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 26, 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: Mason Lebel, Forward, St. Cloud Norsemen

6’3 lefty, Mason LeBel, had a season-high weekend with the Norsemen. On Friday night, St. Cloud started the series at home against the North Iowa Bulls. The Bulls took the lead with a goal by Cole Wirun in the first period. The Bulls maintained their lead in the second period and kept the Norsemen from scoring. As the game progressed to the third period, St. Cloud stayed scoreless until Mason LeBel found the back of the net around the 10-minute and 30-second mark. Three minutes later, LeBel assisted Sam Crane’s game-winning goal for the Norsemen.

 The Columbus, Ohio native continued his offensive dominance into Saturday night. He tallied two goals and two assists during St. Cloud’s scoring affair. The Norsemen won 7-3 and ended the series with a sweep. 

Saturday night marked the first time this season that LeBel found the back of the net twice in one game. The ‘05 skater on the weekend scored three goals, made three assists, and notched a plus-two rating. His six-point weekend marks a season-high for LeBel.

LeBel leads his squad in goals (17) and powerplay goals (11), while he is second in assists (18) and total points (35).

Head coach of the Norsemen, Joe Exter, shares more on LeBel's work ethic and ability on the ice.

“Mason was fantastic all weekend. In both games, he generated offensive opportunities which led to key goals that helped us earn two victories. His willingness to get to the net with and without the puck sets the tone for how our team needs to play. It is a detail of his game that makes him one of the top goal-scorers in the NAHL and a leader in our room.” 

2nd Star: Luc Malkhassian, F, Austin Bruins

3rd Star: Gavin Middendorf, F, Minot Minotauros

 

East Division Star of the Week: Alex Papaspyropoulos, Forward, New Jersey Titans

Good things must come in threes, because for the third time this season Alex Papaspyropoulos earns East Division Star of the Week honors. The 20-year-old from Whitby, Ontario has served as a keystone skater for the Titans. Starting on Friday night, the 6’1 lefty recorded his second four-point game of the season. The matchup started with Danbury getting on the board first thanks to a goal by Kai Elkie. The Titans responded in the first period with three goals, two of the goals assisted by Papaspyropoulos. The ‘04 skater was able to tally a goal in the second and third periods, helping the Titans maintain their lead and eventually win the game, 6-4. 

Heading into Saturday night, New Jersey started from behind against the Hat Tricks, thanks to a late first-period goal by David Utkin and an early second-period goal by Niko Tournas. However, the Titans battled back with a goal by Alex Papaspyropoulos and Nikolai Meshkantsov. With the game tied leading into the third, Papaspyroplous was able to assist Ryan Friendman’s game-winning goal, allowing the Titans to sweep the Hat Tricks.

Papaspyropoulos scored three goals and made three assists against Danbury. He currently ranks first on his squad with his 20 goals and is tied first with his plus-three rating on the season. The 6’1 skater additionally ranks second on his squad for assists (29), total points (49), and points per game (1.40).

Head coach of the Titans, George Haviland explains more about Papaspyropoulos’ ability on the ice.

“Alex continues to be an offensive force! He has been able to combine a 200-foot game while consistently scoring and making offensive plays. His ability to create offense is explosive and fun to watch. Very happy he is part of our New Jersey Titans NAHL program.”

2nd Star: Harrison Smith, F, Maryland Black Bears

3rd Star: Adam Ondris, F, Johnstown Tomahawks

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Devin Shakar, Goaltender, Chippewa Steel

Making Chippewa Steel history, Devin Shakar, produced back-to-back shutouts over the weekend against the Janesville Jets. The 6’1 netminder was electric between the pipes for the Steel. Starting on Friday night, he produced a 22-save shutout, allowing Chippewa to walk away with a 4-0 victory over the Jets. Moving into Saturday night, the New York native topped his Friday night performance with a 27-save shutout. Thanks to Shakar’s ability in the net, he helped to lift his squad to fourth place in the Midwest Division standings. This marks the first time since early December that the Steel are in playoff contention for the Midwest division. The Steel are now on a four-game heater, tying their longest heater for this season. 

The Brown University commit had a career-best weekend with his 0.00 goals against average, 1.00 save percentage, and two back-to-back shutouts. On the season, when Shakar is between the pipes, he has helped to produce 15 out of the 19 Steel victories.

Head Coach of Chippewa, Cory Hunt, shares more on how Shakar has served as an instrumental piece for the Steel. 

“Devin has been a stud in the net for us this year. He has been a big part of our success the last month and had a great weekend with two shutouts. He is a competitor and his transition to junior hockey this year has been seamless.”

2nd Star: Beau Atlman, G, Wisconsin Windigo

3rd Star: Charlie Menard, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

 

South Division Star of the Week: Logan Hughes, Goaltender, El Paso Rhinos

The 6’4 netminder from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin produced his first shutout of the season. Logan Hughes played an instrumental role in the Rhinos’ sweep over the Amarillo Wranglers. Starting on Friday night, the ‘06 netminder produced a 33-save shutout for the Rhinos. His teammates were able to find the back of the net three times in the second period, allowing El Paso to win 3-0 against Amarillo. During Saturday night’s matchup, the Rhinos were able to get on the board first and grow a substantial lead. Heading into the last 16 minutes of play, the Rhino were up 4-0. However, Amarillo was able to tally two third-period goals thanks to Nolan Mix and Jake Boulanger. However, the two goals would not be enough to come back. The game ended with a 4-2 victory for the Rhinos.

On the weekend, Hughes featured a .943 save percentage, 1.00 goals against average, and saved a total of 66 out of 68 shots. 

Head coach of El Paso, Mike Rivera, shares his excitement for Hughes.

“Star of the Week honors is well deserved for Hughes. As an ‘06, he was patient for his opportunity, which speaks to his character. He stepped up big when the team needed him. He played lights out against Amarillo and we look forward to what he will accomplish in the Rhino uniform.”

2nd Star: Bryce Boucher, F, Shreveport MudBugs

3rd Star: Niko Goich, G, Shreveport MudBugs