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 November 3rd, 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: Luke Backel, Forward, Aberdeen Wings
Third-year Wings veteran, Luke Backel, had a career-high night in assists and total points over the weekend. Backel was instrumental in the team's success in Friday night’s game versus the Minnesota Mallards. The Wings captain helped to produce Aberdeen’s largest margin of victory this season with his one goal, four assists, and five total points. He finished the weekend with two goals, four assists, six total points, and a +3 rating for the weekend.
Backel is tied first on his squad with total points (17) and assists (10) while is second in goals (7).
“Luke has been an intricate part of our start to the season,” said the Aberdeen head coach, Scott Langer. “Luke is a leader on and off the ice. He brings his game every night.”
2nd Star: Owen Pitters, F, Aberdeen Wings
3rd Star: Lukas Swedin, G, Minot Minotauros
East Division Star of the Week: Calle Karlsson, Forward, Rochester Jr. Americans
Rochester rookie, Calle Karlsson, made a statement in Saturday night's game against the Philadelphia Rebels. The ‘04 forward must have three as his lucky number. He scored a season-high three goals and three total points for the Jr Americans with a season-high weekend rating of +3. Two of those goals from Saturday night's game came from the first 11 minutes of play by the rookie with his teammates following up with two more goals in the first period.
Karlsson is tied first on his squad in goals (8) and is second for total points (17).
"The addition of Calle has made a significant impact on our team! His ability to bring energy and love for the game along with his offensive contributions have been crucial, especially during the recent wins against a strong Rebels team," stated the Rochester head coach, Francois Methot. "He is adapting well to the North American style of play and embracing a more complete game. This kind of process can really elevate the team’s overall performance."
2nd Star: Charles Panchisin, F, Philadelphia Rebels
3rd Star: Markas Samenas, F, Maryland Black Bears
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Ferry Netusil, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness
No stranger to being a Star of the Week, Ferry Netusil has made a splash this season on the Wilderness. In Friday night’s game against the Kenai Brown Bears, the 5’10 righty scored two goals in the first four minutes of play. Netusil is dominant on the ice and leads the NAHL in goals (14), and power-play goals (9) while leading his squad in total points (20). He finished the weekend with three goals, one assist, and four total points.
“Ferry had a big weekend for us and helped us get going straight from the get-go on this Alaska trip. He has been an important piece to this hockey team and continues to help us win games,” said the Wilderness head coach, Zach Stepan. “He brings a lot more to the table than just scoring. We love the scoring, but he does a lot of other things right as well that make him a well-rounded player.”
2nd Star: Roberto Leonardo Henriquez, G, Anchorage Wolverines
3rd Star: Elliot Gulley, F, Wisconsin Windigo
South Division Star of the Week: Kyan Haldenby, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
After having a weekend off with the Mudbugs, Kyan Haldenby returned to the ice with an offensive edge and produced a season-high night in their rematch against the Amarillo Wranglers. The ‘04 forward is in his second season with the Mudbugs. In Friday night’s game at the Budweiser Bull Pen, Haldenby put two pucks to the back of the net, had three assists, and rounded out the night with five total points. Thanks to his performance, he produced a season-high in goals, assists, and total points for one game.
Haldenby leads Shreveport in assists (14), total points (19), and takes home second for goals (5).
“Consistency kills and that’s exactly what Kyan has brought to the table this season. Earlier in the season, he was getting good chances but the puck wasn’t going in. Props to Kyan for sticking with it and staying consistent, said the Shreveport head coach, Jason Campbell. “Fortunately for him and the Mudbugs, the puck has been finding the back of the net for him and his linemates lately.”
2nd Star: Aiden Puley, F, Shreveport Mudbugs
3rd Star: Jack Erickson, G, Colorado Grit
