NAHL announces Easton Divisional Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Easton for the week ending March 30, 2014. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2013-14 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Players of the Week award.
Central Division Star of the Week: Nick Lehr, goaltender, Austin Bruins
The Austin Bruins secured their second straight Central Division title over the weekend and goaltender and University of Minnesota recruit Nick Lehr, 21, was there to backstop the wins as usual. The native of Roseville, Minnesota was as solid as ever as he stopped 50 of 52 shots in back-to-back 4-1 wins on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Lehr (6’0/185) made 14 saves in a 4-1 win over the Bobcats. Lehr was even better on Saturday as he made 30 saves in another 4-1 win. Lehr finished as the NAHL leader in wins (35) and was second in both games and minutes played this season. “Nick faced some quality shots both nights, but he just made the big saves when he had to and kept us in the game. He is mentally very tough and when he combines that with his technical skill, he is one tough goalie to beat,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Lonnie Clary, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Lonnie Clary, 19, helped his team close out the regular season with a weekend sweep of the Kenai River Brown Bears this past weekend. The native of Riverside, California, played a big role in the wins as he combined for four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in the pair of victories. On Friday, Clary (5’11/170) had a goal and an assist in a 5-1 win. On Saturday, Clary scored twice in a 7-3 win. He was also a +3 during the weekend. For the season, Clary, who is also an NAPHL graduate, has a career-high 35 points this season for the Ice Dogs, who had the NAHL’s top record during the regular season. “Lonnie plays with so much energy and never lets up. He brings a physical edge to the game and commands respect while he is out there. He found a way to put himself in areas where he had the best chance to score some goals,” said Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart.
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Conor Deal, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Will Johnson, F, Minnesota Magicians – Duggie Lagrone, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Will Peterson, D, Minnesota Wilderness – Darian Romanko, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Zack Zulkanycz, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
North Division Star of the Week: Jordan Himley, forward, Janesville Jets
Janesville Jets leading scorer and Air Force recruit Jordan Himley helped the Jets to a home weekend sweep of the Johnstown Tomahawks this past weekend, as well as, a big road win in Springfield. The 20-year-old native of Mundelein, Illinois, had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in the three wins as the Jets secured the #3 seed for the upcoming North Division playoffs. After a 2-1 win on Tuesday in Springfield, Himley (5’8/165) had a goal and two assists in a 5-3 win over the Tomahawks on Friday. One night later, Himley scored the game-winning goal in a 4-1 win over Johnstown. For the season, Himley led the Jets in scoring with 49 points in 59 games played this season. “Jordan has been a go-to guy all season long and shows the leadership you want from a captain. He always seems to come up with a big goal that changes momentum. He is going to do well at the next level,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ian Janco, D, Janesville Jets – Max Kalter, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Max Milosek, G, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Mike Severson, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – TJ Stuntz, F, Michigan Warriors
South Division Star of the Week: Mike Davis, forward, Amarillo Bulls
For the third year in a row, the Amarillo Bulls won the South Division regular season title and for all three of those years forward Mike Davis, 20, has been a part of the team. Davis (5’9/185) brought his ‘A’ game this weekend as the Bulls picked up a series sweep in Odessa. The native of Newark, Delaware had five points (4 goals, 1 assist) in the two wins. On Friday, Davis had a hat-trick and an assist in an 8-2 win. On Saturday, Davis scored again in a 3-2 win. For the season, Davis led the Bulls in scoring with 63 points in 60 games played. The 63 points ranked 3rd in the NAHL this season.” Mike is a great leader. He understands how to play under pressure. He took the team on his back this weekend and really showed what type of leader he is. He is the heart and soul of this team,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Bruneteau, F, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees – Jasen Fernsler, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Kyle Gattelaro, F, Amarillo Bulls – Zach Glienke, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Todd Koritzinsky, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Wes Michaud, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Forbes Ploszaj, G, Corpus Christi IceRays – Roman Uchyn, F, Lone Star Brahmas
