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 September 10, 2023. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2023-24 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: No Games
East Division Star of the Week: Massimo Gentile, F, Rochester Jr. Americans
Rochester forward Massimo Gentile, 20, had an impressive NAHL debut helping his team to a weekend split with the Philadelphia Rebels. The 5’9/162 lbs. native of Montreal, PQ, had six points in the two games. On Friday, Gentile had a goal and two assists in a 5-4 loss. On Saturday, he duplicated his effort from Friday with a goal and two assists in a 5-2 win. “As a new franchise, our early focus has been to create team chemistry on and off the ice. Massimo’s strong two-way game and leadership has helped start the season on a positive note,” said Rochester head coach Francois Methot.
2nd Star: Dominik Bartecko, F, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Toby Hopp, G, Northeast Generals – Will Lawrence, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Reid Lune, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Kellen Murphy, F, Maine Nordiques – Tyler Procious, F, Rochester Jr. Americans – Ryan Remick, F, Northeast Generals – Arhip Sidarovich, F, New Jersey Titans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Matthew Alberti, Goaltender, Janesville Jets
Janesville Jets goalie Matthew Alberti, 19, picked up the win in both games this past weekend as the Jets swept the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in a home series. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of Hamburg, NY, won his first NAHL start on Saturday, as he made 35 saves in a 52 win. On Friday, Alberti came in relief in the 3rd period as the Jets trailed 4-2. He didn’t allow a goal in the 3rd period, and the Jets came back to win 5-4. “Matthew is very deserving of this recognition after the performance he put out this past weekend helping us get the sweep in our home opener. He plays with a high level of confidence that becomes contagious with the rest of our team,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.
2nd Star: Dylan Contreras, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Thomas Belzil, F, Janesville Jets – Cole Christian, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Cam Davis, F, Chippewa Steel – Joe Kelly, F, Chippewa Steel – Conor Sullivan, G, Kenai River Brown Bears – Josef Zilinec, G, Anchorage Wolverines
South Division Star of the Week: Frank Tafelski, Forward, El Paso Rhinos
El Paso Rhinos forward Frank Tafelski, 20, racked up five points in a three-game weekend road sweep in Colorado against the Grit. The 6’1/181 lbs. native of Troy, Michigan, recorded four goals and an assist in the three wins. On Friday, Tafelski had a goal in a 3-1 win. On Saturday, he had a hat-trick in a 3-2 win, which included the game-winning goal. On Sunday, he picked up an assist in a 4-2 win.
2nd Star: Joey LoVollo, G, El Paso Rhinos
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jack Fuller, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Ryan Johnson, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves
