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NAHL Announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week

January 13, 2025

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced today the Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending January 12, 2025. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Player of the Week awards.

 

Central Division Star of the Week: Lukas Swedin, Goaltender, Minot Minotauros

Second-year veteran of the Minotauros, Lukas Swedin charged ahead and helped his squad sweep the St. Cloud Norsemen on the road. The 5’9 netminder from Stockholm, Sweden was superior between the pipes. Starting on Friday night in St. Cloud, Swedin allowed one goal three minutes into the matchup. However, that early first-period goal by the Norsemen would end up becoming the only goal they scored all weekend. Minot was able to respond to the goal and walk away with a 4-1 victory. 

Heading into Saturday night, Swedin reinforced why he is one of the top goaltenders in the league. He produced a 23-save shutout, making it his fourth shutout this season. On the weekend, he posted a 1.00 goals against average, a .975 save percentage, saved 40 out of 41 shots, and made two assists. He made more assists than goals allowed on the weekend.

Swedin ranks second overall in the league with his save percentage (.944), third in shutouts (4), tied fourth in wins (16), and fifth overall in goals against average (1.657).

Head Coach of the Minotauros, Cody Campbell, shares how Swedin has been a keystone player for the Minotauros. 

“Lukas has been great for us this season. He is a steady competitor who does a great job giving us a chance to win night in and night out. We are excited for him to be recognized for his play this past weekend and look forward to Lukas continuing his play to earn an NCAA Division I opportunity.”

2nd Star: Phileas Lachat, G, Watertown Shamrocks

3rd Star: Carter Sproule, F, Watertown Shamrocks

 

East Division Star of the Week: Niko Tournas, Forward, Danbury Hat Tricks

The ‘06 righty from Connecticut, Niko Tournas, had a season-high weekend with the Hat Tricks. On Friday night, the 6’2 New Hampshire commit found the back of the net twice for his squad. He helped to lead Danbury to a 4-1 victory over Elmira. Moving into Saturday night, Tournas was even more of a dominant offensive force for the Hat Tricks. He contributed to every goal that Danbury scored and ironically, the Hat Trick skater picked up his first hat trick of the season during this matchup. 

Thanks to his ability on the ice he has extended his point streak to seven straight games. He wrapped up his weekend with five goals, one assist, six total points, and a +6 rating. 

For the season, Tournas leads his squad in almost every category. He ranks first in goals (23), assists (21), total points (44), and points per game (1.38), while is tied for second with his +12 rating. 

Head coach of the Hat Tricks, Lenny Caglianone, shares about the development he has seen from Tournas. 

“Niko has elevated his game at a consistent pace this year. His physical game has taken a considerable step and has only elevated his overall skill set. He brought that physicality against Elmira and allowed him to create and maintain more ice. It was a great weekend for a deserving player.”

2nd Star:  Carter Richardson, G, Maine Nordiques

3rd Star: Joseph McGraw, F, Northeast Generals

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Jakub Bednarik, Forward, Anchorage Wolverines 

The 6’2 lefty from Czechia, Jakub Bednarik, made an impact on the Wolverines during their three-game series. After Anchorage’s ten-game road trip, Bednarik raged at home and put together a season-high performance. Starting on Friday night, Bednarik got the Wolverines on the board first with a goal in the first period, however, Janesville kept the matchup competitive. As the squads battled back and forth, the game went into overtime. Teammate, Brock Devlin, was able to help seal the win with an overtime goal. 

On Saturday night, the ‘05 skater had a season-high night of two goals and three total points. The first period featured the Wolverines dominating the Jets. Janesville was able to first get a goal on the board, however, following that one goal, Anchorage raged with five goals just in the first period. Following that period, the Wolverines were able to tally a pair of goals in the second and third periods. The squad ended with a 9-1 victory. 

Finally, on Sunday’s early evening game, the Wolverines produced a 2-1 shootout win. The matchup was close with both goals coming in the third period. The shootout went six rounds with Anchorage able to clinch the win.

For the weekend, Bednarik scored three goals, made two assists, and ended with a +4 rating.

Head coach of the Wolverines, Nick Walters, shares how monumental this weekend was for Bednarik. 

“Bedsy had a monster weekend for us in our three games in three days. He can fly under the radar and then all of a sudden show up on the score sheet. He is always thinking one to two plays ahead and he hangs around the net for those second and third chances which is why he was rewarded this weekend.”

2nd Star: Charlie Menard, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

3rd Star: Owen Zenone, G, Kenai River Brown Bears

 

South Division Star of the Week: Carter McKay, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs

The 5’10 lefty from Canada, Carter McKay, was more than okay on the weekend, he saved the day during one of the games. The second-year skater helped the Mudbugs to sweep the former number one in the South division, the Corpus Christi IceRays. On Friday night, he recorded a season-high of two goals, two assists, and four total points in the Mudbugs 9-4 victory. However, McKay's offensive prowess was especially displayed on Saturday night’s matchup. 

Saturday night’s game was a low-scoring affair until the third period. Corpus Christi led 1-0 over Shreveport, however, the Mudbugs went pedal to the metal. Two Shreveport goals were scored in the first two minutes of the third period, however Corpus Christi responded with two goals. With less than two minutes left on the clock, McKay turned up the heat. He tallied the game-tying goal with 1 minute and 43 seconds left on the clock. However, the moment he saved the day was when he found the back of the net with two seconds to spare. Thanks to his help, he helped the Mudbugs clinch the sweep over the IceRays. 

For the weekend, McKay tallied three goals, two assists, five total points, and a +4 rating.

Head coach of the Mudbugs, Jason Campbell, shares more of McKay’s work ethic and growth on the ice.

“Carter has been so good for us all year. His focus on the details of the game and being consistent with it are paying off. He has a great knack for getting himself to scoring areas, putting the puck to scoring areas, or doing the dirty work to allow his teammates to get to the scoring areas. He is a very responsible player, who plays a huge role on special teams and five-on-five. Seven points in two games is pretty awesome but it is the details and work that he is playing with that makes him great.”

2nd Star: Billy Stuski, G, Oklahoma Warriors

3rd Star: Travis Bryson, F, Oklahoma Warriors

 
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