Star: Eliot Grauer, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.

Central Star of the Week: Bryan Nies - Bismarck Bobcats

Nies, a goaltender from Grand Forks, North Dakota, helped shut the door on the Fresno Monsters this past weekend as he was between the pipes for both wins in a weekend home sweep.  Nies, 19, was in goal for back-to-back, 2-1 wins as he stopped 55 of a combined 57 shots, which was good for a 96.5% save percentage and a 1.00 goals against average.  His best performance came on Saturday, as he made 35 saves, allowing just the lone goal.  For the season, Nies (5’10/185) has a 3-1-0 record with a 1.75 GAA and a 93.3% save percentage.  “Entering a season where we had some questions in goal, Bryan has been very good for us so far and really stepped up,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie.  “He is giving us a chance to win every night and has played very consistent.”
2nd Star: Rory Vesel, defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None

West Star of the Week: Gustaf Johansson - Kenai River Brown Bears

Kenai River goaltender Gustaf Johansson, 19, was spectacular in the Brown Bears weekend road sweep of the Jr. Blues in Springfield.  The native of Uppsala, Sweden, stopped 75 of a combined 76 shots this weekend and posted his first NAHL shutout on Saturday night with a 41-save performance.  For the week, Johannson (6’4/190) had a save percentage of 98.7% and a goals against average of 0.50.  The wins this weekend were the first for the Brown Bears and Johansson during the 2012-13 season.  “Gustaf is new to the NAHL style of play and has had to adapt in a very a short period of time.  I thought Springfield played really well and threw a lot at us, but Gustaf was dialed in for every shot, had good rebound control and played very well this weekend,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David.
2nd Star: Jono Davis, forward, Wenatchee Wild
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Robert Nichols, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild – Nick Hinz, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Steve Perry, goaltender, Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

North Star of the Week: Robbie Payne - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings

North Division Star of the Week: Robbie Payne, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
Payne, 19, leads the NAHL in goals thanks to a strong performance at the NAHL Showcase this past week as he helped his Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings to an undefeated 4-0 record to start the season.  “Robbie scored some great goals, which were also very timely,” said Jr. K-Wings head coach Marc Fakler.  “He has matured as a player and he has a tremendous skill set with a lot of talent.  We are very happy to have him a part of our club.”  The Gaylord, Michigan, native scored in all but one of the Showcase games including two, two-goal games during the event.  His performance had many NCAA Division I colleges talking and showing interest in the 6’0, 189 lbs. forward.  For the week, he had six points (5 goals, 1 assists) and included a game-winning goal.

Runner-Up: Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mark Evan Auk, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Kyle Gattelaro, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Matt Leon, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – Alex Robert, defenseman, Soo Eagles - Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Soo Eagles - Austin Vieth, forward, Janesville Jets.
 

South Star of the Week: Justin Greenberg - Texas Tornado

South Division Star of the Week: Justin Greenberg, forward, Texas Tornado
The last time Justin Greenberg, 18, touched a puck in an NAHL game, it was flying off his stick and into the back of the net for the game-winning goal in the National Championship game in May.  Judging by his performance this past weekend at the NAHL Showcase, it looks like the Dallas, Texas native hasn’t missed a beat.  “I thought Justin was very solid this past week,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “He has unbelievable speed and his skill set has really improved.  His performance at the Showcase generated a lot of NCAA Division I interest.”  Greenberg (5’8/170), registered eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) at the event as his Texas Tornado went undefeated with a perfect 4-0 record and claimed the 2012 NAHL Showcase title.

Runner-Up: Spencer Viele, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kyle Bauman, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Paul Berrafato, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Lawrence Cornellier, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Eliot Grauer, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Anthony Mousseau, defenseman, Texas Tornado – Taylor Portner, forward, Odessa Jackalopes – TJ Sarcona, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Rudy Sulmonte, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays.
 

Central Star of the Week: Thomas Williams - Brookings Blizzard

Central Division Star of the Week: Thomas Williams, forward, Brookings Blizzard
Williams, 20, picked up right where he left off last season while playing with the Blizzard as the Alexandria, Minnesota native and captain of the Blizzard registered seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in leading the Blizzard to a 3-1 record at the Showcase and top spot in the Central Division.  “Offensively, he put the team on his back,” said Blizzard head coach Cory Laylin.  “He scored big goals, set-up big plays and played a great all-around game during the Showcase.  He definitely has a lot of NCAA Division I interest right now.”  His best game of the Showcase came on the first day as Williams (5’10/185) registered a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win over the Johnstown Tomahawks.  He recorded at least a point in each of the four games during the NAHL Showcase.

Runner-Up: Jake Clifford, defenseman, Minot Minotauros

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Deery, goaltender, Brookings Blizzard – Nick Lehr, goaltender, Austin Bruins – Brandon Wahlin, forward, Austin Bruins.
 

West Star of the Week: Josh Hartley - Wenatchee Wild

West Division Star of the Week: Josh Hartley, defenseman, Wenatchee Wild
Hartley, 20, had played the past two seasons in the NAHL with Dawson Creek, however he has really seemed to settle in to his new surroundings in Wenatchee as the defenseman from Coquitlam, British Columbia, racked up seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) at the NAHL Showcase helping the Wild to an undefeated 4-0 record.  “Josh is a very talented offensive defenseman,” said Wild head coach Bliss Littler.  “He can rush the puck and create match-up problems for the opponent, which gives us a nice advantage when he is on the ice.”  Hartley (6’2/188) recorded at least a point in each of Wenatchee’s four wins at the NAHL Showcase.

Runner-Up: Jono Davis, forward, Wenatchee Wild

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Albin Karlsson, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Devin Loe, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Steve Perry, goaltender Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

North Star of the Week: Alex Archibald - Port Huron Fighting Falcons

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Players of the Week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending September 9, 2012.  The Divisional Players of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2012-13 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.

North Division Player of the Week: Alex Archibald, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons
Archibald, 18, began his second season in the NAHL with the Fighting Falcons with a bang from the blueline as he helped the Fighting Falcons to a weekend sweep of the visiting Johnstown Tomahawks over the weekend.  On Saturday, the Port Huron, Michigan, native registered three points, which included the overtime-winning goal as the Fighting Falcons defeated the Tomahawks, 4-3.  Archibald (6’0/175) also recorded two assists in the game as Port Huron stormed back in the 3rd period with three goals to send the game to overtime.  On Sunday, he recorded an empty-net goal as was a +2 in a 4-2 win over the Tomahawks.  For the weekend, Archibald had two goals and two assists for four points, which currently leads the NAHL, as does his +3 rating.

Runner-Up: Matthew Uvodich, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mark Evan Auk, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons - Kristaps Bazevics, defenseman, Johnstown Tomahawks – Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Chris Truehl, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks.