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 September 25, 2022. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2022-23 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: Evan Hunter, Forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Bismarck forward Evan Hunter, 18, helped his team break out of their early season slump with six-point weekend as the Bobcats picked up a weekend road sweep of the Aberdeen Wings. The 5’9/166 lbs. native of Appleton, WI, picked up a goal and added an assist in Friday’s 4-1 win. On Saturday, Hunter had a hat-trick and an assist in a 6-4 win. For the season, he currently leads the Bobcats in scoring through six games with nine points (5 goals, 4 assists). “Evan had a great weekend for us on the road to get his team back on track. His ability to score big goals this past weekend and his playmaking all over the ice is the reason he is having success and is effective every time he's on the ice,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.
2nd Star: Michael Neumeier, D, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kyle Contessa, F, Aberdeen Wings – Simone Dadie, F, North Iowa Bulls – Byron Hartley, F, North Iowa Bulls – Will Ingemann, G, St. Cloud Norsemen – Kade Peterson, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Cooper Rice, F, Minot Minotauros – Ethan Robertson, G, Austin Bruins – Trevor Stanchowiak, F, Minot Minotauros – Jacob Vockler, F, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Jake LaRusso, Forward, Northeast Generals
The acquisition of forward Jake LaRusso, 20, paid instant dividends this weekend for the Generals as he led the team to two home wins over the Johnstown Tomahawks, scoring the game-winning goal in both games. On Friday, the 6’1/195 lbs. native of Colts Neck, NJ, scored the overtime-winning goal and assisted on the game-tying goal late in the 3rd period in a 4-3 win. On Saturday, he scored two goals in the 3rd period, leading the Generals to a 4-2 win. “Jake is a player both me and our GM Matt Dibble have coveted for a few years. When we had a chance to get him, we jumped at it. Jake is a skilled player that will be coveted at the NCAA D1 level this year. We know the type of person and player he is, and he did not disappoint. He brings a compete level that was on display this weekend. His ability to create scoring chances is an elite and he did just last this weekend. On Friday, he had a huge assist as we tied the game with :07 seconds left to force OT, then he stole the show putting home a great goal to give us the win. On Saturday, he added two goals including another game winner in the 3rd. We are very excited about Jake’s contribution so far and look forward to him helping us reach our organizational goals this year,” said Generals head coach Bryan Erikson.
2nd Star: Dimitry Kebreau, F, Maryland Black Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zakari Brice, G, New Jersey Titans – Cullen DeYoung, G, Northeast Generals – Brendan Dumas, F, New Jersey Titans – Jack Fialkoff, G, Philadelphia Rebels – Marino Ramirez, G, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Kayden Hargraves, Goaltender, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
The Fairbanks Ice Dogs and goaltender Kayden Hargraves, 20, spoiled the home-opening weekend of the Wisconsin Windigo with a pair of road wins this past weekend. The 6’1/175 lbs. native of Cheyenne, WY, stopped 71 of 73 shots in two wins, allowing just a single goal each night. On Friday, he made 28 saves in a 4-1 win, and then on Saturday, he made a career-high 43 saves in a 2-1 win. For the season, Hargraves has a 5-1-0 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a .939 save percentage. “It is a well-earned recognition as to who he is and the mental and physical toughness he brings every day to his craft,” said Ice Dogs head coach Dave Allison.
2nd Star: Nils Wallstrom, G, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matthew Brille, F, Chippewa Steel – Tyler Herzberg, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Bryce Monrean, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Kade Nielsen, F, Chippewa Steel – Jackson Reineke, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Shane Soderwall, G, Anchorage Wolverines
South Division Star of the Week: Alfred Lindberg, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves
New Mexico forward Alfred Lindberg, 20, helped his team to a weekend home sweep of the Odessa Jackalopes with a three-point weekend. The 5’11/185 lbs. native of Stockholm, Sweden, picked up an assist and had three shots on goal in Friday’s 5-2 win. On Saturday, the American International College recruit picked up two goals, including the game-winner, in another 5-2 win. For the season, Lindberg has five points in six games played thus far. “Alfred is off to a good start offensively for us. He plays a 200-foot game the right way and he’s making things happen with the puck on his stick. We’re thrilled having him be a big part of the Ice Wolves this year,” said New Mexico head coach Phil Fox.
2nd Star: Bauer Swift, D, Lone Star Brahmas
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tommy Aitken, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Nick Campbell, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Will Craig, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Luca Ganz, G, Amarillo Wranglers – Logan Gotinsky, F, Shreveport Mudbugs - William Gramme, G, Lone Star Brahmas – Cameron Korpi, G, Oklahoma Warriors – Kaden Nelson, F, Oklahoma Warriors
