NAHL announces Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week
(clockwise from top left): Honors this week go to Brookings goalie Josh Boyko, Johnstown forward Dalton Hunter, Magicians defenseman Matt Denman and Amarillo forward Kosta Likourezos.
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending September 25, 2016. The Easton Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2016-17 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: Josh Boyko, goaltender, Brookings Blizzard
Brookings goalie Josh Boyko, 19, had quite the NAHL debut last week as he helped the Blizzard to a 3-0-1 record at the NAHL Showcase. The 5’11/170 lbs. netminder from Mississauga, ON, played in two games and faced a total of 95 shots and made 93 saves, allowing just two goals. He made 60 saves in a shootout loss to Amarillo on Wednesday and made 33 saves in a win over Corpus Christi on Friday. “We knew Josh is a gamer and he lived up to that this past week at the Showcase. He was consistent, solid and show a lot of poise in net,” said Brookings head coach Dan Daikawa.
2nd Star: Lucas Murray, G, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cade Bordchardt, F, Brookings Blizzard – Zack Bross, F, Minot Minotauros – Camden Haugenoe, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Parker Mismash, F, Bismarck Bobcats
East Division Star of the Week: Dalton Hunter, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
Johnstown forward Dalton Hunter, 19, had another big week, helping the Tomahawks to a 3-1 record at the NAHL Showcase. The 6’3/200 lbs native of Greensburg, PA, who turns 19 today, had six points in four games at the event. He has recorded a points in each of Johnstown’s six games to date and leads the club with nine points. “Dalton's start to our season has been fantastic. He followed up his strong opening weekend with an even better showing at the NAHL Showcase. He played big minutes for us and chipped in timely points to help our club have a pretty good week in Blaine. He is averaging a goal per game and over a point per game overall in the early part of the season. I am very proud of the way he has pushed himself to take the next step in his play, and I am really looking forward to watching him continue to grow and help our team as our season progresses,” said Johnstown head coach Mike Letizia.
2nd Star: Marek Mitens, G, Aston Rebels
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Curtis Carlson, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights – Colt Hanks, G, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights – Shane McMahan, F, Aston Rebels
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Matt Denman, defenseman, Minnesota Magicians
Magicians defenseman Matt Denman, 18, helped his team to a 2-0-2 record at the NAHL Showcase and played well in all four games. The 6’0/175 lbs. native of Prior Lake, MN, totaled three points and was +1 in the four games. After playing for Prior Lake High School last season Denman spent the remainder of the season with the Magicians in 2015-16, recording five points in 14 games played. “Matt has had a great start to the season and performed very well at the Showcase. He has been great for us on the power play and is getting better every day,” said Magicians head coach Scott Meyer.
2nd Star: Joey Sofo, F, Coulee Region Chill
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Josh Bell, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Brennan Blaszczak, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Alex Falconer, F, Coulee Region Chill – Ryan Kero, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Luke Orysiuk, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Kosta Likourezos, forward Amarillo Bulls
Amarillo forward Kosta Likourezos, 19, has taken the NAHL by storm and this past week was a perfect example as he led his Bulls to a 3-0-1 record at the NAHL Showcase. The 6’0/174 lbs. native of Toronto, ON, had nine points in four games and was a +5 in the event. His 12 points currently leads all NAHL players in scoring. “Kosta was an impact player at the Showcase and showed he is going to be a great offensive talent in the NAHL. He continues to find the back of the net and is a pure goal scorer. He knows what a great product the NAHL is as a whole and that’s why he is here and ultimately we hope it results in an NCAA Division I commitment,” said Amarillo head coach Matt Nicholson.
2nd Star: Nikita Babintsev, G, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Erik Gordon, G, Lone Star Brahmas – Max Harper, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Andrew Hart, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Austin Kamer, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Evan Moyse, G, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Aleksi Poikola, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Brad Power, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Tomas Vomacka, G, Corpus Christi IceRays
