NAHL announces Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week
Honors this week go to Austin forward Justin Misiak (Central), Northeast defenseman Jackson Hartje (East), Kenai River forward Luke Radetic (Midwest) and Shreveport forward Kieran Durgan (South).
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending November 27, 2016. The Bauer 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: Justin Misiak, forward, Austin Bruins
Austin Bruins forward Justin Misiak, 20, had a productive week as the native of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in three games during the week. On Wednesday, Misiak (5’10/170) had a goal in a 3-2 shootout win in Janesville against the Jets. On Friday, he had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 loss in Janesville. He wrapped up his week with an assist in a 3-2 home win over the Minnesota Magicians on Saturday. For the season, Misiak is 2nd in team scoring with 18 points in 22 games played. “Justin has been a consistent hard-working, character player for our team the past week. His overall play has been a tremendous asset to us in a stretch of crucial games,” said Bruins head coach Kyle Grabowski.
2nd Star: Nick Olczyk, F, Minnesota Wilderness
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Luke Dow, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Kevin Fitzgerald, F, Aberdeen Wings – Tobias Fladeby, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Jared Resseguie, F, Bismarck Bobcats
East Division Star of the Week: Jackson Hartje, defenseman, Northeast Generals
The Northeast Generals opened up their new arena this past weekend with two high-scoring games against the New Jersey Titans. Despite a close 8-6 loss on Friday and 8-7 overtime loss on Saturday, the signs of offense were encouraging for the first year NAHL team. Defenseman Jackson Hartje, 20, played a big role in the offensive output as the native of Detroit, Michigan, recorded six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in the two games. On Friday, Hartje (6’0/176) had two goals in the 8-6 loss and on Saturday, he scored two more goals and added two assists in the 8-7 overtime loss. In just seven games this season, is tied for 3rd on the team in points with nine. “Jake is a veteran players who has been outstanding since joining us. He is a great kid in and out of the locker room and has the full respect of the players and coaching staff. His success is a direct result of the hard work he puts in every day,” said Northeast head coach Bryan Erikson.
2nd Star: Dalton Hunter, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Colin Bilek, F, Northeast Generals – Logan Stork, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Luke Radetic, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears
The Kenai River Brown Bears got a big three-game weekend home sweep of their in-state rivals, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs this past weekend. Veteran forward Luke Radetic, 19, exploded for eight points in the series, which included five goals, three assists and a +6 rating. On Friday, the native of Chesterfield, Missouri, had a goal in a 5-2 win. On Saturday, Radetic (5’11/180) had two goals and two assists in a 6-3 win and on Sunday, he added two more goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in a 6-2 win to complete the sweep. For the season, Radetic is 2nd on the team in scoring with 16 points in 13 games played. “Luke is working hard on his defensive play and that is paying off in the offensive zone. He came to the team with a great attitude, a great work ethic and a renewed energy for the game, so he is just enjoying playing. He has been getting better everyday,” said Brown Bears head coach Jeff Worlton.
2nd Star: Mike Robinson, G, Springfield Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Robbie Goor, G, Kenai River Brown Bears - Larry Jungwirth, F, Coulee Region Chill – Ryan Kero, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Matt Long, F, Springfield Jr. Blues - Nolan Schaeffer, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Todd Scott, G, Coulee Region Chill
South Division Star of the Week: Kieran Durgan, forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport Mudbugs forward Kieran Durgan, 19, had a big weekend as the Mudbugs split their home-and-home series with the division-leading Lone Star Brahmas. The native of St. John’s, Michigan, recorded six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the two games and was a +4. On Friday, Durgan (6’1/190) had a goal and two assists in a 4-3 road loss at Lone Star. The next night, Durgan scored two goals, including the game-winner, and added an assist in a 5-2 home win over the Brahmas. In 21 games played this season, the former NAPHL player has 16 points. “Kieran is a very competitive, hard-skating forward who sees the ice well and goes to the hard areas of the rink. Most importantly, he is a diligent person whose leadership on and off the ice has helped lay the foundation of our culture here in Shreveport,” said Mudbugs head coach Karlis Zirnis.
2nd Star: Ryan Burnett, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Croix Evingson, D, Shreveport Mudbugs – Cole Filler, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Alex Frye, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Cole Gammer, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Steven Ipri, F, Amarillo Bulls – Kosta Likourezos, F, Amarillo Bulls – Marcus Russell, F, Topeka RoadRunners – CJ Walker, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats
