NAHL Announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week
Central Division Star of the Week: Alex Laurenza, Forward, Austin Bruins
In Austin, it was the Laurenza extravaganza. The ‘05 lefty put on a show at home for the Bruins. On Friday night’s matchup against the Minnesota Mallards, he tallied two goals and two assists, picking up his third four-point night of the season. The 5’10 Woodbridge, Ontario native had an even more impressive Saturday night performance. He put together his second hat trick of the season. Laurenza finished the weekend with five goals, two assists, seven points, and a +4 rating.
The second-year Bruin is also on a nine-game heater. He has scored at least one point in the last nine games. Laurenza leads the NAHL in points per game (1.78), plus-minus rating (25), and game-winning goals (5), while he is tied for first in the NAHL in points (32). The 19-year-old forward additionally leads his squad in goals (15) and is second in assists (17).
“Alex has been great this season,” said Austin’s head coach, Steve Howard. “He continues to lead by example through his play.”
2nd Star: Ian Spencer, F, Minot Minotauros
3rd Star: Kai Weigel, G, Bismarck
East Division Star of the Week: Ryan Nolan, Goaltender, Northeast Generals
Ryan Nolan was golden in between the pipes for the Northeast Generals. The ‘05 goalie helped the Generals sweep the Maine Nordiques. On Saturday night’s matchup, he saved 41 out of 43 shots. Nolan helped the Generals to win 6-2 over the Nordiques. The next day, on Sunday afternoon, the Nordiques kept the game close. However, that did not stop the 6’0 New Hampshire native. He blocked 51 out of 52 shots, allowing the Generals to win 2-1 over the number-one-ranked team in the East division, the Maine Nordiques.
Do not get it twisted with Nolan Rylan. He is not throwing heat; he is blocking it. The 19-year-old has played a crucial role on the Generals' roster. Out of the 10 wins the Generals have accumulated this season, nine of them came from Nolan as the netminder. Nolan ended his weekend with a 1.50 goals against average, a .968 save percentage, and a save percentage of 92 out of 95 shots.
“Ryan has had a tremendous season. He has just gotten better and better each week. He is a great kid who works extremely hard. Our goalie coach Ian Milosz and Ryan have worked on control and you can see it in how he plays,” said Northeast’s head coach, Bryan Erikson. “He “made some incredible saves this weekend. On Sunday he willed us to victory in a game we didn’t deserve to win. However, that is what good goalies do, steal a game every once in a while. Very proud of Ryan for stepping up this weekend and helping us get a much-needed two wins.”
2nd Star: Jack Hillier, F, New Jersey Titans
3rd Star: Adam Ondris, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Braydon Beahm, Forward, Wisconsin Windigo
A beam of light on the Wisconsin Windigo comes from the 6’4 lefty, Braydon Beahm. Beahm had an offensively productive weekend. On Friday night, he picked up his first career hat trick against the Minnesota Wilderness. He scored half of the goals for the Windigo. However, the following night, the ‘04 forward found a way to top that performance. He came in clutch on Saturday night and tallied five of the six goals for the Windigo. The Clarkson University commit finished the weekend with eight goals and a +8 rating.
His beam of light shines bright in the NAHL. He leads the NAHL in goals (20), while is third overall for points (30), and points per game (1.50).
"As a staff and organization, we are extremely happy for Braydon. I think it's easy to look at the game report, from an outsider's perspective, and think what an incredible weekend. However, this past weekend's production is an accumulation of days, weeks, and months of preparation by Braydon, his two linemates: Elliot Gulley and Ronnie Hill, and our team as a whole,” said Wisconsin’s head coach, John Mitchell. “I am a firm believer that awards such as these are an attribute to the success of the team. Our staff has been pleased with the start of the season, and hopes for continued development from our athletes as the season progresses.”
2nd Star: Elliot Gulley, F, Wisconsin Windigo
3rd Star: William Lubimov, G, Anchorage Wolverines
South Division Star of the Week: Nikola Goich, Goaltender, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport Mudbug veteran, Nikola Goich, put together his first shutout win of the season in Friday night’s overtime win against the Odessa Jackalopes. The 6’5 goalie saved all 36 shots that were sent his way. The next night, the ‘04 Illinois native came in the last period and limited the Jackalopes to one goal in the final period. Thanks to his teammates, the Mudbugs were able to put together another overtime win against the Jackalopes. He ends the weekend with a .70 goals against average and a .977 save percentage.
“Niko’s effort and performance this past weekend was outstanding. He played confident and poised and gave us a chance to win, said Shreveport’s head coach, Jason Campbell. “Niko led by example all game and during the shootout. In the end it was a huge team win with a huge performance by Niko.”
2nd Star: Elias Kumlin, F, Lone Star Brahmas
3rd Star: Ryan Comishock, F, Lone Star Brahmas
