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 25, 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: Michael Coleman, Forward, St. Cloud Norsemen
St. Cloud forward Michael Coleman had a huge weekend for the Norsemen. The Grand Forks, ND native added an assist in the game's first goal. On Saturday night’s 9-1 win, Coleman lit up the scoresheet with a hat-trick and an assist. The 2024 NAHL Top Prospect Selects Gold rostered forward has played in 46 games this year where he has totalled 37 points. "We've been pleasantly surprised with Micheals seasonal development and production," Associate Head Coach John Mitchel said. "It can sometimes be a question mark when it comes to the youth in this league. The league is so competitive, heavy and hard that young players have a tough time acclimating. Micheal has earned his success this season through rounding out his play in the defensive zone and the passion for the game that he brings to the rink everyday. We are excited to see where his continued development brings him."
2nd Star: Tommy Cronin, F, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Croix Kochendorfer, G, Aberdeen Wings – Reilley Kotai, F, Austin Bruins – Alexandr Kim, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Peyton Mithmuangneau, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Wes Turner, D, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Logan Renkowski, Forward, New Jersey Titans
Titans forward Logan Renkowski was fantastic for New Jersey in their weekend sweep over Danbury. The Nesconset, NY native had a quiet night on Friday, then outshined the competition on Saturday. In the 10-1 win, Renkowski added a hat-trick and dished out an assist. So far this season, the Harvard commit has played in 39 games this season where he has combined for 19 points. "It was another positive step for Logan this past weekend,” Head Coach Craig Doremus said. “Logan has worked long and hard since joining us earlier in the year. His game continues to get better and better so it's great to see him get rewarded on the scoresheet for his efforts. He was able to have a very effective weekend with his linemates Dom Rivelli and Ryan Novo. We want Logan to use this success to help propel him and our team as we approach a critical string of games here in late February and early March."
2nd Star: Michael Sandruck, F, Rochester Jr. Americans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Reece Brednich, F, New Jersey Titans – Dylan Gordon, D, Maryland Black Bears – Toby Hopp, G, Northeast Generals – Brendan Kimball, D, Northeast Generals – Lukas Klemm, D, Johnstown Tomahawks – Will Lawrence, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Luke Minard, F, Philadelphia Rebels
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Liam Beerman, Goalie, Anchorage Wolverines
Anchorage goaltender Liam Beerman was elite over the weekend picking up back-to-back wins including a shutout. In a two game sweep over the Chippewa Steel, the Marquette, MI native turned away 97 of 100 shots, earned a 33 shot shutout win, posted a 1.50 GAA and a .956 SV%. This season, Beerman holds a 19-9-1-2 record with a 2.51 GAA and a .921 SV%. “Liam has been an absolute workhorse for us,” Head Coach Nick Walters said. “With some early season injuries, we have leaned on him a lot and he has proven to be the backbone of the team. I truly believe that teams are only as good as their goaltending, and he is a big reason we are having team success. When you have a guy that makes that timely save, it brings a certain calm to the rest of the group. A gesture of “I got your back” when maybe some mistakes are made up-ice, and he certainly demonstrated that this past weekend.”
2nd Star: Connor Brown, D, Janesville Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kole Altergott, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Brady Engelkes, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Logan Ganz, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Tyler Grahme, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Tyler Krivstov, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Jackson Lackas, F, Chippewa Steel – Alessandro Lurati, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Riley Mullens, D, Kenai River Brown Bears – Kyle Rohrer, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Nick Sajevic, F, Janesville Jets – Connor Schneider, F, Chippewa Steel – Landry Schmuck, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Will Schumacher, F, Wisconsin Windigo – Taisetsu Ushio, F, Anchorage Wolverines
South Division Star of the Week: Ivan Zhigalov, Goalie, Odessa Jackalopes
Jackalopes netminder Ivan Zhigalov was tremendous in net picking up a pair of wins including a shutout. In a weekend showdown against the Amarillo Wranglers, Zhigalov was strong in the crease on Friday stopping 30 of 33 shots in a 4-3 overtime win. Zhigalov picked up where he left off on Friday in Saturday night's game, stopping all 18 shots he faced in a 4-0 shutout victory. His two nights in net was good for a 1.50 GAA and a .954 SV%. The Minsk, BEL native has played in seven games this season where he has a 4-3 record. “Ivan has been good since he got to Odessa and this weekend just shows how good he can be,” Head Coach Scott Deur said. “He’s calm and composed in the net and gives us a chance to win night in and night out.”
2nd Star: Jacob MacDonald, F, Lone Star Brahmas
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Yusaku Ando, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Camden Bajzer, F, El Paso Rhinos – Cameron Dunn, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Daniel Duris, G, Oklahoma Warriors – Nikola Goich, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Owen Kerr, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Hayden Nichol, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Connor Smith, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Andy Vlaha, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Bradley Walker, F, El Paso Rhinos
