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 February 18, 2024.  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: Ian Spencer, Forward, Minot Minotauros 

Minot forward Ian Spencer was fantastic in his two game showing over the weekend, helping the Minotauros keep first place in the Central Division. The Mokena, IL native added a goal and an assist in Minot’s 5-1 Friday night win over the St. Cloud Norsemen. In Saturday night’s 5-2 victory over St. Cloud Ian recorded three points with a goal and two assists. Spencer has played in 32 games this season where he has totalled 11 points. “Ian had a very solid weekend for us,” Head Coach Cody Campbell said. “His play at both ends of the rink was impressive and he used his speed and sense to produce offensively. We are very proud of the progress Ian has made thus far this season and look forward to him continuing his development down the stretch as he pursues a division one opportunity.”

2nd Star: Vilgot Holm, G, Austin Bruins

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tommy Cronin, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Evan Hunter, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Gus Noren, F, Austin Bruins – Zach Reim, D, Aberdeen Wings – John Small, F, Minot Minotauros Matt Wisener, F, Aberdeen Wings 

East Division Star of the Week: Wyatt Stefan, Forward, Danbury Hat Tricks

Danbury forward Wyatt Stefan had a stellar week on the scoresheet over three games combining for six points. The Long Beach, CA native started the week off on Wednesday adding an assist in the Hat Tricks 3-2 overtime win over the New Jersey Titans. Stefans’ play continued through the weekend where the forward added an assist and scored the game tying goal to force overtime on Friday’s 3-2 final. In the following contest, Stefan had a three point night, scoring twice and adding an assist. Wyatt has played in 40 games this season where he has totalled 31 points. "Wyatt has been doing the little things right, impacting the game in positive way," Head Coach Patrik Stefan said. 

2nd Star: Chase Sandhu, F, Johnstown Tomahawks

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jared Coccimiglio, F, Philadelphia Rebels – Hunter Fetterolf, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Sixten Jennersjo, F, Northeast Generals – Brendan Kimball, D, Northeast Generals – Owen Lepak, G, Maryland Black Bears – Ryan Vaites, D, Philadelphia Rebels 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Romulus Riego De Dios, Forward, Anchorage Wolverines

Anchorage forward Romulus Riego De Dios was outstanding over the weekend totalling 5 goals in two games. The Gahanna, OH native and the Wolverines kicked off their weekend series winning 5-3 over the Kenai River Brown Bears where Romulus posted two goals. In the second game of the series, Romulus netted a hat-trick where the Wolverines topped the Brown Bears, 10-1. Romulus Riego De Dios has played in 21 games this season for Anchorage where he has scored nine goals and dished out two assists. “Scoring five goals in a weekend is no easy task for anyone,” Head Coach Nick Walters said. “But I’m not surprised Romo was the guy to do it for us. Going to the net is something we preach on a weekly basis, and he does it every time. It’s part of his game, his player identity, his DNA. He hangs around the paint and he gets rewarded for it. Couldn’t be happier for him to get rewarded time and time again this weekend.”

2nd Star: Kyle Rohrer, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ethan Begg, F, Janesville Jets – Brady Engelkes, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Garrett Frazer, D, Janesville Jets – Tyler Grahme, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Arvega Hovsepyan, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Beau Janzig, D, Minnesota Wilderness – Peyton Nelson, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Everett Pietila, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Adam Timm, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

South Division Star of the Week: Topi Puikkonen, Forward, Amarillo Wranglers

Wranglers forward Topi Puikkonen was a major key in Amarillos success of a weekend sweep over the El Paso Rhinos. Puikkonen, a native of Tampere, FIN, scored the overtime winner in a 3-2 final on Friday night. On Saturday, the 2024 NAHL South Division Top Prospect added a third period goal to seal the Wranglers win 4-1. Puikkonen has played in 47 games this season where he has totalled 40 points. “Topi was fantastic for us this past weekend against El Paso,” Head Coach Ryan Anderson said. “All season long he has scored big time goals for our time in critical situations and this weekend was another example of that. I believe that Topi is playing at a division one level, and hopefully this recognition helps him on his path to division one.”

2nd Star: Owen Kerr, F, Lone Star Brahmas 

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Connor Bergeron, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Anthony Cafarelli, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Kyle DeMarco, D, Amarillo Wranglers – Cameron Dunn, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Geno McEnery, F, Oklahoma Warriors – AJ Reed, F, El Paso Rhinos – Bradley Walker, F, El Paso Rhinos