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 December 1, 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: Jack Solomon, Goaltender, Austin Bruins.

Coming from the “Show-Me State,” Jack Solomon showed off his ability between the pipes last week for three straight nights. The 19-year-old played over 154 minutes and only allowed one goal on the weekend. He produced a .987 save percentage and picked up his first shutout of the season. The 6’2 netminder has helped the Bruins produce points for the standings in his last 11 games. Thanks to his work, the Bruins inch closer to the top of the Central Division standings.

“Jack had a fantastic week and continues to impress all of us on a daily basis,” said Austin’s head coach, Steve Howard. “Jack is a major reason that we’ve been able to have some success so far this season.”

2nd Star: Leo Bulgakov, F, Aberdeen Wings

3rd Star: Willum Braun, G, Aberdeen Wings
 

East Division Star of the Week: Ryan Novo, Forward, New Jersey Titans

The 20-year-old future West Point Black Knight, Ryan Novo had an electric weekend for the Titans. The third-year veteran produced three goals for New Jersey’s sweep over the Northeast Generals. The 5’8 lefty leads his squad with 13 goals, is second with 28 points, and is tied third with 15. Novo has been productive on the ice and leads the Titans with a +7 rating.

He ended the weekend with three goals, three points, and a +3 rating. 

"I'm not surprised that Ryan has been selected player of the week! He continues to show the persevere and compete for every inch of ice available on a consistent basis. He was rewarded by having 3 goals this weekend in a two-game sweep," said the Titans head coach, George Haviland. "He is one of our captains and is definitely a leader on our team. His consistent compete level combined with skill set makes him a primary engine on our team."

2nd Star: Hugo Branthsson, F, Rochester Jr. Americans

3rd Star: Daniel Leroux, G, Rochester Jr. Americans

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Zach Homer, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness

The 6’2 righty from Michigan had a season-high weekend. Zach Homer started this week with a big win over the top of the Midwest, the Wisconsin Windigo. He struck first in the matchup with a goal at the 17:48 mark. Then in the second period, the Wilderness found the back of the net three more times with Homer tallying a goal and an assist. Finally in the third period with less than three minutes on the clock, Homer assisted on the final goal of the game.

In the 5-2 victory over the Windigo, he notched a season-high four-point game. He ended the weekend with four goals, two assists, six points, a +3 rating, and produced a three-game goal streak. 

Homer ranks second on his squad with 11 goals, and first overall with three game-winning goals on the season.

“Zach has really started to find his groove as of late scoring six goals in his last six games. He has a knack for having soft hands around the net while being hard to play against in that area, said the Wilderness head coach, Zach Stepan. “He is scoring goals because of his will to get to the hard areas consistently and I am glad he is getting rewarded for it!”

2nd Star: Wyatt Carlson, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

3rd Star: Josh Sardo, F, Wisconsin Windigo

 

South Division Star of the Week: Michael Manzi, Goaltender, El Paso Rhinos

A Texas-sized showdown happened between the El Paso Rhinos and the Lone Star Brahmas over the weekend. The 6’1 netminder, Michael Manzi, shocked the Brahmas with his first shutout victory of the season on Friday night. The Brahmas were not shut out this season until Manzi was between the pipes. He saved all 26 shots that came his way. 

On Saturday night, Manzi gave up two goals early in the third period, however, it was not enough for Lone Star to topple El Paso’s three earlier goals. He saved 26 out of 28 shots and picked up his fourth consecutive win. The 20-year-old from Delaware finished his weekend with a .965 save percentage and a 1.01 goals against average.

Manzi leads his squad in wins (10), save percentage (.938), goals against average (1.699), and is the only Rhino to have a shutout so far this season. Additionally, with his save percentage, he ranks third overall in the NAHL.

“Michael had a great weekend for us, going into Lone Star is never an easy task for any team and he was a major piece of the puzzle for our success over the last two games,” said Alec Sherman. “Manzi is a competitor and a great teammate, I believe that showed this weekend with his focus and drive on and off the ice. He made big saves when we needed them and helped create momentum for his surrounding teammates.”

2nd Star: Nate Farrell, D, Oklahoma Warriors

3rd Star: Nayan Pai, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves