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 November 6, 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: Jack Malinski, Defense, Austin Bruins
Thanks to a weekend road sweep of the Minot Minotauros, the Austin Bruins widened their lead atop the Central Division to three points. Bruins defenseman Jack Malinski, 20, was a factor in both wins picking up three assists and a +2 rating for the weekend. On Friday, the 5’11/180 lbs. native of Lakeville, MN, had two assists in a 4-3 shootout win. On Saturday, he assisted on the game-winning goal in a 3-0 win. For the season, Malinski has nine points in nine games played thus far. “Jack is one of the smartest defensemen that I have ever coached. He’s our captain and we certainly missed having him in our lineup the last few weeks. It was great to see him come back and help us get two big wins on the road. We are excited that he is being recognized for his efforts from this weekend and we look forward to helping him reach his goal of getting an NCAA Division 1 Scholarship,” said Bruins head coach Steve Howard.
2nd Star: Dylan Wegner, F, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kyle Contessa, F, Aberdeen Wings – Hunter Garvey, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Paavo Hiltunen, D, North Iowa Bulls – Will Ingemann, G, St. Cloud Norsemen – Patrick Johnson, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Eli Miller, F, North Iowa Bulls – Kade Peterson, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Trent Wiemken, G, Austin Bruins
East Division Star of the Week: Oliver Genest, Forward, Maine Nordiques
Maine forward Oliver Genest, 18, helped his team push their winning streak to six straight games thanks to a weekend road sweep of the Rebels in Philadelphia. The 6’1/194 lbs. native of Sanford, ME, was an offensive force, recording six points in the two wins. On Friday, Genest had three assists in a 5-2 win, and then on Saturday, he had two goals and an assist in a 6-3 in. For the season, Genest leads the Nordiques in scoring thus far with 17 points in 14 games played. “Oliver’s continued growth as a person and a player this early in the season has helped him earn a significant role with our group. Oli is never satisfied, and he is always working to improve. His IQ and playmaking ability are true strengths to his game. Oli and his linemates are constantly making an impact on the game. Congrats to Oliver on the well-earned recognition from the NAHL,” said Maine head coach Matt Pinchevsky.
2nd Star: Anthony Calafiore, F, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Ahearn, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – David Andreychuk, F, Northeast Generals – James Barbour, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Max Hamstad, F, Philadelphia Rebels – Joe Harney, D, New Jersey Titans – Nash Jacobsma, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Jake LaRusso, F, Northeast Generals – Sterling Wolters, D, Maine Nordiques
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Cameron Ricotta, Forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks forward Cameron Ricotta, 20, helped his team pick up three of four points in their weekend series in Anchorage. The 5’8/170 lbs. native of Buffalo, NY, recorded six points in the two games, which included a goal and five assists. On Friday, Ricotta had four assists in a 6-5 overtime loss. On Saturday, he had a goal and an assist in regulation and then scored the shootout-winner in a 5-4 shootout win. For the season, the Mercyhurst recruit leads the Ice Dogs in scoring with 17 points in 21 games played to date. “This is a well-deserved honor for Cameron and a credit to his tenacity to keep pushing through and being rewarded,” said Ice Dogs head coach Dave Allison.
2nd Star: Luke Levandowski, F, Wisconsin Windigo
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Luke Anderson, D, Kenai River Brown Bears – J.J. Grainda, F, Chippewa Steel – Konrad Kausch, G, Minnesota Wilderness – Cole Lonsdale, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Cameron Morris, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Nikita Nikola, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Isak Posch, G, Minnesota Wilderness – Jackson Reineke, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Ryan Remick, F, Chippewa Steel – Billy Renfrew, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Will Schumacher, F, Wisconsin Windigo
South Division Star of the Week: Carsen Stokes, Goaltender, New Mexico Ice Wolves
New Mexico goalie Carsen Stokes, 20, helped his team pick up a weekend home sweep of the Shreveport Mudbugs. The 5’10/175 lbs. native of Prior Lake, MN, got the start on Friday night and posted a 29-save shutout in a 3-0 win. It was the first shutout of the season for Stokes who has put together a 5-1-1 record in seven games played so far this season with a 1.98 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. “It’s great to see Carson’s hard work payoff for him for this award because all the extra work we see him put in. His work ethic and competitiveness rub off on his teammates which has led to our team’s performance. We’re proud of Carson and looking forward to seeing his growth this season moving forward,” said New Mexico head coach Phil Fox.
2nd Star: Pierce Patterson, D, Amarillo Wranglers
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tommy Aitken, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Tommy Chunchukov, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Will Craig, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Kason Muscutt, F, Shreveport Mudbugs
