NAHL announces Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week
Honors this week go to Johnstown forward Dalton Hunter and Odessa forward Chase Thudium.
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending September 11, 2016. The Easton Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2016-17 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.
East Division Star of the Week: Dalton Hunter, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
In the opening weekend of the NAHL season, the Johnstown Tomahawks vaulted themselves into 1st place in the East Division with two road wins against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. Tomahawks forward Dalton Hunter, 18, had a big weekend, scoring three goals in the weekend sweep. The 6’3/200 lbs. native of Greensburg, PA, had a goal in Friday’s 4-3 win and then two more goals in Saturday’s 6-4 win, including the game-winner. “It was a great way for us to start our regular season with two wins on the road. Both games were a good battle and Dalton was instrumental in our success. He scored our first goal on Friday night to start up a comeback, and then on Saturday he scored a tying goal in the 3rd period and then the eventual game-winner,” said Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia. “The goals he scored were sights to see for sure. His whole line really could have factored into this award, but the magnitude and timing of his goals, along with his overall play was vital to our total success and I could not be happier for him and our team.”
2nd Star: Donovan Ott, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Joseph Campolieto, D, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights – Matt Kidney, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
South Division Star of the Week: Chase Thudium, forward, Odessa Jackalopes
After making the playoffs last season and showing vast improvement, the Odessa Jackalopes took another step in the right direction with their season opener on Saturday night in Amarillo as they beat the Bulls 6-2 to get off to a good start for the 2016-17 season. New forward Chase Thudium, 20, played a big role in in the 6-2 win as he scored a goal, added two assists and was a +3 for the Jacks. The 5’10/175 lbs. forward from Sylvan Lake, AB played in the SJHL the past two seasons. “Saturday was a great first game for Chase,” said Jackalopes head coach Greg Gatto. “He is a part of our new look this season and provides some great veteran leadership and experience.”
2nd Star: Kosta Likourezos, F, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Seamus Donohue, D, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Jonny Hogue, G, Odessa Jackalopes – Ryan Orgel, D, Wichita Falls Wildcats
