NAHL announces Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending October 14, 2018. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2018-19 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.
Video: NAHL Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week for October 8-14
Central Division Star of the Week: Keenan Lund, forward, Minot Minotauros
Minot Minotauros forward Keenan Lund, 20, helped his team stay right in the thick of the Central Division leaders with a road split in Aberdeen over the weekend. The 5’11/183 lbs. native of Sartell, Minnesota, had three more points (all assists) in the two games during the weekend and now sits 2nd in NAHL scoring with 15 points through his first 10 games. On Friday, Lund had two assists, including on the overtime-winner in a 4-3 overtime win. On Saturday, he recorded an assist in Minot’s lone goal in a 3-1 loss. “Keenan had another strong weekend. His speed generates opportunities for him and is a player we rely on heavily night in and night out. He is garnering plenty of NCAA Division I interest right now and I firmly believe he’s only going to continue to get better and better,” said Minot head coach Marty Murray.
2nd Star:
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Fritz Belisle, F, Minot Minotauros – Luke Dow, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Ian Mageau, F, Austin Bruins – Brett Miller, G, Austin Bruins – Ondrej Trejbal, D, Minnesota Wilderness - Matt Vernon, G, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Adrian Danchenko, forward, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights and forward Adrian Danchenko, 19, took two of three games in their three-game set against the Northeast Generals this past weekend. The 6’3/195 lbs. native of Palm City, Florida, had seven points in the three games, which included recording at least a goal and an assist in each of the three outings. That included a one goal, two assist effort in a 4-1 win on Thursday to open the series. The Alabama-Huntsville recruit now has nine points in his first six NAHL games played this season. “Adrian has provided a huge boost to our team since arriving to town. He is a threat in all situations throughout a game as evidenced by him scoring power play, short handed, and even strength goals this weekend. His experience on our team as a three-year NAHL veteran is a big reason for our early season success,” said Knights head coach Tom Kowal.
2nd Star: Samuel Solensky, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kyle Jeffers, F, New Jersey Titans – Joe Nagle, D, Northeast Generals – Ryan Naumovski, F, New Jersey Titans – Trevor Smith, F, Northeast Generals – Jordan Strand, D, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Cole Brady, goaltender, Janesville Jets
The Janesville Jets got back on track this weekend and right back in the thick of the Midwest Division leaders thanks to a series road sweep of the Kenai River Brown Bears. Backstopping the team in both wins was 17-year-old goaltender and Arizona State recruit Cole Brady. The 6’5/165 lbs. native of Toronto, Ontario, allowed just two goals all weekend, stopped 75 of 77 shots in the process. That included 34 saves on Friday’s 2-1 win and 41 saves in Saturday’s 2-1 shootout win, where he also stopped all three Kenai River shooters. “Cole was very solid and gave us a chance to win both nights. He made big timely saves when needed and controlled the game with his play. His confidence in net carried over to the players on the ice during the game. He showed his talents in the shoot out win on Saturday with some very athletic saves,” said Jets head coach Gary Shuchuk.
2nd Star: Cam Buhl, F, Minnesota Magicians
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Johan Bok, D, Kenai River Brown Bears - Max Brainin, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Jack Johnston, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Chris Konin, F, Minnesota Magicians – Zach Krajnik, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Brandon Puricelli, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Nate Reid, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Jack Johnson, forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
The Shreveport Mudbugs made it be known this weekend that they have no plans on giving up their South Division crown from last year, which was evident in their weekend home sweep of the South Division-leading Amarillo Bulls. Mudbugs forward Jack Johnson, 20, had a big weekend for his team, recording four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and a +4 rating in the two wins. On Friday, the 6’0/185 lbs. native of Bemidji, Minnesota, assisted on the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win and on Saturday, he scored twice and added an assist in a 5-4 shootout win. For the season, Johnson leads the Mudbugs in scoring with 12 points in 10 games played. “Jack’s game has steadily improved over the first 10 games and is becoming a quality 200-foot player. His ability to maintain possession of the puck and visualize the ice puts him in great situations to contribute offensively,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.
2nd Star: Matt Guerra, F, Lone Star Brahmas
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Maiszon Balboa, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Sam Best, G, Corpus Christi IceRays – Bud Winter, F, Corpus Christi IceRays
