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 January 26, 2020. 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: Stars of the Week video for January 20-26
Central Division Star of the Week: Ben Garrity, Goaltender, Minot Minotauros
Minot Minotauros goaltender Ben Garrity, 20, led his club to a weekend home-and-home sweep of the Bismarck Bobcats. The 6’2/184 lbs. native of Rosemount, Minnesota, allowed just three goals in the weekend series, stopping 64 of a possible 67 shots. On Friday, Garrity made 33 saves in a 3-2 overtime win, and then on Saturday, he made 31 saves in a 2-1 win. For the season, Garrity has a 16-8-3 record with a 3.00 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. “It was great to have Ben back in our lineup this weekend coming off an injury. He was at the top of his game both nights. Ben had his fingerprints all over our two wins this weekend versus a tough opponent in Bismarck. He’s very calm in the net and doesn’t get rattled. He was very strong in preserving our victory on Saturday, defending a 6 on 3 in the final 90 seconds of the game,” said Minot head coach Marty Murray.
2nd Star: Tyler Watkins, F, Minnesota Wilderness
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mack Byers, F, Aberdeen Wings – Jacob Marti, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Andrew Miller, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Alex Murray, D, St. Cloud Blizzard – Josef Mysak, D, Austin Bruins – Cade Neilson, F, Aberdeen Wings – Bram Scheerer, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Dante Sheriff, F, Austin Bruins – Cody Sherman, F, Minot Minotauros
East Division Star of the Week: Jonathan Young, Forward, Northeast Generals
Northeast Generals forward Jonathan Young, 19, helped his club stay in the East Division playoff hunt with a three-game home sweep of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. The 6’2/200 lbs. native of Pelham, New Hampshire had five points in the weekend series. On Friday, Young scored a goal in overtime in a 5-4 win. On Saturday, he scored the game-winning goal in overtime in a 4-3 win. On Sunday, he had the game-winning goal and two assists in a 4-2 win. For the season, Young is currently tied for 2nd in team scoring with 27 points in 41 games played. He has nine points in nine games played this season with the Generals. “Jonathan was acquired based on his ability to score goals and fit into our locker room culture. He has been great since day one. He is a great kid who works really hard, and he has a knack for not only scoring, but scoring big goals in key situations. He was instrumental in us having a huge weekend and we look forward to continued success with him as a big part,” said Generals head coach Bryan Erikson.
2nd Star: Eric Olson, F, Jamestown Rebels
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Cameron, F, New Jersey Titans – Trent Grimshaw, F, Maine Nordiques – Liam McCanney, F, Northeast Generals – Andrew Murphy, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Michael Outzen, F, New Jersey Titans – Casper Soderling, D, Maine Nordiques – Reed Stark, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Noah West, G, Jamestown Rebels
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Lucas Erickson, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
The Fairbanks Ice Dogs kept their winning streak and unbeaten streak alive this weekend with two more wins at home over the Maine Nordiques. Ice Dogs defenseman Lucas Erickson, 20, helped his team’s cause with five points on the weekend and a +6 rating. On Friday, the 6’2/200 lbs. native of Woodbury, Minnesota, had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 5-2 win. On Saturday, the St. Lawrence recruit had a goal and two assists in a 6-2 win. In just 20 games played this season, Erickson has put up 15 points. “Lucas was back in to form this week after being out the last two months. He gives us many more options with our back end and provides leadership,” said Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart.
2nd Star: Charlie Schoen, F, Janesville Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Deweese, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Hunter Longhi, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Isaac Moberg, Forward, Chippewa Steel - Peter Morgan, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Laudon Pollinger, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Charlie Schoen, F, Janesville Jets – Billy Simms, D, Springfield Jr. Blues – Riley Sims, G, Janesville Jets
South Division Star of the Week: Max Gutjahr, Goaltender, Amarillo Bulls
Amarillo Bulls goalie Max Gutjahr, 20, was perfect in his two starts this weekend as the Bulls picked up a three-game weekend road sweep of the Odessa Jackalopes. The 6’0/175 lbs. native of Appleton, Wisconsin, did not allow a goal in his two starts during the weekend, stopping 20 shots in the process. For the season, Gutjahr has a sparkling 16-3-0 record with a 1.67 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. “We are very proud of Max for his efforts this weekend. He was challenged in a number of different ways and responded in an excellent way. Max is extremely calm and quiet in the net, and our team has an outstanding confidence when he is back there. I am excited to continue to watch Max develop and grow,” said Bulls head coach Rocky Russo.
2nd Star: Connor Zilisch, F, Topeka Pilots
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Michael Muschitiello, F, Topeka Pilots – Niclas Puikkonen, F, Amarillo Bulls – Zach Stern, G, Odessa Jackalopes
