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 September 21, 2014. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2014-15 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: Trevor Boyd, forward, Austin Bruins
For the second year in a row, the Austin Bruins were crowned NAHL Showcase Champions. Leading the way for the Bruins was forward Trevor Boyd. Now in his third NAHL season, Boyd (6’3/200) is a playmaker from Muskegon, Michigan. The 20-year-old racked up seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) in the four wins and was a +7. Boyd registered multiple points in three of the four wins, which included a goal and assist in an 8-2 win over Johnstown. He also had games with multiple assists in wins over Fairbanks and Michigan. “Trevor is a very good position player and tends to find himself in the right areas,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok. “He has had a long road to this point, but the success he has had is because of hard work and persistence.”
2nd Star: Beau Michaud, F, Brookings Blizzard
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Bitsakis, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Kyle Haak, F, Aberdeen Wings - Ronnie Hein, F, Aberdeen Wings – Blake Lizotte, D, Minot Minotauros – Christian Mohs, F, Minot Minotauros - Cullen Willox, F, Bismarck Bobcats
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Adam Lovick, forward, Coulee Region Chill
Now in his third season in the NAHL, Chill forward Adam Lovick, 20, helped the Chill to a 2-1-1 record at the NAHL Showcase. The native of Lino Lakes, Minnesota totaled eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) in the four games and was a +4. Lovick (6’0/185) began the event in style with a five point game in a 5-2 win over Odessa. He had a multiple point game in the next contest, a win against Rio Grande Valley. He also chipped in a goal in a 3-2 shootout loss on the final day against Aberdeen. “Adam was awesome at the Showcase and really has become a leader of this team,” said Chill head coach AJ Degenhardt. “I think he has gotten to the point where he is in his development because he is a very hard worker.”
2nd Star: Richard Zehnal, F, Coulee Region Chill
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Andrews, D, Kenai River Brown Bears – Nick Klishko, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
North Division Star of the Week: Jack Berry, goaltender, Soo Eagles
The Soo Eagles may have found themselves a keeper in 18-year-old goalie Jack Berry. The rookie and native of Holly, Michigan played very well at the NAHL Showcase, helping the Eagles to a 3-1 record and 1st place in the North Division. Berry started in two games and made an appearance in a third. Berry (6’2/185) won his first NAHL start as he stopped 19 of 20 shots that came his way in a 3-1 win over Minot. After posting a perfect period against Brookings in a relief role, Berry then made 20 saves in a 5-0 shutout win over the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. He has allowed just one goal on 43 shots to date. “Jack has looked good in practice and we were eager to see what he could do. I thought he got stronger as the games went along. He players under control and mature for a younger goalie,” said Soo head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.
2nd Star: Sandis Zolmanis, F, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Coleman, F, Keystone Ice Miners – Joe Drabin, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Matt Jones, F, Keystone Ice Miners – Matt Jurusik, G, Janesville Jets – Zach Lavalle, F, Janesville Jets
South Division Star of the Week: Matej Tomek, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners
Every NAHL Showcase seems to produce breakout stars and such was the case for 17-year-old goalie Matej Tomek of the Topeka RoadRunners. Topeka went undefeated in the event thanks in large part to Tomek (6’3/180), who posted shutouts in both of his starts. On Thursday, the native of Bratislava, Slovakia made 27 saves in a 4-0 win against Johnstown. The next day, Tomek made 19 saves in a 4-0 win over the Michigan Warriors. Tomek’s save percentage of 97.3% and goals against average of .67 rank 2nd in both catagories in NAHL goaltending. “Matej may be young, but he is a very mature, very composed and very calm goalie for someone who is just 17-years-old,” said Topeka head coach Scott Langer. “He has great rebound control and he is a tremendous competitor when he steps onto that ice.”
2nd Star: Derek Brown, F, Odessa Jackalopes
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kevin Charyszyn, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Anthony Cortese, D, Corpus Christi IceRays – Jasen Fernsler, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Kenny Hausinger, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Connor Kelly, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Austin Shaw, G, Wichita Falls Wildcats
