NAHL announces Easton Divisional Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Easton for the week ending September 15, 2013. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2013-14 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions as nominated by their respective teams.
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Duggie Lagrone, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
It was a solid opening weekend for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, as they swept their weekend series in Kenai River against the Brown Bears and leading the charge was veteran 19-year-old defenseman Duggie Lagrone. The Dallas, Texas native and Colorado College recruit totaled two goals over the weekend to help the Ice Dogs win by scores of 5-1 and 5-4. Lagrone (5’9/170) scored a goal in each of the two wins. His two goals already this season is just one why of the three goals he had last year. “Duggie used his feet well on the big ice sheet to be effective and contribute this weekend,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart. “He was rewarded on the scoresheet for his efforts. It was a good thing to see positive results early on in the season and also the players realizing that a lot still needs to be done for long-term success.”
2nd Star: Brett Gervais, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None
North Division Star of the Week: Alex Archibald, defenseman, Port Huron Fighting Falcons
Now in his third season in the NAHL, Port Huron Fighting Falcons defenseman Alex Archibald is hoping this is the breakout season he is looking for and if this past weekend was any indication, he is well on his way. Archibald, 19, led the Fighting Falcons to two wins in Johnstown against the Tomahawks, as the defense allowed just two goals in two games. However, it was Archibald’s (6’0/175) offense that also shined during the sweep as the native of Port Huron, Michigan recorded a goal and three assists for a four point weekend. On Saturday, Archibald picked up two assists, including on the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win. On Sunday, he scored a goal and added an assist in a 5-1 win. “Alex plays really well against Johnstown. He did this same type of thing last year to start the season, said Fighting Falcons head coach Michael Gershon. “He did a great job of moving the puck up the ice and keeping his feet moving. He was a big reason for our overall success.”
2nd Star: Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None
South Division Star of the Week: Drew Vogler, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners
One of the bright, young prospects in the NAHL this year is likely to be Topeka RoadRunners goaltender Drew Vogler. Having just turned 17-years-old and already with an NCAA commitment to Merrimack, it was easy to see this weekend why scouts have been so high on the Florrisant, Missouri native. In his first NAHL games, Vogler helped the RoadRunners to a weekend home sweep of the Corpus Christi IceRays. On Friday in his NAHL debut, Vogler (6’1/207) made 32 saves as Topeka edged Corpus Christi, 2-1. On Saturday, Vogler stopped all 16 shots that came his way for his first NAHL shutout in just his second career game. His save percentage during the weekend was an outstanding 98%. “For playing in his first NAHL games I thought Drew looked like a veteran out there,” said RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer. “He played with a lot of composure and was solid all weekend. He really utilizes his size well and doesn’t make the saves more difficult than they already are.”
2nd Star: Kyle Bauman, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Ledford, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Tyler Poulsen, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.
Central Division Star of the Week: Did not play