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 March 7, 2021. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2020-21 regular 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.
Watch: Highlights for the NAHL Stars of the Week for March 1-7
Central Division Star of the Week: Austin Schwartz, Forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Bismarck Bobcats forward Austin Schwartz, 19, played a key role this past weekend as the Bobcats continued their hot stretch of play with a home sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness. The 5’9/165 lbs. native of Parker, CO, picked up the game-winning goal and +2 in the wins. On Friday, the Air Force Academy recruit scored the game-winner in the 1st period in a 5-1 win. On Saturday, he added another 1st period goal, which again would stand as the game-winner in a 4-1 win. For the season, Schwartz has 21 points in 36 games played. “Austin had a great weekend for us. He is the leader of this team for a reason and it’s nice to see him get rewarded for his effort. His work ethic is at the forefront of his game and that is why he is our most consistent player every night,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.
2nd Star: Thomas Manty, F, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ben Helgeson, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Brendan Kim, D, St. Cloud Norsemen – Cade Neilson, F, Aberdeen Wings – Ian Shane, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Will Traeger, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Jacob Zacharewicz, G, Minnesota Wilderness
East Division Star of the Week: Christian Stoever, Goaltender, New Jersey Titans
It was another big weekend for New Jersey Titans 20-year-old goaltender Christian Stoever. The 6’3/165 lbs. native of Northville, MI, kept his perfect record intact as he picked up two more wins this past weekend as the Titans picked up a road sweep of the Maryland Black Bears. The Bowling Green State University commit allowed just two goals on 81 shots in the two wins. On Friday, he made 41 saves in a 5-2 win, and then on Saturday he stopped all 38 shots that came his way for his first shutout of the season in a 2-0 win. For the season, Stoever has a perfect 6-0 record 1.81 goals against average and .956 save percentage. “Christian has continued his superb play for our team. He was on his game throughout the weekend making a number of huge game saving saves in both games. His ability to quiet the game down has been huge as well as his adeptness with handling the puck and aiding in our breakouts. We are so proud of Christian and excited to have him continue to play well for us as we continue to battle for a spot in the Robertson Cup playoffs,” said Titans head coach Craig Doremus.
2nd Star: Will Margel, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Seitz, F, New Jersey Titans – Max Smolinski, D, Johnstown Tomahawks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Laker Aldridge, Forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Laker Aldridge, 20, was a contributor in all three Ice Dogs games this past week. The 6’0/180 lbs. native of Lake Orion, MI, recorded five points, including four goals in three games this past week. On Wednesday, Aldridge had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Magicians. The next day, he picked up another goal in a 6-2 win over the Magicians. On Friday, Aldridge had two goals, including the game-winner in a 4-2 win in Chippewa Falls against the Steel. For the season, Aldridge has 15 points in 27 games played. “Laker gave his team a spark when it needed it. He became physical in a positive way, moved his feet, and found himself around the net. We need more guys to follow suit in order to make a run at playoffs,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.
2nd Star: Ryan Keyes, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Darius Bell, G, Minnesota Magicians – Jack Cronin, F, Minnesota Magicians – Cade Destefani, F, Janesville Jets
South Division Star of the Week: Owen Parker, Goaltender, New Mexico Ice Wolves
New Mexico Ice Wolves goalie Owen Parker, 19, put up some good numbers in a weekend series against the Amarillo Bulls. The 6’6/225 lbs. native of Buffalo, NY, played in two games this past week, posted a 1-1-0 record, and stopped 72 of 76 shots in the process. On Friday, Parker made 36 saves in a 3-1 loss. On Saturday, he again made 36 saves, but this time in a 6-1 win. For the season, Parker has a 5-5-0 record with a 3.06 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. “I’m really happy to see Owen get recognized. He works hard and does all the right things to be successful on and off the ice. He has been great behind us all year and will continue to improve as a top-level goaltender in this league,” said New Mexico head coach Phil Fox.
2nd Star: Keegan Langefels, D, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mitchell Digby, D, Lone Star Brahmas – Ethan Green, D, Amarillo Bulls – Carter Korpi, F, Wichita Falls Warriors – Zach Purcell, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Jere Vaisanen, F, Amarillo Bulls – Drew Vieten, F, Wichita Falls Warriors
