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 23, 2024. 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: Alex Laurenza, Forward, Austin Bruins

Second-year forward and Union College commit Alex Laurenza only played in one game this weekend but he made it count. The Woodbridge, Ontario native got on the points sheet in the opening frame on Saturday against the North Iowa Bulls, tallying an assist on EJ Paddington’s score. In the 2nd period, Laurenza tallied his first goal of the season to extend Austin’s lead to 3-0. He went on to tally another goal and assist in the 3rd period en route to a dominant 5-1 Bruins victory. “Alex, was outstanding on Saturday. He’s been a big part of our leadership group,” said Austin head coach Steve Howard. “He’s done a great job of establishing our culture with all the new players that we have. Our staff is extremely thrilled that he received this weekly honor and we want him to continue that same effort at the NAHL Showcase this week.”

2nd Star: Peyton Mithmuangneua, F, St. Cloud Norsemen

3rd Star: Grant Kohnen, F, Minnesota Mallards

East Division Star of the Week: Ruslan Jamaldinov, Forward, Philadelphia Rebels

Philadelphia Rebels forward Ruslan Jamaldinov has gotten off to a hot start in his rookie season in the NAHL. The Sweden native found the back of the net Friday night against the Johnstown Tomahawks in the 2nd period, bringing his goal total to three on the year. The puck was hot off Ruslan’s stick on Saturday, dishing a pair of assists and finding the back of the net once again. “RJ has been a great addition to our forward group this season,” said head coach Justin Hale. “He is a smooth skater with great offensive instincts. I was very happy to see him find the scoresheet and help our team to a solid weekend.” 

2nd Star: Andrew Gibbons, F, Rochester Jr. Americans

3rd Star: Laurent Trépanier, F, Maine Nordiques

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Jacob Ligi, Forward, Chippewa Steel

Returning Chippewa forward Jacob Ligi put on an impressive offensive performance for the Steel throughout the weekend. The South Lyon, Michigan native got Chippewa’s offense rolling early against the Kenai River Brown Bears on Friday night, tallying the opening goal and dishing two assists in the first period. Ligi added another goal and assist in the final frame to finish the night with five points. The Wilderness visited the Steel on Saturday and Ligi didn’t slow down, recording a goal and two assists in Chippewa’s 9-5 rout. “Jacob has really come into his own as a player and a leader for us,” said Chippewa head coach Chris Ratzloff. “Halfway through last season he took a big step and we were able to play him in any role. This year he’s off to a great start, taking another step where he continues to make his teammates better through his play. We are excited to see his continued success on and off the ice.”

2nd Star: Brent Gulenchyn, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

3rd Star: Jackson Lackas, F, Chippewa Steel

South Division Star of the Week: Charlie Zolin, Goalie, Amarillo Wranglers 

The second weekend of hockey in the South is complete and once again, the Division Weekly honor is awarded to Amarillo Wranglers netminder Charlie Zolin. After a dominant weekend the prior week, the 04’ netminder kept up the pace against the Colorado Grit on the road. On Friday night, Charlie stopped 32 of 34 shots in the Wranglers’ 5-2 victory. He followed that up Saturday with an elite game between the pipes, saving all but one of 36 shots faced in the overtime win. Throughout the weekend, Zolin held a 1.50 GAA and .957 save %. “Charlie doesn’t give up on pucks,” said Amarillo head coach Taylor Harnett. “His compete for excellence has given us the confidence and ability as a team to have positive achievements. He has great preparation skills, which in part, has led him to have success as of late.”

2nd Star: Bryce Johnson, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Nikita Volsky, G, Corpus Christi IceRays