NAHL announces Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week
Honors this week go to Minnesota Wilderness goalie Ryan Fanti (Central), New Jersey Titans forward Nick Boyagian (East), Fairbanks Ice Dogs defenseman Luke Orysiuk (Midwest), and Odessa Jackalopes forward Ricky Carballo (South).
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending November 26, 2017. The Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2017-18 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: Ryan Fanti, goaltender, Minnesota Wilderness
It was a 3-0 week for the Minnesota Wilderness this past week and goaltender Ryan Fanti, 18, was in goal for all three wins. The native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and NAPHL alum gave up just four goals in the three wins, stopping 90 of a possible 94 shots in the process. That included 30 saves in a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Magicians on Wednesday, 32 saves in a 3-0 shutout win in Janesville over the Jets on Friday, and 28 saves in a 4-3 overtime win on Saturday against the Jets. Fanti (6’2/190) has a 5-2-0 record this season with a 2.57 GAA and a 92.5% save percentage. “Ryan gave us a chance to win each night, and that’s all you can ask for out of your goaltender. He is a talented goaltender with a lot of confidence right now,” said Wilderness head coach Tim Madsen.
2nd Star: Grant Loven, F, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Adams, F, Minot Minotauros – Josh Fricks, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Travis Kothenbeutel, F, Austin Bruins – Chase Pilawski, D, Austin Bruins – Adam Pitters, F, Aberdeen Wings – Alex Pollock, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Johnny Roberts, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Nic Sicoly, F, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Nick Boyagian, forward, New Jersey Titans
Sacred Heart recruit and New Jersey Titans forward Nick Boyagian, 20, led his team during a weekend split with the Northeast Generals this past weekend. The 6’2/180 lbs. native of East Greenbush, New York, racked up five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and was a +4 in the two games. On Friday, Boyagian had a goal and two assists in a 4-1 win. On Saturday, he recorded another goal and had an assist in a 5-4 loss. For the season, Boyagian is tied for the team scoring lead with 20 points in just 18 games played. “Nick has been a consistent threat for us since returning from injury. As a veteran returning player with a year of experience, Nick knows what the expectations are both on and off the ice. He worked hard this off-season to get ready and we are thrilled he has seen the results of his hard work. We look forward to Nick continuing to lead our club throughout the rest of the playoffs and into the Robertson Cup playoffs,” said Titans head coach Craig Doremus.
2nd Star: Justin Jallen, F, Northeast Generals
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyrone Bronte, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights – Matt Demelis, F, Northeast Generals – Ryan Naumovski, F, New Jersey Titans – Christian Stoever, G, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Luke Orysiuk, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks Ice Dogs defenseman Luke Orysiuk, 20, kept his recent hot play going this past weekend as he helped his club pick up a weekend road sweep in Kenai River against the Brown Bears. The 5’11/180 lbs. native of Edmonton, Alberta, had four assists in the two wins and was also +2. He ran his point streak to four straight games. On Friday, Orysiuk chimed in with three assists in a 7-0 win and on Saturday, he had another assist in a 5-2 win. For the season, the veteran defenseman has nine points in 22 games played. “Luke has been a solid leader for our hockey club this year. He was rewarded on the score sheet for his efforts this weekend and we look for his continued development as he prepares for college hockey,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.
2nd Star: Connor Poczos, G, Springfield Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Daniel Haider, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Nikita Kozyrev, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Cam McDonald, D, Kenai River Brown Bears – Connor Scahill, D, Kenai River Brown Bears
South Division Star of the Week: Ricky Carballo, forward, Odessa Jackalopes
In his first two games of the season with his new team, the Odessa Jackalopes, veteran forward Ricky Carballo, 20, made his impact felt right away as he helped the Jackalopes get back on track with a weekend home sweep of the Corpus Christi IceRays. The native of Keller, Texas, got things started on the right foot on Friday night as he scored the overtime-winning goal and added two assists in a 5-4 OT win. On Saturday, Carballo (5’10/185) added his second straight game-winning goal of the weekend as he scored in the 3rd period to give the Jackalopes a 2-1 win. In 22 games played this season between Odessa and Aberdeen, Carballo has 15 points. “Ricky is hard on the puck and goes to the dirty areas to score goals. We are very excited to have him, as he fits in well in the South Division and the style of play,” said Jackalopes head coach Greg Gatto.
2nd Star: Dominick Procopio, D, Shreveport Mudbugs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Justin Addamo, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Jack Clement, D, Shreveport Mudbugs – Peyton Frantii, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Ture Linden, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Jon Russell, F, Amarillo Bulls – Will Schlagenhauf, F, Topeka RoadRunners
