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 January 19, 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: Beck Liden, Goaltender, St. Cloud Norsemen

The 5’11 netminder from Minnesota, Beck Liden, was a dominating force between the pipes for the Norsemen. This is the second time this season that Liden has earned the Central Division Star of the Week honors. On Saturday night, he returned to the starting six in a series rematch with Bismarck. The last time he faced the Bobcats, Liden allowed six goals. However, this time Liden was able to seek revenge. The 19-year-old only allowed one goal on his watch. He saved 30 out of 31 shots. Bismarck’s one goal came 20 seconds into the third period and helped the Bobcats cut the Norsemen’s lead in half. However, St. Cloud responded and produced two more goals in the third, walking away with a 4-1 victory. 

Out of St. Cloud’s 15 wins on the season, 11 of them came with the Alexandria, Minnesota native between the pipes. Liden sports a 1.00 goals against average and a .968 save percentage for the matchup.

Head coach of the Norsemen, Joe Exter, shares more about Liden’s dominance on Saturday night.

“Beck was a rock for us all night. His timely saves combined with his excellent rebound control allowed us to set the pace of the game and come away with a road win versus our division's top team. It also shows what Beck and our team can do when we are all locked into the game together.”

2nd Star: Lukas Swedin, G, Minot Minotauros

3rd Star: Noah Diemer, F, North Iowa Bulls

 

East Division Star of the Week: Ty Levy, Goaltender, Elmira Aviators 

In his NAHL debut, Ty Levy helped the Aviators take flight and sweep the New Hampshire Mountain Kings on the road. The 6’2 netminder made his return to the lineup after coming off an injury. On Friday night, he started his debut with a bang with a 40-save shutout. The next night, the ‘06 Ontario native saved 35 out of 38 shots. Elmira took the lead quickly in the first period on Saturday night and did not let off the brakes. They scored four goals before New Hampshire was able to put a goal on the board. The Mountain Kings produced two more goals in the third, however, it was not enough. Levy walked away with a weekend sweep between the pipes.

Levy sported a 1.50 goals against average and a .962 save percentage for the weekend.

Head coach of Elmira, Dominick Manochio, shares more about Levy’s determination to return to the ice.

“It was great to see Ty back in the net, getting rewarded for his hard work. Rehabilitating from injuries is never easy and he has done a tremendous job staying focused day in and day out being a positive teammate! We look forward to seeing continued success from Levy!”

2nd Star: Austin McNicholas, G, New Jersey Titans

3rd Star: Grady Logue, F, Northeast Generals

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Lucas Szyszka, Goaltender, Wisconsin Windigo

First-year Windigo netminder, Lucas Szyszka helped to lift his squad to a sweep over the Springfield Jr. Blues. The 6’2 Westmont, Illinois native produced his third shutout of the season on Friday night with a 19-save performance. Heading into Saturday night, the Windigo scored two goals in the first period to give them the lead. Springfield cut the Windigo’s lead in half with a power play goal by Jack Klevby. However, it was not enough for the Jr. Blues to come back. Wisconsin walks away with a 2-1 win and Szyska ends his night saving 24 out of 25 shots. 

Szyszka produced two wins between the pipes for the Windigo, sporting a 0.50 goals against average and a .977 save percentage for the weekend. His presence in the net contributes to the Windigo’s win column; 19 out of 25 wins that Wisconsin had this season feature Szyszka in the net. 

Head coach of Wisconsin, John Mitchell, shares more about the progress he has seen from the first-year Windigo goaltender. 

“Lucas’s performance and competition across the last five months has been nothing short of spectacular. His maturity and preparation trickle down through the lineup. This league has some great teams and fantastic goaltending. It is hard to set the pace in the win column like he has. We are proud of him.”

2nd Star: Mitchell McCusker, G, Kenai River Brown Bears

3rd Star: Connor Jalbert, F, Chippewa Steel

 

South Division Star of the Week: Kyan Haldenby, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs

The 6’1 skater from Toronto, Ontario has won Star of the Week for the third time this season. Kyan Haldenby is a second-year skater for the Mudbugs. The Canisius College commit was electric on the ice against the Odessa Jackalopes. On Friday night, for the second time this season, Haldenby had a five-point game thanks to a goal and four assists. He produced a single-game season-high +3 rating thanks to his offensive dominance. The Mudbugs won 8-3 at home against the Jackalopes. Skating into Saturday night, Shreveport produced a 3-0 victory against Odessa. Haldenby scored a goal early in the third period for the Mudbugs. 

For the weekend, the ‘04 righty scored two goals, made four assists, sported six total points, and a +4 rating. On the season, he is ranked fourth overall in the NAHL for points per game (1.46) and fifth overall in assists (30). Haldenby additionally ranks first on his squad in points (41), assists (30), and is tied third for goals (11). 

Head coach of the Mudbugs, Jason Campbell, shares more about Haldenby’s offensive prowess on the ice.

“Kyan has been pretty hot since his return to the lineup. He’s a dynamic player with a great competitive level that allows him the opportunity to have success on both sides of the puck.”

2nd Star: Lucas Deeb, F, Shreveport Mudbugs

3rd Star: Nikita Konevych, D, Corpus Christi IceRays