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 March 24, 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: Matthew Rafalski, Defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats
Bismarck blue-liner Matthew Rafalski combined for five points over a two game set against the St. Cloud Norsemen. The Lindenwood University committed defender added two assists in the Bobcats 5-2 takedown over the Norsemen. In the following contest, the Waupaca, WI native added an assist on the Bobcats first goal of the game, scored the third goal for Bismarck, and dished an assist for the overtime game winner. Rafalski has appeared in 49 games this season in a Bobcats sweater where he has combined for 33 points. “Matt had a great weekend for his team, it was obviously a big boost to get him back this weekend as he is an offensive minded defenseman that contributed all over the ice,” Head Coach Layne Sedevie said.
2nd Star: Lukas Swedin, G, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kade Kohanski, F, Bismarck Bobcats - Peyton Mithmangeauau, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Hagen Moe, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Colby Woogk, D, Minot Minotauros
East Division Star of the Week: Nick White, Forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
Tomahawks forward Nick White found the scoresheet in all three games he appeared in over the week. The Orleans, AK native and the Tomahawks started the week off with a 4-3 win over the Maryland Black Bears where White added two primary assists. The Tomahawks then headed back home for a two game series against the Philadelphia Rebels. In Friday night’s 2-1 shootout fina, White scored in the first period. Then in Saturday's 6-0 victory, White added two goals and an assist. White has played in 52 games this season and has totalled 32 points. “Nick had a great week for us being a big contributor to our team’s success,” Head Coach Mike Letizia said. “He made plays and scored big goals for us in an extremely important week. I think Nick has a tremendous skill set and has really grown his game all season long. When he has played at the top of his game that has generally translated very well into team results. I am really proud of Nick, and the way he elevated his game this week in crunch time for us.”
2nd Star: Zach Ferris, G, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Dylan Gordon, D, Maryland Black Bears – Sam Stitz, F, Maryland Black Bears
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Max Martin, Forward, Wisconsin Windigo
Max Martin continued to keep his spot at the top spot as the NAHL’s top point producer as he totalled six points over two games. The Bowling Green State University commit added two assists and the overtime game winning goal in Friday’s 4-3 win over Springfield. In Saturday’s game two of the weekend, the Tawas City, MI native netted two goals and dished out an assist. So far this season, Martin has played in 57 games and has totalled a league high 97 points. “Max had another great weekend,” Head Coach Blake Hietala said. “The rate at which he's scoring and his consistency this season is remarkable, but he also brings so much else to our team, with his competence and leadership. It's been fun to watch what he's done this year and we're hoping he can help us finish strong.”
2nd Star: AJ Reyelts, G, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Josh Austin, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Ethan Begg, F, Janesville Jets – Talan Blanck, F, Chippewa Steel – Mario DiMaggio, D, Wisconsin Windigo – Brady Engelkes, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Jan Kasal, G, Janesville Jets – Bryce Monrean, F, Anchorage Wolverines – Caden Pendo, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Camden Shasby, D, Anchorage Wolverines – Ajay White, G, Chippewa Steel
South Division Star of the Week: Ryan Burke, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport Mudbugs forward Ryan Burke had a solid weekend where he recorded five points over two games. The London, Ontario native posted a goal and an assist in Friday’s 3-2 win over the Jackalopes. In the following contest, the 2024 NAHL TPT selected forward added three assists in the Mudbugs 4-0 victory. This season Burke has combined for 58 points with 22 goals and 36 assists.
2nd Star: Michael Manzi, G, El Paso Rhinos
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Max Dronen, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Daniel Duris, G, Oklahoma Warriors – Nikola Goich, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Ethan Hull, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Mason LeBel, F, El Paso Rhinos — Connor McNaughton, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Topi Puikkonen, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Ryan Seelinger, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – John Wojciechowski, D, Odessa Jackalopes
