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 27th, 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: Beck Liden, Goalie, St. Cloud Norsemen
For the third time this season, Beck Liden produced a shutout performance for the Norsemen. The 5’11 goaltender was electric this past weekend against the Aberdeen Wings. Between the pipes, he saved 44 out of 46 shots, had a .956 save percentage, and 1.00 goals against average. He played an integral role for St. Cloud to sweep Aberdeen. The squad pushed past the Wings in the Central Division standings and took over the number two spot.
Linden currently leads his squad in wins (8), save percentage (.923), shutouts (3), and goals against average (1.939).
“Beck was outstanding all weekend. His calm demeanor has a steady influence on our team’s play,” said head coach Joe Exter. “His presence combined with key saves at critical times helped lead our team to a successful weekend.”
2nd Star: Alex Laurenza, F, Austin Bruins
3rd Star: Tomas Anderson, G, Bismarck Bobcats
East Division Star of the Week: Alex Papaspyropoulos, Forward, New Jersey Titans
Titans rookie, Alex Papaspyropoulos, had a season-high performance this past weekend against the Johnstown Tomahawks. After losing by one the night before, Papaspyropoulos went on an offensive tear for the Titans on Saturday night. Thanks to his season-high performance, he tallied two goals, four assists, and six total points. Two of his assists came on the tying goal and the game’s winning overtime goal. The 6’1 forward was integral to the Titans' success. He played a part in every goal except one on Saturday’s, 7-6, overtime win. Alex Papaspyropoulos had seven points over two games on the weekend.
“Alex has taken his game to another level over the last four weeks by playing free and loose. He has been able to do this while taking care of the details and playing the right way,” said head coach George Haviland. “It was good to see him get rewarded Saturday night for how focused he has been with his relentless pressure and pursuit of the pucks all over the ice. It has allowed him to have more opportunities offensively with the puck on his stick, where he is very skilled offensively.”
2nd Star: Ryan Nolan, G, Northeast Generals
3rd Star: JC Humphreys, F, Rochester Jr. Americans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Junsu Kwak, Forward, Springfield Jr. Blues
The South Korean forward, Junsu Kwak, picked up his offensive game against the Janesville Jets over the weekend. He scored two goals, had three assists, and five total points on the weekend. However, four of those points came from Saturday night’s game. The ‘06 skater put together a season-high performance on Saturday with two goals and two assists. He played a role in every goal that was scored by the Jr. Blues. Thanks to his help, the Springfield Jr. Blues have propelled from the number five spot to the number three spot on the Midwest Division standings.
“Junsu has stepped in and continues to get better every game,” said head coach Todd Pococke. “His offensive game has been great, but he competes hard and plays well without the puck. We are very pleased with him both on and off the ice. We are excited to see what he continues to do.”
2nd Star: Niklas Erickson, G, Minnesota Wilderness
3rd Star: Danny Bagnole, F, Anchorage Wolverines
South Division Star of the Week: Grayson Gerhard, Forward, Amarillo Wranglers
Wranglers second-year veteran, Grayson Gerhard, has been a consistent and reliable skater for Amarillo this season. Gerhard is currently on a five-game streak of picking up a point for the Wranglers. In the three games over the weekend, he scored a goal in every game, made two assists, and had a +5 rating for the weekend.
“Grayson has been an integral part in our scoring, up until now,” said head coach Taylor Harnett. “He has put a lot of work into playing well away from the puck. This has helped his team succeed and led to more offensive opportunities for him. As the season moves forward, I think we will see a lot more out of Grayson!”
2nd Star: William Johnson, F, Colorado Grit
3rd Star: William Svard-Karphed, G, Odessa Jackalopes
