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 Hockey for the week ending October 18, 2015. The Easton Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2015-16 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 Alexander, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
The Bismarck Bobcats snapped their losing skid this past weekend with two convincing road wins in Aberdeen and Brookings. 17-year-old rookie forward Nick Alexander was a big factor in both Bobcats wins. On Friday, the native of Dallas, TX, scored two goals, including the game-winner as the Bobcats defeated the Aberdeen Wings, 5-2. On Saturday, Alexander (6’1/180) had two more goals and another game-winner as the Bobcats defeated the Blizzard in Brookings, 5-2. Alexander was also a +4 on the weekend. All four of his points were goals, including both game-winners. "Nick is a great young player that has made the adjustment to playing in the NAHL very well. His ability to work hard in some tough areas on the ice turned into goals this weekend, and he's a big reason we picked up four points in the division,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.
2nd Star: James LaDouce, D, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Oskars Batna, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Austin Rueschhoff, F, Austin Bruins – Johnny Walker, F, Minot Minotauros
East Division Star of the Week: Jack Berry, goalie, New Jersey Titans
New Jersey Titans goalie Jack Berry, 19, helped his team increase their 1st place lead in the East Division with a weekend road sweep of the Johnstown Tomahawks. For the weekend, Berry (6’2/185) faced 60 shots and stopped 55 of them. On Friday, the native of Holly, MI made 29 saves in a 6-5 overtime win by the Titans. On Saturday, Berry was perfect in a 26-save shutout of the Tomahawks in a 3-0 win. For the season, Berry has a 5-2-1 record with a 2.33 goals against average and 91.8% save percentage. “Jack has been instrumental in our team success we feel he gives us a chance to win every night. He is a competitor and a leader on our team and when one of your hardest working players is between the pipes good results follow,” said Titans head coach Rich McKenna.
2nd Star: Bruno Birzitis, F, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Carson Knop, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights - Grant Valentine, G, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Tyler Cline, forward, Minnesota Wilderness
With their winning streak now at six straight games, the Minnesota Wilderness have been climbing the Midwest standings, which included two wins this past week against their intra-state rival, Minnesota Magicians. Veteran forward and Alaska-Fairbanks recruit Tyler Cline, 20, was an offensive star this past week as the native of Blaine, MN recorded seven points in the two wins. On Thursday, Cline (5’9/180) had two goals, including the game-winner, and two assists in a 4-2 win over the Magicians. On Saturday, Cline had two more goals and an assist in a 4-1 road win against the Magicians. He was also a +5 during the weekend. Cline’s 17 points leads the Wilderness in scoring and is one back of the NAHL scoring lead. “Tyler has been I big offensive boast for our team since returning to the line-up. His leadership and confidence has been very helpful for our young guys,” said Wilderness head coach Corey Millen.
2nd Star: Jack Bresser, F, Janesville Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Niko Della Maggorie, G, Springfield Jr. Blues – Chase Munroe, G, Minnesota Wilderness – Trevor Stone, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Martin Sundberg, F, Janesville Jets
South Division Star of the Week: Anton Martinsson, goalie, Amarillo Bulls
A big factor behind the Amarillo Bulls first sweep of the season was veteran goalie Anton Martinsson. The 19-year-old native of Klippan, Sweden, was outstanding in a weekend home sweep of the Corpus Christi IceRays, which also snapped Amarillo’s losing streak. On Friday, Martinsson (6’1/181) made 39 saves in a 5-2 win. On Saturday, he made 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime win, which including stopping a penalty shot in overtime. For the weekend, Martinsson stopped 80 of 83 shots that came his way. He currently is 9th in the NAHL with a 92.6% save percentage. “Our organization is very pleased to see that Anton has been voted South Division Player of the Week. No one on our team is more deserving of the honor than Marti. He has arguably been our best player to this point during the year and hands down was our best player on the weekend,” said Amarillo head coach Matt Nicholson.
2nd Star: Austin Albrecht, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Jennings, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Nikita Litviak, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Johan Lundgren, F, Amarillo Bulls – Andy McGlynn, F, Corpus Christi IceRays
