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 24, 2023. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2023-24 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: Julian Beaumont, Forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Bismarck forward Julian Beaumont, 19, had a big weekend to help the Bobcats pick up a weekend road sweep of the Aberdeen Wings. The 5’8/161 lbs. native of Allen, TX, had five points in the two wins. On Friday, he had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 5-2 win. On Saturday, he added another goal and two assists in a 5-4 shootout win. For the season, Beaumont leads the Bobcats in scoring with nine points in six games played. “Julian had a great weekend for us on the road in a tough environment. When we needed a big play or a goal he stepped up for the team,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.
2nd Star: Gustav Noren, F, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Leonid Bulgakov, F, Aberdeen Wings – Ian Engel, D, Bismarck Bobcats – Isak Holmstrom, F, Aberdeen Wings – Alex Laurenza, F, Austin Bruins – Justin Mexico, F, North Iowa Bulls – Carter Theissen, D, North Iowa Bulls
East Division Star of the Week: Adam Schankula, Forward, Maryland Black Bears
Maryland forward and NAPHL alum Adam Schankula, 20, had a good weekend as the Black Bears picked up three of four possible points in a weekend series in Rochester against the Jr. Americans. The 6’2/190 lbs. native of Newmarket, ON, had four points in the two games, including two goals and two assists. On Friday, Schankula had two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in a 5-4 win. On Saturday, he had an assist in a 4-3 shootout loss. For the season, Schankula leads the Black Bears in scoring with 12 points in eight games played. “Adam is a player we felt from day one had NCAA Division I talent, an elite Hockey IQ, and the skill set to progress rapidly. He has not disappointed. He shows up for every game and every practice with the same mindset: to improve, be impactful, and lead us to success. Whatever NCAA school steps up to get him, will be more than thankful they have added him to their program/locker room,” said Maryland head coach Clint Mylymok.
2nd Star: Miles Roberts, G, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Dominik Bartecko, F, New Jersey Titans – Reece Brednich, F, New Jersey Titans – Matteo Disipio, F, Rochester Jr. Americans – Josh Doolan, D, New Hampshire Mountain Kings – Zack Ferris, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Lukas Fursten, G, Philadelphia Rebels – Max Marquette, F, Philadelphia Rebels – Joey McGraw, F, Northeast Generals – Ryan Panico, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Nick ReCupero, D, Northeast Generals – Florian Wade, G, Rochester Jr. Americans – Aiden Wright, G, New Hampshire Mountain Kings
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Haden Kruse, Forward, Janesville Jets
Haden Kruse, 20, and the Janesville Jets stayed in 1st place in the Midwest Division thanks to a weekend home sweep of the Anchorage Wolverines. The 6’1/172 lbs. native of Nisswa, MN, had four points in the two wins. On Friday, Kruse had three assists in a 7-3 win. On Saturday, he added a goal in a 5-4 overtime win. For the season, Kruse leads the Jets in scoring with 11 points in eight games played. “Haden has been a great addition to our club this season. Not just on the ice, but in a leadership role as well. His consistency this past weekend was a big part of our team success. He continues to be a scoring threat every time he’s on the ice. He is creating scoring chances in even strength and power play which is giving our team a lot of confidence. Haden is proving everyday he can be a contributor every night. We are excited to be a part of helping Haden achieve his goal of earning an NCAA Division I scholarship,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.
2nd Star: Lance Mengel, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matthew Alberti, G, Janesville Jets – Cade Baker, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Erick Comstock, D, Wisconsin Windigo – Reece Cordray, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Andy Larson, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Jacob Ligi, F, Chippewa Steel – Michael Marquez, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Maxwell Martin, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Tomas Trunda, F, Chippewa Steel – Taisetsu Ushio, F, Anchorage Wolverines
South Division Star of the Week: Brayden Cook, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport forward Brayden Cook, 20, helped his team continue their hot 5-1-0 start thanks to a weekend home sweep of the Lone Star Brahmas. The 6’1/190 lbs. native of Shreveport, LA, had four points in the weekend sweep. On Friday, Cook had two assists in a 3-1 win. On Saturday, he had a goal and an assist and also scored in the shootout in a 3-2 shootout win. For the season, Cook is tied for the Mudbugs lead in scoring with eight points in six games played. “When you think of Brayden Cook you may think small, speedy, and skilled forward. Yes, he is all that but he has also brought a great work ethic and commitment to the defensive side of the game as well. His willingness to eat pucks and be detailed orientated has provided him more opportunity on our PK and our PP. Due to his well-rounded game, he has found himself in some good offensive situations that he has been able to capitalize on,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.
2nd Star: Mathieu Bourgault, F, Corpus Christi IceRays
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Carson Dorfman, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Jack Erickson, G, Colorado Grit – Jack Fuller, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Stepan Kuznetsov, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Rasmus Leijonhielm, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Tory Lund, F, El Paso Rhinos – Charlie Masek, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Kaden Nelson, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Nathan Rickey, D, Oklahoma Warriors – Quentin Sigurdson, G, Odessa Jackalopes – Frank Tafelski, F, El Paso Rhinos – Ivan Zadvernyuk, F, Lone Star Brahmas
