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 September 22, 2019. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2019-20 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: Division Stars of the Week Video
Central Division Star of the Week: Ryan Ullan, goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats
It was an impressive return to the NAHL for Bismarck Bobcats goalie Ryan Ullan. The 19-year-old native of Hibbing, Minnesota, made his return to the Bobcats cage during the NAHL Showcase and put up some outstanding stats. Ullan (6’2/185) posted a 2-0 record and allowed just a single goal in three appearances, stopped 55 of 56 shots for a .40 goals against average and .982 save percentage. On Wednesday, the Northern Michigan commit stopped 17 of 18 shots in a 5-1 win over New Mexico. Two days later, he came in relief to stop all 15 shots he saw in a 4-0 loss to Lone Star. On the final day, he posted a 23-save shutout against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. “It is great to have Ryan back in Bismarck. He has proven he can be a great goalie in this league and he is showing what he is capable of again. He a big addition after losing Johnny Roberts from last year to the NCAA Division 1 level,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.
2nd Star: Ryan Green, F, St. Cloud Blizzard
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jakon Breault, F, Aberdeen Wings – Ben Garrity, G, Minot Minotauros – Natan Vertes, F, Aberdeen Wings – Brady Hunter, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Austin Jouppi, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Ryan Ouellette, G, Minnesota Wilderness – Sam Skinner, D, Minot Minotauros – Ben Ward, F, St. Cloud Blizzard
East Division Star of the Week: Noah Kane, forward, Maine Nordiques
Maine Nordiques forward Noah Kane, 19, continued his hot start to the season by leading the Nords to a 2-2 record at the NAHL Showcase and record at least a point in all four games. The 5’11/180 lbs. native of South Buffalo, New York, had six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the four games. That included a three-point effort in a 5-3 loss to St. Cloud. For the season, Kane is 2nd in league scoring to date with 10 points in six games. “Noah exemplifies everything it means to be a Nordique, and we are proud of him for being recognized as the division’s player of the week. Not only did Noah produce offensively for our team, he was a key contributor on our penalty kill and excelled in all areas of the game. His competitiveness and leadership on and off the ice were also key contributing factors in Noah being named the first ever Nordique Captain, something I know he takes great pride in. We look forward to his continued development and success with our Organization as the season continues,” said Nordiques head coach Nolan Howe.
2nd Star: Noah West, G, Jamestown Rebels
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cooper Black, G, Maryland Black Bears – Nate Clark, D, Jamestown Rebels – Christian Gorscak, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Kyler Head, F, New Jersey Titans – Patrick Pugliese, G, New Jersey Titans – Brayden Stannard, F, Maryland Black Bears – Bennett Stockdale, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Grant Riley, goaltender, Janesville Jets
It was a breakout Showcase for Janesville Jets rookie netminder Grant Riley. The 17-year-old from Rochester, New York, posted a 2-0-0 record in the event and allowed just a single goal. On Thursday, Riley (6’4/195) posted his first career NAHL shutout as he made 16 saves in a 4-0 win over the Austin Bruins. On Saturday, he stopped 17 of 18 shots in a 2-1 overtime win against the St. Cloud Blizzard. “Grant had an excellent showing at the 2019 NAHL showcase. He showed his ability to be a great future NCAA Division 1 and NHL goalie as 2002 birth year. Lastly, what struck me most was how calm and confident he played under pressure,” said Jets head coach Corey Leivermann.
2nd Star: Grant Boldt, G, Chippewa Steel
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Adisen Brueck, F, Springfield Jr. Blues - Jimmy Doyle, F, Minnesota Magicians – Lucas Erickson, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Killian Kiecker-Olson, F, Chippewa Steel – Nick Nardella, F, Janesville Jets – Max Osborne, D, Springfield Jr. Blues – Marko Reitenberger, F, Minnesota Magicians – Austin Ryman, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Matt Rickard, defenseman, Lone Star Brahmas
The Lone Star Brahmas put together the top record at the 2019 NAHL Showcase, posting a perfect 4-0 mark in four games. Defenseman Matt Rickard, 20, got his season off to a great start by posting five points in the four wins, which included a point in at least every game. On Wednesday, the 6’1/180 lbs native of Coventry, Rhode Island, had a goal in a 5-4 win over Aberdeen. On Saturday, he had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the WBS Knights. “I think Matt is a defenseman that a lot of NCAA Division 1 schools are taking an interest in because of his skating and offensive ability, which he showed off at the Showcase. We are very excited to watch his progression and development throughout the year,” said Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong.
2nd Star: Jacob Smith, F, Shreveport Mudbugs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Allen, F, Amarillo Bulls – Maiszon Balboa, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Erik Bargholtz, F, Corpus Christi IceRays - Ryan Coughlin, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Max Gutjahr, G, Amarillo Bulls – Michael Muschitiello, F, Topeka Pilots – Michal Stinil, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Connor Zilisch, F, Topeka Pilots
