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Bauer's Stars of the Week

Stars of the Week Week of October 2, 2023sponsored by Bauer

Central Star of the Week: Klayton Knapp - Bismarck Bobcats

Klayton Knapp

Bismarck Bobcats goalie Klayton Knapp, 19, was lights out during the Bobcats weekend home sweep of the North Iowa Bulls. The NAPHL grad and native of Sylvania, OH, posted back-to-back shutouts in two wins. Knapp (6’0/190) made 22 saves in a 1-0 win on Friday and 21 saves in a 5-0 win. For the season, Knapp is 4-1-0 with a 1.80 goals against average and .929 save percentage. “Klayton was exceptional all weekend. He made big saves when we needed them all weekend, and to go 120 minutes without giving up a goal is a huge accomplishment,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.

2nd Star: Lucca Munoz, F, St. Cloud Norsemen

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Adam Dybal, G, Aberdeen Wings – Patrick Johnson, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Ryan Mazella, G, St. Cloud Norsemen – Nikolai Tishkevich, F, Aberdeen Wings

 

East Star of the Week: Kareem El-Bashir - Maryland Black Bears

Kareem El-Bashir

Maryland forward Kareem El-Bashir, 19, helped his club to a weekend home sweep of the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks. The 5’10/176 lbs. native of Reston, VA, had five points in the two wins. On Friday, El-Bashir had a goal and an assist in a 4-0 win. On Saturday, he scored two goals and added an assist in a 6-0 win. For the season, El-Bashir is tied for 2nd in team scoring with 13 points in 10 games played. “Kareem has taken huge strides this season, and his growth has been meteoric. Based on how much effort this kid puts into the weight room, and his off-season training, as well as his willingness to learn, this is not a surprise to be coaching staff. Not only is he a great teammate and high-level hockey player, but his academic profile is elite as well. He will be a very nice NCAA Division I student/athlete,” said Maryland head coach Clint Mylymok.

2nd Star: Colin Ronan, G, Maryland Black Bears

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Bernadet, F, Maine Nordiques – Zack Ferris, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Dexter Kichline, D, Rochester Jr. Americans – Jeremy LaCroix, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Arseni Vorobyov, F, Maine Nordiques

 

Midwest Star of the Week: Will Schumacher - Wisconsin Windigo

Will Schumacher

Wisconsin forward Will Schumacher, 19, had a weekend to remember as he lit up the scoreboard in a weekend home sweep of the Kenai River Brown Bears. The 5’11/175 lbs. native of Prior Lake, MN, had eight points in the two wins, which included an amazing seven goals and an assist. On Friday, Schumacher had a hat-trick and an assist in a 9-2 win. On Saturday, he scored four goals in a 10-3 win. For the season, Schumacher is 3rd in team scoring with 11 points in six games played and his 10 goals is currently tops in the NAHL. “Our team had breakthrough weekend offensively and Will led the way. He’s added layers to his game this season and it’s nice to see him rewarded on the scoresheet and with this award,” said Windigo head coach Blake Hietala.

2nd Star: Max Martin, F, Wisconsin Windigo

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Blood, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Reece Cordray, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Cam Davis, F, Chippewa Steel – Ajay White, G, Chippewa Steel

 

South Star of the Week: Jack Ivey - Amarillo Wranglers

Jack Ivey

Amarillo forward Jack Ivey, 19, had a big weekend as the Wranglers split a home-opening series with the Corpus Christi IceRays. The Army recruit and native of San Diego, CA, totaled six points on the weekend. On Friday, Ivey (6’3/200) had a goal and an assist in a 5-4 shootout win. On Saturday, he added another goal and two more assists in an 8-5 loss. For the season, Ivey is tied for the team scoring lead with 11 points in six games played. “Jack is having a breakout season after the dedicated work he put in last season, and during the summer. Jack is beloved by his teammates and is quickly becoming one of the fan favorites in Amarillo. It will be exciting to watch his continued growth this season and how it impacts our team daily,” said Wranglers head coach Ryan Anderson.

2nd Star: Kaden Nelson, F, Oklahoma Warriors

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Anthony Cafarelli, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Hayden DeMars, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Jack Erickson, G, Colorado Grit – Luca Fasciano, D, Corpus Christi IceRays – Ben Ivey, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Brock James, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Michael Kadlecik, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Dillon Kuntz, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Olivier Lamothe, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Hayden Nichol, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Nathan Rickey, D, Oklahoma Warriors – Deivs Rolovs, G, Lone Star Brahmas – Eliot Seguin Lescarbeau, G, Shreveport Mudbugs

 

Stars of the Week Week of September 25, 2023sponsored by Bauer

Central Star of the Week: Julian Beaumont - Bismarck Bobcats

Julian Beaumont

Bismarck forward Julian Beaumont, 19, had a big weekend to help the Bobcats pick up a weekend road sweep of the Aberdeen Wings. The 5’8/161 lbs. native of Allen, TX, had five points in the two wins. On Friday, he had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 5-2 win. On Saturday, he added another goal and two assists in a 5-4 shootout win. For the season, Beaumont leads the Bobcats in scoring with nine points in six games played. “Julian had a great weekend for us on the road in a tough environment. When we needed a big play or a goal he stepped up for the team,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.

2nd Star: Gustav Noren, F, Austin Bruins

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Leonid Bulgakov, F, Aberdeen Wings – Ian Engel, D, Bismarck Bobcats – Isak Holmstrom, F, Aberdeen Wings – Alex Laurenza, F, Austin Bruins – Justin Mexico, F, North Iowa Bulls – Carter Theissen, D, North Iowa Bulls

 

East Star of the Week: Adam Schankula - Maryland Black Bears

Adam Schankula

Maryland forward and NAPHL alum Adam Schankula, 20, had a good weekend as the Black Bears picked up three of four possible points in a weekend series in Rochester against the Jr. Americans. The 6’2/190 lbs. native of Newmarket, ON, had four points in the two games, including two goals and two assists. On Friday, Schankula had two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in a 5-4 win. On Saturday, he had an assist in a 4-3 shootout loss. For the season, Schankula leads the Black Bears in scoring with 12 points in eight games played. “Adam is a player we felt from day one had NCAA Division I talent, an elite Hockey IQ, and the skill set to progress rapidly. He has not disappointed. He shows up for every game and every practice with the same mindset: to improve, be impactful, and lead us to success. Whatever NCAA school steps up to get him, will be more than thankful they have added him to their program/locker room,” said Maryland head coach Clint Mylymok.

2nd Star: Miles Roberts, G, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Dominik Bartecko, F, New Jersey Titans – Reece Brednich, F, New Jersey Titans – Matteo Disipio, F, Rochester Jr. Americans – Josh Doolan, D, New Hampshire Mountain Kings – Zack Ferris, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Lukas Fursten, G, Philadelphia Rebels – Max Marquette, F, Philadelphia Rebels – Joey McGraw, F, Northeast Generals – Ryan Panico, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Nick ReCupero, D, Northeast Generals – Florian Wade, G, Rochester Jr. Americans – Aiden Wright, G, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

 

Midwest Star of the Week: Haden Kruse - Janesville Jets

Haden Kruse

Haden Kruse, 20, and the Janesville Jets stayed in 1st place in the Midwest Division thanks to a weekend home sweep of the Anchorage Wolverines. The 6’1/172 lbs. native of Nisswa, MN, had four points in the two wins. On Friday, Kruse had three assists in a 7-3 win. On Saturday, he added a goal in a 5-4 overtime win. For the season, Kruse leads the Jets in scoring with 11 points in eight games played. “Haden has been a great addition to our club this season. Not just on the ice, but in a leadership role as well. His consistency this past weekend was a big part of our team success. He continues to be a scoring threat every time he’s on the ice. He is creating scoring chances in even strength and power play which is giving our team a lot of confidence. Haden is proving everyday he can be a contributor every night. We are excited to be a part of helping Haden achieve his goal of earning an NCAA Division I scholarship,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.

2nd Star: Lance Mengel, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matthew Alberti, G, Janesville Jets – Cade Baker, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Erick Comstock, D, Wisconsin Windigo – Reece Cordray, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Andy Larson, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Jacob Ligi, F, Chippewa Steel – Michael Marquez, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Maxwell Martin, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Tomas Trunda, F, Chippewa Steel – Taisetsu Ushio, F, Anchorage Wolverines

 

South Star of the Week: Brayden Cook - Shreveport Mudbugs

Brayden Cook

Shreveport forward Brayden Cook, 20, helped his team continue their hot 5-1-0 start thanks to a weekend home sweep of the Lone Star Brahmas. The 6’1/190 lbs. native of Shreveport, LA, had four points in the weekend sweep. On Friday, Cook had two assists in a 3-1 win. On Saturday, he had a goal and an assist and also scored in the shootout in a 3-2 shootout win. For the season, Cook is tied for the Mudbugs lead in scoring with eight points in six games played. “When you think of Brayden Cook you may think small, speedy, and skilled forward. Yes, he is all that but he has also brought a great work ethic and commitment to the defensive side of the game as well. His willingness to eat pucks and be detailed orientated has provided him more opportunity on our PK and our PP.  Due to his well-rounded game, he has found himself in some good offensive situations that he has been able to capitalize on,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.

2nd Star: Mathieu Bourgault, F, Corpus Christi IceRays

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Carson Dorfman, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Jack Erickson, G, Colorado Grit – Jack Fuller, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Stepan Kuznetsov, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Rasmus Leijonhielm, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Tory Lund, F, El Paso Rhinos – Charlie Masek, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Kaden Nelson, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Nathan Rickey, D, Oklahoma Warriors – Quentin Sigurdson, G, Odessa Jackalopes – Frank Tafelski, F, El Paso Rhinos – Ivan Zadvernyuk, F, Lone Star Brahmas

 

Stars of the Week Week of September 18, 2023sponsored by Bauer

Central Star of the Week: Alex Laurenza - Austin Bruins

Alex Laurenza

Austin Bruins forward Alex Laurenza, 18, made quite the NAHL debut as the native of Woodbridge, ON, helped Austin get off to a 3-1 start at the NAHL Showcase. Laurenza (5’9/150) put up five points in the four games, which included two goals and three assists. He recorded at least a point in all four games. “Alex has been a great addition to our organization. He is smart player that will be all situations for us this season. Our staff is excited to be a part of his development and we are looking forward to helping him earn a scholarship to an NCAA Division I school,” said Bruins head coach Steve Howard.

2nd Star: Isak Holmstrom, F, Aberdeen Wings

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Julian Beaumont, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Ashton Bynum, F, Austin Bruins – Logan Gravnik, F, Aberdeen Wings – Patrick Johnson, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Justin Mexico, F, North Iowa Bulls – Braden Panzer, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Max Weilandt, G, St. Cloud Norsemen

 

East Star of the Week: Toby Hopp - Northeast Generals

Toby Hopp

Northeast Generals goalie Toby Hopp, 19, played a big part in helping his club go undefated at the NAHL Showcase. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of Maple Grove, MN, felt right at home in his home state as he posted wins in his three starts, allowing just seven goals. Hopp stopped 99 of a possible 106 shots in the three wins, which came against Wisconsin, St. Cloud, and Janesville. “Toby is a very talented goalie that has big expectations for himself and our team. On the biggest stage he performed at a very high level winning all three of his starts.  We have a great 1-2 punch in net and Toby has been nothing short of spectacular early in the season. We look forward to Toby continuing his hot play,” said Generals head coach Bryan Erikson.

2nd Star: Dimitry Kebreau, F, Maryland Black Bears

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Frank D’Ancona, F, Northeast Generals – Hunter Fetterolf, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings – Justin Gibson, D, Johnstown Tomahawks – Kim Hilmersson, F, Maine Nordiques – Ivam Korodiuk, D, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Reid Lune, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Max Marquette, F, Philadelphia Rebels – Tyler Procious, D, Rochester Jr. Americans – Shawn Ramsey, D, Philadelphia Rebels – Jacob Roberson, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Nick Romeo, F, Maine Nordiques – Jack Wieneke, G, Maryland Black Bears – Aiden Wright, G, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

 

Midwest Star of the Week: Fyodor Nikolayenya - Anchorage Wolverines

Fyodor Nikolayenya

Anchorage Wolverines forward Fyodor Nikolayenya, 20, helped the Wolverines to a 2-1-1 record at the NAHL Showcase by recording seven points in the four games. The 5’11/183 lbs. native of Minsk, Belarus, had five goals and two assists, which included a hat-trick in a 5-4 overtime loss against Rochester. “Coming into the season we knew Fyodor was going to play a big role for us offensively and he has not disappointed out of the gate. He’s had a big summer on and off the ice and it has and will continue to pay dividends for him and our team as a whole,” said Wolverines head coach Nick Walters.

2nd Star: Liam Beerman, G, Anchorage Wolverines

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Talan Blanek, F, Chippewa Steel – Conner Brown, D, Janesville Jets – Jake Cameron, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – David Clarke, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Erick Comstock, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Dylan Contreras, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Tyler Grahme, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Nick Sajevic, F, Janesville Jets – Nick Stevens, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Oliver Stumpel, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Ajay White, G, Chippewa Steel

 

South Star of the Week: Hayden Nichol - Shreveport Mudbugs

Hayden Nichol

The Shreveport Mudbugs got off to a 3-1 start at the NAHL Showcase thanks to a great performance from veteran forward Hayden Nichol. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of Brentwood, TN, had five points in the four games, which included four goals. Nichol, 20, scored goals in three of the four games and had two goals in a win over Rochester. “We were expecting big things from Hayden this year and he has started off on the right foot. His production offensively was great over the showcase. He’s always been a very responsible player at both ends of the rink and he didn’t compromise anything for his offensive output. He was rewarded this week for simply staying true to his identity and trying to lead by example for his teammates,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.

2nd Star: Jack Ivey, F, Amarillo Wranglers

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Camden Bajzer, F, El Paso Rhinos – Anthony Cafarelli, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Logan Heroux, D, Shreveport Mudbugs – Jakub Jerman, D, El Paso Rhinos – Michael Kadlecik, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Topi Puikkonen, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Deivs Rolovs, G, Lone Star Brahmas – Quentin Sigurdson, G, Odessa Jackalopes – Pierson Sobush, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Ivan Zadvernyck, F, Lone Star Brahmas

 

Stars of the Week Week of September 11, 2023sponsored by Bauer

Central Star of the Week: No Award

 

East Star of the Week: Massimo Gentile - Rochester Jr. Americans

Massimo Gentile

Rochester forward Massimo Gentile, 20, had an impressive NAHL debut helping his team to a weekend split with the Philadelphia Rebels. The 5’9/162 lbs. native of Montreal, PQ, had six points in the two games. On Friday, Gentile had a goal and two assists in a 5-4 loss. On Saturday, he duplicated his effort from Friday with a goal and two assists in a 5-2 win. “As a new franchise, our early focus has been to create team chemistry on and off the ice. Massimo’s strong two-way game and leadership has helped start the season on a positive note,” said Rochester head coach Francois Methot.

2nd Star: Dominik Bartecko, F, New Jersey Titans

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Toby Hopp, G, Northeast Generals – Will Lawrence, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Reid Lune, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Kellen Murphy, F, Maine Nordiques – Tyler Procious, F, Rochester Jr. Americans – Ryan Remick, F, Northeast Generals – Arhip Sidarovich, F, New Jersey Titans

 

Midwest Star of the Week: Matthew Alberti - Janesville Jets

Matthew Alberti

Janesville Jets goalie Matthew Alberti, 19, picked up the win in both games this past weekend as the Jets swept the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in a home series. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of Hamburg, NY, won his first NAHL start on Saturday, as he made 35 saves in a 52 win. On Friday, Alberti came in relief in the 3rd period as the Jets trailed 4-2. He didn’t allow a goal in the 3rd period, and the Jets came back to win 5-4. “Matthew is very deserving of this recognition after the performance he put out this past weekend helping us get the sweep in our home opener. He plays with a high level of confidence that becomes contagious with the rest of our team,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.

2nd Star: Dylan Contreras, F, Kenai River Brown Bears

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Thomas Belzil, F, Janesville Jets – Cole Christian, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Cam Davis, F, Chippewa Steel – Joe Kelly, F, Chippewa Steel – Conor Sullivan, G, Kenai River Brown Bears – Josef Zilinec, G, Anchorage Wolverines

 

South Star of the Week: Frank Tafelski - El Paso Rhinos

Frank Tafelski

El Paso Rhinos forward Frank Tafelski, 20, racked up five points in a three-game weekend road sweep in Colorado against the Grit. The 6’1/181 lbs. native of Troy, Michigan, recorded four goals and an assist in the three wins. On Friday, Tafelski had a goal in a 3-1 win. On Saturday, he had a hat-trick in a 3-2 win, which included the game-winning goal. On Sunday, he picked up an assist in a 4-2 win.

2nd Star: Joey LoVollo, G, El Paso Rhinos

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jack Fuller, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Ryan Johnson, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

 
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