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 February 17, 2019. 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.
Central Division Star of the Week: Jack Johnson, forward, Minnesota Wilderness
Minnesota Wilderness forward Jack Johnson, 20, stepped his game up this past weekend as the 6’0/185 lbs. native of Bemidji, Minnesota, led the Wilderness to two wins in a weekend road sweep in Bismarck against the Bobcats. Johnson had thee goals in the series, which included two goals, including the overtime-winner in Friday’s 5-4 win, and then on Saturday he scored the game-tying goal with :02 seconds remaining in regulation in a 2-1 shootout win. For the season, Johnson leads the Wilderness in scoring with 40 points in 45 games played. “Since coming over from Shreveport, Jack has been a great fit. He had a great weekend and scored some big goals for us in big moments. We desperately needed the points and he stepped up his game in a big way,” said Wilderness head coach Dave Boitz.
2nd Star: Brad Belisle, F, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ben Almquist, F, Austin Bruins – Dylan Johnson, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Atticus Kelley, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Jacob Marti, F, Bismarck Bobcats – David Raisanen, F, Minot Minotauros – Dante Sheriff, F, Austin Bruins – Nic Sicoly, F, Aberdeen Wings – Willmer Skoog, F, Minot Minotauros
East Division Star of the Week: Cam Hebert, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
Robert Morris commit and Johnstown Tomahawks forward Cam Hebert, 19, helped the 1st place Tomahawks pick up three of four points this past weekend in a home-and-home series against the 2nd place Jamestown Rebels. The 6’1/175 lbs. native of St. Andrews West, Ontario, scored four goals in the two games and was a +4. On Wednesday, Hebert had both goals in a 3-2 overtime loss, and then on Friday, he scored two more goals in a 7-6 overtime win. For the season, Hebert is 3rd in team scoring with 64 points in 47 games. “Cam has always been very consistent with his play and this past weekend was a good example of that. We had some big games against a really good opponent in Jamestown and he came to play both nights. He is a big part of our success and scoring depth,” said Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia.
2nd Star: Nick Stuckless, F, Jamestown Rebels
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Sam Anzai, F, Jamestown Rebels – Roman Kraemer, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Nate Reid, goaltender, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Another week, another Fairbanks Ice Dogs goaltender earning star of the week honors. This past weekend it was 18-year-old netminder Nate Reid earning the honors as the 6’2/190 lbs. native of Madison, Wisconsin, posted back-to-back shutouts as the Ice Dogs picked up a weekend road sweep in Minnesota against the Magicians. On Friday, Reid had 16 saves in a 3-0 win and then on Saturday, Reid made 20 saves in another 3-0 win. The shutouts were Reid’s 4th and 5th respectively this season. Currently, Reid’s goalless streak has reached 132 minutes and 52 seconds. For the season, Reid has a 16-10-1 record with a 2.12 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. “We like our goaltending depth. Nate showed his ability this weekend and also showed that he can play in tough situations and earn the confidence of his teammates,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.
2nd Star: Cole Brady, G, Janesville Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Justin Engelkes, F, Janesville Jets – Lucas Kucera, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Luke Mobley, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Jack Williams, G, Springfield Jr. Blues
South Division Star of the Week: Blake Evennou, defenseman, Lone Star Brahmas
Ferris State University commit and Lone Star Brahmas defenseman Blake Evennou, 20, was a big factor this weekend as the Brahmas took three of four points in their home series against the Topeka Pilots. The 5’9/180 lbs. native of Macomb, Michigan, had four points in two games, which included two goals and two assists. On Friday, Evennou had a goal and two assists in a 5-3 win, and then on Saturday he recorded another goal in a 3-2 overtime loss. For the season, Evennou leads all Brahmas defensemen in scoring with 32 points in 42 games, which also ranks him tied for 7th in scoring among all NAHL defensemen. “Blake has been one of our most consistent players all season long and is building on his success. We look forward to more productive play from him the rest of the season,” said Lone Star head coach Dan Wildfong.
2nd Star: Anthony Firriolo, D, Corpus Christi IceRays
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Valdemar Ahlberg, F, Topeka Pilots – Leo Chuard, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – McLean Dorr, G, Topeka Pilots – Jay Feiwell, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Matt Guerra, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Mitch Walinski, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Joe Winkelmann, F, Odessa Jackalopes
