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 October 13th, 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: Zane Spaniol, Goalie, Minnesota Mallards
Ham Lake, Minnesota native Zane Spaniol debuted this weekend in the NAHL for the Mallards and he made the most of it, picking up a pair of wins for Minnesota in their weekend sweep over the Watertown Shamrocks. The 6’3 netminder made his league debut on Friday, allowing three goals on 28 shots faced in a game that went to a shootout. In the shootout, Spaniol allowed just one goal on six attempts to provide the Mallards the extra point. He one-upped his Friday performance the following night, recording a 37 save shutout in Minnesota’s 2-0 victory. On the weekend, Spaniol finished with a 1.44 goals against average and .954 save percentage.
“Zane puts in the work everyday, he’s dedicated to his craft and competes hard on and off the ice in the right ways,” said Mallards head coach Terry Watt. “It’s great to see him get reward for all his hard work, and it’s even better to see because he is a such a great young man and all his teammates love him.”
2nd Star: Tomas Anderson, F, Bismarck Bobcats
3rd Star: Keanu Krenn, F, Bismarck Bobcats
East Division Star of the Week: Jack Hillier, Forward, New Jersey Titans
Titans veteran Jack Hillier stepped up his offensive game over the course of New Jersey’s three games this past week, helping them defeat the Hat Tricks on Tuesday and sweep the Rebels this weekend. On Tuesday, Hillier and the Titans fell down two goals in the 1st and Jack sparked the comeback with his first goal of the week late in the 1st. He went on to tally another goal and an assist in the comeback victory. On Friday and Saturday he continued the attack, logging a pair of goals and two assists in a home-and-home series against Philadelphia. Along with his seven points, Hillier maintained a +4 rating throughout the week.
“Jack has been outstanding over the last 3 games. He’s been a huge part of our success over the lady 3 games,” said Titans head coach George Haviland. “He’s done a great job of embracing of the way our new staff wants Jack to play. Our staff is extremely thrilled that he received this weekly honor and we want him to continue to play free and use his talents to help the team climb back in. Great job Jack!”
2nd Star: Gates Omicioli, F, Danbury Hat Tricks
3rd Star: Hugo Branthsson, F, Rochester Jr. Americans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Ferry Netusil, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness
Minnesota forward Ferry Netusil has had a strong start to his rookie season, totalling 13 points in 11 games. Netusil and the Wilderness fell in Friday night’s matchup against the Jr. Blues but both came back for revenge in Saturday’s bout. After falling down to 2-0 early in the 2nd period, Ferry made it his own mission to bring the Wilderness back, recording a natural hat trick in less than three minutes to take the lead. He also added an assist midway through the 3rd period to extend the lead and help seal the weekend split.
“There is no doubt Ferry is a talented player and can help our team win in many ways when he commits to doing the right things,” said Wilderness head coach Evan Alexius. “More importantly he shows up to the rink with an infectious smile and is loved by his teammates for his fun attitude! We look forward to watching him continue his positive growth.”
2nd Star: Lucas Szyszka, G, Wisconsin Windigo
3rd Star: Christian Venticinque, F, Janesville Jets
South Division Star of the Week: Aden Gariepy, Goalie, Shreveport Mudbugs
NAPHL Alumni netminder Aden Gariepy has made a strong impression to the South Division through the first few weeks of his rookie season, shown clearly this weekend in a matchup against the New Mexico Ice Wolves. The Munising, Michigan backstopped the Mudbugs to a weekend sweep of New Mexico, facing 22 shots on Friday and 15 shots on Saturday. This season, Gariepy has accumulated a 1.35 goals against average and .942 save percentage.
“Aden came through for us in a big way this past weekend,” said Shreveport head coach Jason Campbell. “His determination and focus have been a driving force behind his recent success and we’re incredibly proud of his achievement. Aden’s commitment to developing his game every day since arriving in Shreveport has clearly paid off. We are excited to see where all his efforts and talent will take him and our team next.”
2nd Star: Jacob Solano, F, El Paso Rhinos
3rd Star: Kyan Haldenby, F, Shreveport Mudbugs
