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 February 4, 2024. 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: Stephen Peck, Goalie, Bismarck Bobcats
Bismarck goaltender Stephen Peck added back-to-back wins on to his 14-5-0-1 record after a sweep against the North Iowa Bulls, including a 12 shot shutout win. The University of Michigan committed netminder allowed only one goal off of 31 shots. The New York, NY native combined for a .500 GAA and a .968 SV%. This season, Peck holds a 2.26 GAA and a .912 SV%. “Stephen had a great weekend for us,” Head Coach Layne Sedevie said. “I think his game has really hit its peak, which is very key for us going forward. When we needed a big save this weekend, he was there with the answer for our squad.”
2nd Star: Trent Wiemken, G, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Dysart, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Damon Furuseth, F, Austin Bruins – Alexandr Kim, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Bennett Koupal, F, Aberdeen Wings – Kyle Miller, D, St. Cloud Norsemen – Riley Sahrun, F, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Will Moore, Forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
Johnstown forward Will Moore was a huge key in the Tomahawks weekend sweep with four points. The Westfield, IN native added two assists in a 6-1 win over Danbury. On Saturday, Moore added an assist in the Tomahawks first goal of the game and then added one of his own in a 4-1 win. The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) commit has played in 25 games this season where he’s totalled 28 points. “Will had a great two games for us leading us offensively to two very important home wins,” Head Coach Mike Letizia said. “He was creative all weekend every time he touched the ice. He has a strong knack to be able to impact the game every night for us. As we move forward down the home stretch of the season, and push for the playoffs, Will is going to be an extremely vital part of our team in all ways.”
2nd Star: Dom Bartecko, F, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Bunting, F, Philadelphia Rebels – Ben Campeau, F, Northeast Generals – Sonny Diubile, D, Philadelphia Rebels – Will Lawrence, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Owen Lepak, G, Maryland Black Bears – Ryder Nienhuis, F, Maryland Black Bears – Dom Rivelli, F, New Jersey Titans – Dave Tolan, F, Danbury Hat Tricks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Haden Kruse, Forward, Janesville Jets
Forward Hayden Kruse came up big for the Janesville Jets in a weekend sweep where he totaled five points. The University of Alaska-Fairbanks commit added a goal and two assists in Friday's 4-3 overtime win against Springfield. The following night, the Nisswas, MN native tallied a goal and an assist where the Jets won 7-2. Kruse has played in 38 games this season where he leads the team in scoring with 51 points. “Hayden continues to lead our group every night,” Head Coach Joe Dibble said. “His productivity, work ethic has been contagious around the room.”
2nd Star: Talan Blanck, F, Chippewa Steel
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Braydon Beahm, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Conner Brown, Defense, Janesville Jets – Andy Larson, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Carter McCormick, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Scotty Miner, D, Chippewa Steel
South Division Star of the Week: Jakub Jerman, Defenseman, El Paso Rhinos
El Paso defenseman Jakub Jerman found his offensive skill as he combined for five points over two games. The Hradec Kralove, CZE native was a major factor in the Rhino’s sweep over the Colorado Grit. Jerman kicked off Friday night's game by adding two assists in a 3-0 win. In Saturday night’s contest, Jerman scored two goals and dished out an assist. This season, Jerman has played in 39 games and has totalled 20 points. “He’s a really great player, and a division one school is going to get an amazing player with him on their roster,” Head Coach Joe Coombs said. “Had an amazing weekend, it was great to see a defenseman find the back of the net. He’s very deserving of this honor.”
2nd Star: Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau, G, Shreveport Mudbugs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Anthony Cafarelli, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Daniel Duris, G, Oklahoma Warriors – Bryce Ingles, D, Lone Star Brahmas – Bryce Johnson, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Ryan Johnson, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Justin Kerr, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Luke Morris, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Frank Tafelski, F, El Paso Rhinos – Colin Vassalio, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Roman Zapp, F, Amarillo Wranglers
