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 Hockey for the week ending January 10, 2016. The Easton Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2015-16 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.
Central Division Star of the Week: Willie Brown, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Bismarck Bobcats forward continued his point streak this weekend with another big effort as the Bobcats split a home-and-home series against the Minot Minotauros. Brown, 20, recorded five points, which included four goals in the two games and was a +4. On Friday, the native of South St. Paul, MN, had a hat-trick and an assist in a 7-3 road win in Minot. On Saturday, Brown (5’11/205) recorded another goal in a 6-5 loss at home to Minot. Brown currently leads the Bobcats in scoring with 31 points in 32 games played and also leads the team in goals with 16, which ranks tied for 7th in the NAHL. “When we traded for Willie last season, we knew we were getting one of the most talented players in the league. Since Christmas, he has committed to more of a 200-foot game and has been rewarded with some great production,” said Bismarck head coach Layne Sedevie.
2nd Star: Peter Valent, F, Brookings Blizzard
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brett Callahan, D, Brookings Blizzard – Tucker DeYoung, F, Aberdeen Wings – Aaron Herdt, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Christian Mohs, F, Minot Minotauros – Chase Springman, F, Minot Minotauros – Kyle Wagner, F, Minnesota Magicians
East Division Star of the Week: Darion Hanson, goaltender, Aston Rebels
Aston Rebels goalie Darion Hanson was solid all weekend long as the Rebels stayed in a tie for 1st place in the East Division with a weekend home-and-home split with the New Jersey Titans. The native of East Bethal, MN, allowed just two goals on 63 shots over the weekend. On Friday, Hanson (6’3/180) made 26 saves in a close 2-1 home loss to the Titans. The next night, Hanson, 18, stopped all 35 shots that came his way for his second shutout of the season as the Rebels posted a 4-0 road win in New Jersey. For the season, Hanson has a 12-5-0 record with a 2.41 goals against average and a 91.7% save percentage. “Darion has been outstanding all year. His leveled headedness and demeanor, along with his compete level and work ethic in the net allows him to be an elite goalie in our league. I look forward to watching him grow at the NCAA and pro levels down the road,” said Aston head coach Joe Coombs.
2nd Star: Ryan Solomon, F, Aston Rebels
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Janis Jaks, defenseman, Minnesota Wilderness
The Minnesota Wilderness got back on track this past week with three wins, which included a win on Thursday against Austin and a home-and-home sweep of the Magicians. 20-year-old defenseman Janis Jaks (6’0/186) was a big contributor thanks to five points and a +4 rating in the three wins. After going scoreless in Thursday’s 4-2 home win over Austin, the native of Riga, Latvia had two assists in a 3-2 road win against the Magicians on Friday. Then on Saturday, Jaks had two goals and an assist in a 4-2 home win over the Magicians. In 33 games played this season, Jaks has 15 points, which is a career high. “Janis is a returning 20-year-old veteran that we rely on to log a lot of minutes in key moments. He has been very steady for us all season,” said Wilderness head coach Corey Millen.
2nd Star: Joey Sardina, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Sam Craggs, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Dawson DiPietro, F, Janesville Jets – Matiss Kivlenieks, G, Coulee Region Chill – Reggie Lutz, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Aaron Miller, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Cullen Munson, F, Janesville Jets – Tommy Nappier, G, Springfield Jr. Blues – Nick Nast, G, Kenai River Brown Bears – Colin Theisen, F, Coulee Region Chill – Tyler Tomberlin, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Adam Goodsir, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats
The South Division-leading Wichita Falls Wildcats maintained their 12-point lead in the division with a weekend home sweep of the Corpus Christi IceRays. 17-year-old rookie forward Adam Goodsir (6’2/180) had a huge weekend as the native of Okemos, MI, recorded four points (all goals) in the two wins and was also a +3. On Friday, Goodsir recorded two goals in a 6-2 win. On Saturday, he duplicated the same feat with two more goals in a 6-2 win. For the season, Goodsir is 2nd on the Wildcats in scoring with 31 points in 34 games played and his 21 goals is tied for 2nd overall in the NAHL. “Adam continues to develop into an elite young player and person. He demonstrates this, consistently, on and off the ice. Whichever college he commits to will be getting a highly skilled player who thrives on outworking and out-competing the opposition,” said Wildcats General Manager Paul Baxter.
2nd Star: Martin Mellberg, F, Lone Star Brahmas
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jonathan Lazarus, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Johan Lundgren, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Colton Meekhof, D, Corpus Christi IceRays
