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 30, 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: Carter Lundie, Forward, St. Cloud Norsemen 

There’s no doubt that NAHL rookie forward Carter Lundie has been an integral piece of St. Cloud’s early success this season, shown vividly this week in Blaine at the Showcase. On Wednesday against the Jr. Americans, Carter found the back of the net twice for his squad, including a crucial game-tying goal with 66 seconds left to send the game to overtime. The British Columbia native followed up that performance with another strong one against the Nordiques on Thursday, assisting on all three St. Cloud goals in the 3-2 victory. Lundie wrapped up the Showcase on Saturday with another multi-point performance, potting a pair of goals in the Norsemen’s 4-3 loss to the reigning Robertson Cup champions Lone Star Brahmas. 

“Carter had a strong showcase,” said St. Cloud head coach Joe Exter. “He demonstrated his ability to score and produce in all three games. Most importantly, he showed he has the determination needed to step up at key times and deliver for the team.”

2nd Star: Jack Solomon, G, Austin Bruins

3rd Star: Travis Lefere, F, Watertown Shamrocks

East Division Star of the Week: Benjamin Campeau, Forward, Northeast Generals

Northeast Generals captain Benjamin Campeau got his season off to a strong start, heading into the Showcase with four points under his belt in the same amount of games. The Kingston, Ontario native turned on another gear once arriving in Minnesota, beginning against the Wilderness on Wednesday. In a 4-3 victory over Minnesota, Campeau tallied a pair of goals, including the eventual game-winner with just over five minutes remaining in the game. Benjamin added another goal to his tally on Thursday against Aberdeen, and on Friday, he recorded three points (two goals, one assist) against the Odessa Jackalopes in a dominant 5-1 victory. 

“Ben has had an amazing start to the year both on and off the ice. As a captain, he has a lot of responsibility in getting the boys ready and focused and he’s done a tremendous job,” said Northeast head coach Bryan Erikson. “He has improved every part of his game and when the lights were the brightest in Blaine, he played some of his best hockey. All the coaches at all college levels got to see what I see every day. A player who is responsible 200 feet, is great on the details, and shines in big moments. His stats were great but his focus and energy are what helps separate Ben from the pack. Great player doing great things with more to come. We are very proud of Ben!”  

2nd Star: Mason Stenger, D, Maryland Black Bears

3rd Star: Ryan Nolan, G, Northeast Generals

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Ian Norkevicus, Defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Second-year defenseman and Pennsylvania native Ian Norkevicus was elite on the blueline throughout the showcase for the Ice Dogs, helping them sweep their trio of games at the Super Rink. Ian found his scoring touch early, rattling off a pair of goals on Wednesday against the New Jersey Titans, including the eventual game-winner midway through the second period. He one-upped his Wednesday performance on Saturday against the undefeated Amarillo Wranglers. The Ice Dogs found themselves down 2-1 heading into the third period, and Norkevicus made it his mission to turn the tides. Ian picked up an assist on Luca Ricciardi’s game-tying goal and, 14 seconds later, found the back of the net to give the Ice Dogs the lead. He later added his second of the game and fourth of the season to seal the victory. 

"Ian’s work ethic and attention to detail is top notch. He has enjoyed a great start in his second season with us both on the ice and in the locker room as a leader," said Fairbanks head coach Ryan Theros. "Looking forward to his success throughout because of his team-first attitude!!

2nd Star: Cole Christian, F, Anchorage Wolverines

3rd Star: Nate Murray, D, Minnesota Wilderness

South Division Star of the Week: Nikita Volsky, Goalie, Corpus Christi IceRays

Once again in the South Division, a stellar goaltending performance from a netminder in Texas earned him a Star of the Week honor. Belarussian native Nikita Volsky headed into the showcase 3-1 and was determined to continue adding wins to his record. On Thursday against Danbury, Volsky was lights out between the pipes, stopping all but one of 36 shots the Jr. Hat Tricks sent his way. Nikita and the IceRays returned the following evening to face the Springfield. Jr Blues, where he kept out all 27 shots to earn his first career shutout in the NAHL in Corpus Christi’s 3-0 victory. Between the two games he appeared in, Nikita held a 0.50 goals against average and an impressive .984 save percentage.

“So happy for Nikita; he’s been a brick wall for us,” said Corpus Christi head coach Sylvain Cloutier. “He’s one of the reasons we had the start we had.”

2nd Star: Salvatore Cerrato, D, Amarillo Wranglers

3rd Star: Pierson Sobush, F, Corpus Christi IceRays