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 October 29, 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: Justin Mexico, Forward, North Iowa Bulls
North Iowa Bulls forward Justin Mexico, 19, had a big role in the Bulls weekend home-and-home sweep of the St. Cloud Norsemen. The 5’10/180 lbs. native of Madison Heights, MI, had a shootout goal to go along with two goals and an assist in the two wins. On Friday, Mexico had a shootout goal in a 3-2 win. On Saturday, he scored two goals and added an assist in a 5-4 shootout win on the road. For the season, Mexico leads the Bulls in scoring ith 12 points in 13 games played. “Justin has been our best player this season. He’s been an offensive threat every night and his high-end IQ allows him to contribute in all situations. He’s been a great mentor for our younger players, and we look forward to his continued success,” said Bulls head coach Nick Bruneteau.
2nd Star: Klayton Knapp, G, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Julian Beaumont, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Leonid Bulgakov, F, Aberdeen Wings – Will Diamond, F, Austin Bruins – Tyler Dysart, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Ethan Lindahl, F, North Iowa Bulls – Trent Wiemken, G, Austin Bruins
East Division Star of the Week: Dimitry Kebreau, Forward, Maryland Black Bears
Maryland Black Bears forward Dimitry Kebreau, 20, had a big weekend to help the Black Bears stay in 1st place with a weekend road sweep in Danbury. The 5’11/190 lbs. native of Silver Spring, MD, totaled six points in the two wins (all assists). On Friday, Kebreau assisted on three of four Maryland goals in a 4-1 win. On Saturday, he picked up three more assists in a 7-3 win. For the season, the Alaska-Anchorage commit leads the Black Bears in scoring with 23 points in 17 games played. “To see how far Dimitry’s game has evolved over the past few years has been impressive. His passion for the game, competitive drive, and leadership has been a huge reason for our early success. As our team captain, he really epitomizes how we want to play, and leads the way every practice and game. No one works harder than Dimitry,” said Maryland head coach Clint Mylymok.
2nd Star: Will Lawrence, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zach Aben, F, Johnstown Tomahawks - Luke Amell, D, Maryland Black Bears – Matej Teply, D, New Jersey Titans – Liam Varmecky, D, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Ethan Wongus, F, New Jersey Titans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Kyle Rohrer, Forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks forward Kyle Rohrer, 18, helped his team pick up two wins in a three-game home series against the Janesville Jets this past weekend. The 6’0/175 lbs. native of Oregon, WI, had six points in the three games, which included three goals and three assists. On Thursday, Rohrer had one of two goals in an 8-2 loss. On Friday, he had a goal and two assists in a 6-4 win. On Saturday, Rohrer had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win. For the season, is tied for 2nd in team scoring with 12 points in 17 games played. “We are excited for Kyle’s recent success lately and it’s well-deserved as he keeps working hard for his teammates. He has a team first attitude and we’re looking forward to his success going forward,” said Ice Dogs head coach Ryan Theros.
2nd Star: Nick Erickson, G, Minnesota Wilderness
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Adam Barcik, F, Chippewa Steel – Reece Cordray, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Jackson Ebbott, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Grady Gallatin, D, Janesville Jets - Matt Grannan, F, Chippewa Steel – Jacob Jastrzebski, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Maxwell Martin, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Kade Shea, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Merril Steenari, F, Janesville Jets – Taisetsu Ushio, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Owen Zenone, G, Kenai River Brown Bears
South Division Star of the Week: Liam Fleet, Defenseman, Shreveport Mubugs
Fleet, 19, helped the Mudbugs to a weekend road sweep of the Colorado Grit. The 6’2/205 lbs. native of Denver, CO, had five points (all assists) in the two wins. On Friday, Fleet picked up three assists in a 6-4 win. On Saturday, he assisted two more times in an 8-3 win. For the season, Fleet is 2nd among Mudbugs defensemen in scoring with 10 points in 16 gamed played. “Liam has been a very solid and consistent defenseman for us so far this year. He has earned the right to be one of our leaders with his actions on and off the ice. Liam led us again this weekend with a strong defensive game but also having a breakout weekend offensively,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.
2nd Star: Ryan Burke, F, Shreveport Mudbugs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Michael Kadlecik, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Jacob MacDonald, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Michael Manzi, G, El Paso Rhinos – Connor McDonough, G, Amarillo Wranglers – Alexander Papaspryopoulos, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Eddie Shepler, F, El Paso Rhinos - Quentin Sigurdson, G, Odessa Jackalopes – Ivan Zadvernyuk, F, Lone Star Brahmas
