NAHL announces Bauer Hockey 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 14, 2021. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2020-21 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: NAHL Stars of the Week highlights for February 8-14
Central Division Star of the Week: Jack Westlund, Forward, Minot Minotauros
As the Minotauros extended their winning streak to six straight games this past weekend with a sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness, forward Jack Westlund, 20, came through in a big way during the two games. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of Alexandria, MN, recorded the game-winning goal in each of the two wins and was +2 during the weekend. On Friday, he scored the game-winning goal in a 3-2 win, and then on Saturday, he added another game-winning goal in a 5-1 win. For the season, Westlund is 2nd in team scoring with 13 points in 18 games played. “Jack is a big part success and leadership. Jack is coming off a bad ankle injury so for him to do what he did is huge. He scored some big goals for us this weekend. Jack works hard every day and will be a true asset to a college program,” said Minotauros head coach Shane Wagner.
2nd Star: Brett Chorske, F, St. Cloud Norsemen
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cullen Ferguson, D, Aberdeen Wings – Paxton Geisel, G, St. Cloud Norsemen – Kaleb Johnson, G, Minnesota Wilderness - Cameron Korpi, G, Bismarck Bobcats - Keenan Rancier, G, Minot Minotauros – Tyler Shea, G, Austin Bruins - Jake Sibell, G, Aberdeen Wings – Ryan Taylor, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Jacob Zacharewicz, G, Minnesota Wilderness
East Division Star of the Week: Jake Hewitt, Forward, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Danbury forward and Army commit Jake Hewitt, 18, had a busy week this past week. The 5’10/180 lbs. native of Fitchburg, MA, played in three games and recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists). On Monday, he assisted on the lone Danbury goal in the 2-1 overtime loss. On Tuesday, he had a huge game, posting two goals and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Generals. For the season Hewitt has 10 points in 9 games played. “Jake has put forth tremendous effort, on and off the ice, towards perfecting his craft. He is a tenacious player who pushes the pace of the game with his speed and creative thinking. He enjoys parking himself around the opponent’s net and finds most of his success in areas that are tough to play in. His production last week was a simple bi product of the of the body of work he puts forth on a daily basis. This young man is completely committed to elevating his game and we look forward to his continued success,” said Danbury head coach Billy McCreary.
2nd Star: Andrew Noel, D, Maine Nordiques
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Makem Demers, F, Maine Nordiques - Sam Evola, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Hugo Haas, G, Northeast Generals – Jack Karlsson, D, New Jersey Titans – TJ Koufis, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Valentino Passarelli, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Nick Seitz, D, New Jersey Titans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Luc Laylin, Forward, Minnesota Magicians
Magicians forward Luc Laylin, 19, had a big week, helping the Magicians to a three-game sweep of the visiting Brown Bears. The 5’8/175 lbs. native of St. Michael, MN, recorded four points in the three wins, which included a goal and three assists. On Friday, Laylin assisted on the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win. On Saturday, he had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 5-1 win. On Sunday, he concluded the weekend with another assist in a 5-3 win. For the season, Laylin is tied for the team lead in scoring with 13 points in 15 games played. “Luc’s progression is very encouraging as he’s proven he can be an impact player in all three zones. He’s got good speed and a lot of skill and he competes at a high level. We’re happy to see him scoring and getting some recognition for his hard work,” said Magicians head coach Stu Bickel.
2nd Star: Andy Beran, G, Minnesota Magicians
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Austin Becker, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Andrew Garby, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Ryan Ullan, Goaltender, Wichita Falls Warriors
Although he played in just one game this past weekend, Wichita Falls goalie Ryan Ullan, 20, made it count, helping his team to their 7th straight win. The 6’2/175 lbs. native of Hibbing, MN, and Northern Michigan University commit made 31 saves in a 2-1 road win over Lone Star on Saturday. “Ryan has had to deal with a lot of adversity the past few months. Starting with being sick to dealing with injuries that have kept him out of the lineup. He has continued to work, have a good mindset and get his body prepared to play. Saturday night was a big game for this team and Ryan played excellent for us. His calm demeanor, aggressive play, and the highlight reel save he made to keep us in the game was what ultimately led to us battling back and winning that game. The excitement from the team after the game for him is a testament to what he means to this group of guys,” said Warriors head coach Garrett Roth.
2nd Star: Lukas Sedlacek, F, Shreveport Mudbugs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Quinn Emerson, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Malte Hasselgren, F, Lone Star Brahmas
