NAHL Announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced today the Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending November 10th, 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: Tomas Anderson, Goalie, Bismarck Bobcats
For the third and fourth time this season, Bismarck goalie, Tomas Anderson has produced shutout performances. The 6’1 lefty has been nothing less than extraordinary between the pipes. He leads the NAHL for goals against average (1.067), save percentage (.956), shutouts (4), and is tied for first in wins (11).
This past weekend against the Minnesota Mallards, he saved all 35 shots sent his way. This dominance between the goalposts is nothing new to the player from Minnesota. In his last six games, he has produced four shutouts.
“Tomas had another great weekend for us and made some timely saves in helping us get a couple of wins. He has continued to stay even-keeled for us which has given our group the confidence to play an aggressive style in front of him,” said Bismarck head coach, Garrett Roth. “His continued development has helped propel our group to having a nice start to the season.”
2nd Star: Luc Malkhassian, F, Austin Bruins
3rd Star: SangYeob Kim, F, North Iowa Bulls
East Division Star of the Week: Calle Karlsson, Forward, Rochester Jr. Americans
This is no deja vu, Calle Karlsson, found a way to up his performance from last week, and stay as the East Division Star of the Week. He recorded a season-high five total points for the series against Maryland and scored the game-winning goal on Saturday night for Jr. Americans. Every goal except one was scored or assisted by the ‘04 forward over the weekend.
Karlsson made history earlier this year as the first-ever overseas player to be tendered by the Jr. Americans. The Swede ended the weekend with two goals, three assists, five total points, and a +3 rating on the weekend. Karlsson now leads his squad in goals (10), and points (22), while he is tied for first in assists (12).
“Calle had another impressive weekend performance against a tough Maryland team. He is showing consistency and effort in every game, making him a valuable player in all situations,” said the Rochester head coach, Francois Methot. “His potential is unlimited and he should be a top consideration for all college programs.”
2nd Star: Usko Laaksonen, F, Maine Nordiques
3rd Star: Ruslan Jamaldinov, F, Philadelphia Rebels
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Payton Struck, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness
A name you can be starstruck by is NAHL rookie, Payton Struck. The 6’2 forward played an integral role in Minnesota’s win on Friday night against the Anchorage Wolverines. On Friday night, he tallied a goal and an assist over the number two-ranked Wolverines. In all three games, Struck produced two total points in each. However, the ‘05 righty has been on a heater for the past five games, picking up at least a point in each.
He ended the weekend with one goal, five assists, six total points, and a +2 rating.
“It’s not surprising that Payton had the weekend he had considering the work he puts into it. The points he is getting are from his willingness to do all of the little things in a 200-foot game” said the Wilderness head coach, Zach Stepan. “He is a reliable player while having the hockey IQ and playmaking ability to back it up. Everything he got over the weekend was because he's buying into playing the game the right way. We are very proud of him.”
2nd Star: Brock Devlin, D, Anchorage Wolverines
3rd Star: Gavin Middendorf, F, Chippewa Steel
South Division Star of the Week: Salvatore Cerrato, Defenseman, Amarillo Wranglers
Wranglin’ his way to the top of the South is 20-year-old defenseman Salvatore Cerrato. In Thursday night’s game against the Odessa Jackalopes, the ‘04 righty went pedal to the metal in earning points. He hit his single-game career-high at two assists and four total points while tying his single-game career-high with two goals.
This past weekend was an important series against the Jackalopes because both teams are in the race for the Austin Hose Hoser Cup title. The St. Louis native wrapped up his weekend with two goals, three assists, five total points, and a +1 rating on the weekend.
“Sal is a great person. I know his teammates will be happy to see him receive this weekly honor. He possesses a great offensive skill set, which is proving every game to be a threat,” said Wranglers head coach, Taylor Harnett. “He prepares hard every day and deserves all the recognition that comes his way!”
2nd Star: Travis Bryson, F, Oklahoma Warriors
3rd Star: Nikita Volsky, G, Corpus Christi IceRays
