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 March 21, 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: Highlights for the NAHL Stars of the Week for March 15-21
Central Division Star of the Week: Kaleb Johnson, Goaltender, Minnesota Wilderness
Minnesota Wilderness goalie and University of North Dakota recruit Kaleb Johnson, 20, gave his club a big shot in the arm this past weekend as he led the Wilderness to three wins in three days. The 6’0/175 lbs. native of Grand Forks, ND, started and won all three games this weekend, stopping 79 of a possible 83 shots. On Friday, Johnson stopped all 30 shots that came his way for his season shutout of the season in a 1-0 win against the Chippewa Steel. On Saturday, he made 24 saves in a 3-2 road win in Chippewa Falls. On Sunday, he completed the weekend with 25 saves in a 3-2 overtime win at home over the Steel. For the season, Johnson has a 10-9-1 record with a 2.62 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. “Kaleb has been outstanding this season for us. He constantly gives our team a chance to win every night,” said Wilderness head coach Jon Vaillancourt.
2nd Star: Grant Docter, D, Minnesota Wilderness
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tommy Aitken, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Brett Chorske, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Garrett Dahm, F, Austin Bruins – George Grannis, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Peter Jacobs, F, Austin Bruins – Thomas Manty, F, Aberdeen Wings – Cade Neilson, F, Aberdeen Wings – Jack Suchy, F, St. Cloud Norsemen
East Division Star of the Week: Will Margel, Forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
Johnstown Tomahawks forward and University of New Hampshire recruit Will Margel, 20, helped his club stay in the lead in the East Division this past weekend with two wins in three games against the Northeast Generals. The 5’9/167 lbs. native of Potomac, MD, had seven points (5 goals, 2 assists) in the three games. On Friday, Margel posted an assist in a 5-4 win. On Saturday, he had a hat-trick, including the game-winning goal, and an assist in a 4-3 win. On Sunday, he picked up two more goals in a 5-4 loss. In 22 games played this season, Margel has recorded 28 points. “Despite being disappointed that we did not pick up all six points this past weekend, Will had an outstanding three games. He was dangerous all weekend long and was a big contributor to our offense as he has been since joining our team in late December. Will is a dynamic player that has the ability to be a scoring threat each time he touches the puck. We will need him to continue his strong play down the stretch as we battle the rest of the East Division,” said Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia.
2nd Star: Michael Morelli, G, Maryland Black Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cannon Green, F, Maine Nordiques – Blake Humphrey, F, New Jersey Titans – Jayden Jensen, D, Northeast Generals – Tyler Nasca, D, New Jersey Titans – Stephen Owens, F, Maine Nordiques – William Persson, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Jonathan Young, F, Northeast Generals
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Bret Link, Forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward and Alaska-Fairbanks recruit Bret Link, 18, continued his hot play and helped his club to a weekend home-and-home sweep of the Kenai River Brown Bears. The 6’2/180 lbs. native of Anchorage, AK, posted three goals and an assist in the two wins. On Friday, Link had a goal in a 4-3 win. On Saturday, he had two goals and added an assist in a 4-2 win. For the season, the NAPHL alum leads the Ice Dogs in scoring with 27 points in 34 games played. “Bret provided offense when his team needed it. He has been working equally as hard away from the puck and his game has transitioned into another level,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.
2nd Star: Devlin McCabe, F, Minnesota Magicians
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Simon Falk, F, Minnesota Magicians – Andrew Garby, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Joe Mack, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport Mudbugs forward Joe Mack, 21, had a big weekend to help his club pick up a weekend home sweep of the Lone Star Brahmas to move into sole possession of 1st place in the South Division. The 6’2/200 lbs. native of New Hudson, MI, recorded four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in the two wins. On Friday, Mack had two goals and an assist In a 5-1 win. On Saturday, he had another goal in a 3-1 win. For the season, Mack has recorded 16 points in 27 games played. “After an early setback, Joe has been gradually finding his feet in the NAHL and as a Shreveport Mudbug. He’s morphed into a great leader on and off the ice. His skating, shot, and hockey IQ make him a very valuable asset in any situation on the ice,” said Shreveport head coach Jason Campbell.
2nd Star: Cooper Black, G, Odessa Jackalopes
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jack Collins, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Vincent Corcoran, D, Wichita Falls Warriors – William Lawson-Body, F, Wichita Falls Warriors – Dawson Sciarrino, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Dylan Smith, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Charles-Edward Tardif, F, Odessa Jackalopes
