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 February 9, 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: Kyle Miller, Defenseman, St. Cloud Norsemen
Leading defensemen by a mile this past weekend was the 5’9 lefty, Kyle Miller. The San Jose, California native played an integral role for the Norsemen against the Austin Bruins. There was only one goal during the series that Miller did not contribute to. Starting on Friday night, St. Cloud played from behind during the whole contest. The Bruins registered three goals in the first period and then went on to tally three more in the second frame. In both periods, Miller was able to produce an assist. He assisted on Krisjanis Sart’s goal in the first and then helped Bronson Hunt find the back of the net in the second. Heading into the third period, the Norsemen were down by four. Miller scored a goal alongside his teammate Tim Runtso in the third. Despite Miller’s three-point game, the Norsemen would fall to the Bruins.
Heading into Saturday night, St. Cloud was hungry to bounce back on the road. The contest was tight, and the scoreboard was blank in the first period. In the second period, Austin found the back of the net first with a goal by Zander Lipsett. Miller quickly registered an assist a minute and a half later. The game was tied in the third period, forcing the contest into overtime. In overtime, that is when Miller became the hero of the matchup. He scored the shorthanded game-winning goal for the Norsemen around the three-minute mark.
Miller registered two goals, three assists, and a plus-two rating over the weekend. He leads defensemen for the week with his five-point weekend. Thanks to his work on the ice, Miller extended his point streak to five straight games. The ‘04 skater also sits second among defensemen in the league in total points (46), assists (36), and points per game (1.15).
Head coach of the Norsemen, Joe Exter, shares the impact Miller has on the ice.
“This weekend, Kyle showed why he is one of the top defensemen in all of junior hockey. He impacts all areas of the game. One play says it all. In overtime, he helps us kill a penalty and finishes it by getting the game-winning shorthanded goal. He is the ultimate team player.”
2nd Star: Jack O’Hanisain, F, Minot Minotauros
3rd Star: Cam Markham, F, Watertown Shamrocks
East Division Star of the Week: Calle Karlsson, F, Rochester Jr. Americans
Edging his name as the East Division Star of the Week for the third time this season is the 6’1 skater from Sweden, Calle Karlsson. Karlsson played a vital role for the Jr. Americans this past weekend. Out of the seven goals scored by Rochester, Karlsson registered six out of seven points on the scoresheet. Starting on Friday night, the ‘04 righty recorded an assist on Jaden Dyke’s game-tying goal in the first period. The matchup stayed tied 1-1 until the third period. The Philadelphia Rebels capitalized in the third frame and logged three goals. The Jr. Americans could not find the back of the net again, losing 4-1.
Heading into Saturday night, Rochester, especially Karlsson, put on a clinic for Philadelphia. The scoring affair started with Karlsson's goal around the eight-minute and 30-second mark. Less than three minutes later, Karlsson tallied his first assist of the night alongside his second goal. Moving into the second period of the game, Karlsson tallied his second and third assists of the night. His second assist was made on Adam Gionta’s goal, while his third assist was produced on Jaden Dyke’s goal. The Jr. Americans, in the second period, extended their lead to 6-0, and it was looking like it was going to be a shutout night for Rochester’s netminder Danick Leroux. However, Philadelphia’s Brock Jones found the back of the net with less than two minutes on the clock in the third frame.
For the week, Karlsson ranked second among skaters with his six-point affair against Philadelphia. He features a 3.00 points per game thanks to his two goals and four assists in the series. Karlsson additionally extends his hot streak of registering points to six straight games. His five-point game from Saturday night marks a season-high single-game performance for the 6’1 skater.
On the season, Karlsson leads Rochester in points (48), goals (20), assists (28), and points per game (1.14).
Head coach of the Jr. Americans, Francois Methot, goes into detail about Karlsson’s development.
“Calle had an outstanding weekend for us once again. He has seamlessly adapted to the North American style, continuously enhancing his overall game. Following our loss to Philadelphia on Friday, Calle elevated his performance on Saturday, playing a key role in our ability to split the weekend with the Rebels and secure two crucial points on the road. I have no doubt that Calle would be an excellent addition to any college program next season.”
2nd Star: Niko Tournas, F, Danbury Hat Tricks
3rd Star: Jaden Dyke, F, Rochester, Jr. Americans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Zachary Cline, F, Wisconsin Windigo
The third-year Windigo skater, Zachary Cline, helped Wisconsin secure their third-straight win thanks to his offensive prowess on the ice. Starting on Friday night, the Michigan native recorded a goal in the second period, helping the Windigo extend their lead 3-1 heading into the third frame. His teammate, Cashen Naeve, found the back of the net in the third, allowing the Wisconsin Windigo to walk away with a 4-1 victory over the Janesville Jets.
Moving into Saturday night, the Windigo start the scoring in the first period with the help of Cline. He recorded his first assist of the matchup on Ronnie Hill’s goal. Heading into the second frame, Cline found the back of the net and extended Windigo's lead over the Jets. However, this would not be the last time the ‘04 skater would score during this game. He recorded another goal in the third period, but this time shorthanded. He helped Wisconsin to walk away with a 4-0 shutout victory over Janesville. His offensive ability was felt by the Windigo. Three of the four goals scored on Saturday were thanks to his work on the ice.
He ended his weekend with three goals, one assist, and a +4 rating. So far this season, Cline leads his squad in assists (25), sits second overall in points (38), and third in goals (13).
Head coach of the Windigo, John Mitchell, shares more about Cline’s work ethic.
“Zach has been our most reliable player to date. He has consistently produced from day one, which speaks volumes to his daily preparation and focus. As many know, it’s extremely difficult to stay healthy and produce game in and game out on a regular basis. He is a natural leader, and embodies everything a coach looks for in a player. As an organization, we could not be more happy for him.”
2nd Star: Gavin Jensen, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
3rd Star: Mason McElroy, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Jackson Fuller, Goaltender, New Mexico Ice Wolves
The Minnesota native, Jackson Fuller, extended his win streak to six games thanks to his work between the pipes on Friday and Saturday night. The 6’0 netminder has served as a keystone piece for the Ice Wolves this season. As New Mexico battled back to a playoff contention spot in the South division, Fuller has been a crucial piece of the puzzle. On Friday night, Fuller notched his third shutout of the season as he turned away all 42 shots against the Odessa Jackalopes. The game was a scoreless affair heading into the second period. However, New Mexico was able to get a goal on the board, thanks to Jake Kasay. In the final frame, the Ice Wolves tallied their second goal thanks to Andrey Moskvitin. This game also featured Fuller’s largest shutout of the season.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup, New Mexico started from behind as Odessa’s Jeremy Jacob was able to strike first in the game. However, once the game moved into the second frame, the Ice Wolves’ offensive dominance was felt. New Mexico tallied two goals in the second and then tallied two more goals in the third period. Odessa tried to battle back with two goals in the last two minutes of the final frame. It would end up to be not enough for the Jackalopes to come back from behind. The Ice Wolves walked away with a 5-3 win, featuring Fuller turning away 36 out of 39 shots.
For the weekend, out of the 81 shots faced, Fuller saved 78. He additionally ranks second in the league for most shots faced while featuring the best save percentage at .960. Additionally, Fuller was one of two netminders this past weekend to have a shutout performance.
On the season, the ‘04 goaltender features a 2.05 goals against average and a .924 save percentage.
Head coach of the Ice Wolves, Kevin Hartzell, breaks down what it means to have Fuller on the Ice Wolves.
“Jackson has, without question, been the backbone to our second-half surge. His solid play night after night has helped us grow confidence as a team. Jackson is a calm, effective leader for us and a great guy, too! He is well-liked by his teammates. We are happy for him and appreciate what he is doing for our team. It goes well beyond just stopping the puck.”
2nd Star: George Porier, F, Colorado Grit
3rd Star: Daniel Rassega, F, Amarillo Wranglers
