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 21, 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.
Watch: Highlights of this week's Stars of the Week
Central Division Star of the Week: Mitch Machlitt, forward, Aberdeen Wings
The Aberdeen Wings are tied for the Central Division lead thanks to a 6-0-1 run in their last seven games. This weekend, it was forward Mitch Machlitt, 19, who was the major contributor. The 6’2/180 lbs. native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, led the Wings with five points in a two-game road sweep in Chippewa Falls against the Steel. On Friday, Machlitt had a pair of assists in a 4-1 win and then on Saturday, he had a goal and two assists in a 7-1 win. He was also a +4 on the weekend. In 10 games played this season, Machlitt has seven points. “Mitch has been the player we drafted since Day 1. He finds a way to contribute every night in many different ways. This weekend’s output was a result of hard work,” said Wings head coach Scott Langer.
2nd Star: Kyle McClellan, G, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jon Bendorf, F, Aberdeen Wings – Luke Dow, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Nick Grabko, G, Minot Minotauros – Isaac Kobienia, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Sam Malinski, D, Bismarck Bobcats – Jed Pietila, D, Austin Bruins – John Roberts, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Wilmer Skoog, F, Minot Minotauros
East Division Star of the Week: Matt Rutigliano, forward, Northeast Generals
Northeast Generals forward Matt Rutigliano, 20, helped his club to a weekend split on the road against the New Jersey Titans this past weekend. The 5’11/182 lbs. native of Upton, Massachusetts, had three points (all goals) and was a +3 during the two games. On Friday, Rutigliano had two goals in a 6-3 loss and then on Saturday, he recorded another goal in a 5-2 win. For the season, Rutigliano us second on the team in scoring with 10 points in 11 games played. “Matt has done an amazing job both on and off the ice. As a new Captain he has taken the team and helped it forge a great identity. That impact has been immense, as has his play. His goals this weekend were a big reason we won and his impact on games is consistently great,” said Generals head coach Joe Lovell.
2nd Star: Carter McPhail, G, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Patrick Choi, F, Maryland Black Bears – Cooper Lukenda, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Connor Pooley, F, Maryland Black Bears
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Connor Scahill, defenseman, Kenai River Brown Bears
The Kenai River Brown Bears picked up a weekend road split in Topeka against the Pilots this past weekend and in the process, snapped a three-game losing streak. 19-year-old defenseman Connor Scahill was big for his team on both ends of the ice. The 6’0/185 lbs. native of Port Huron, Michigan, had three points and was a +3 during the weekend. On Friday, Scahill scored both Brown Bears goals in a close 3-2 loss. On Saturday, he picked up an assist in a 5-2 win. For the season, Scahill has nine points in 13 games played. “Connor has made a big step in his development in his second year in the league. Not only has he produced offensively, but he has helped shore up our defensive zone and special teams. We are very happy for him to win this award, but he as well as our team understand that things like this will keep happening with team success,” said Brown Bears head coach Josh Petrich.
2nd Star: Jack Johnston, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cole Brady, G, Janesville Jets – Jackson Jutting, F, Minnesota Magicians – Luke Mobley, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Michael Spethmann, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Jack Vincent, F, Janesville Jets
South Division Star of the Week: Michal Stinil, forward, Lone Star Brahmas
The Lone Star Brahmas got back on the right track this past weekend with a home sweep of the Odessa Jackalopes. Leading the way was 19-year-old forward Michal Stinil. The 6’0/175 lbs. native of Decin, Czech Republic, had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and was a +1 in the two wins. Stinil, who is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for American International College, had a goal and two assists in Friday’s 3-1 win, and then on Saturday, he had a power play goal in a 7-5 win. For the season, Stinil is tied for the team lead in scoring with nine points in 10 games played. “Michal is starting to play the right way with the team concept in mind. He has a very good shot and an elite skill set,” said Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong.
2nd Star: Emil Gransoe, G, Topeka Pilots
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brett Abdelnour, F, Amarillo Bulls – Nick Anderson, D, Amarillo Bulls – Billy Feczko, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Austin Grzenia, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Dalls Tulik, F, Topeka Pilots – Conor Witherspoon, F, Shreveport Mudbugs
