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 March 30, 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: Ian Engel, Defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats

Hortonville, Wisconsin native, Ian Engel, shined bright for the Bobcats this past weekend. The 5’11 lefty started his weekend on a high note Friday night with an assist on the game-winning goal. Moving into Saturday night, the ‘04 blueliner scored a goal and made two assists for Bismarck in their 6-1 victory over the North Iowa Bulls. His lone goal was a power play game-winning goal for the Bobcats. This matchup also marked Engel’s first three-point game of the season. Engel has laced up for the Bobcats since the 2021-2022 season. This year he played in the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament for Team Central. 

For the weekend, Engel tallied a goal, made three assists, and produced a +3 rating. He is also one of the top scorers for Bismarck. He ranks third on his squad for his 35 points on the year. He leads with 31 assists. 16 of his assists came on the power play.

Head coach of the Bobcats, Garrett Roth, shares more about the impact that Engel has played for Bismarck.

“Ian has been great for us all season long with his ability to break pressure and create offense while bringing a physical element to the game. He has been a huge part of our success on the ice and off the ice and has been instrumental in creating our culture and accountability. This past weekend he played a huge part in helping us get a couple of important wins including his game-winning goal Saturday. His game has continued to grow which puts him in a category of being one of the best defensemen still available in junior hockey.”

2nd Star: Will Mizenko, G, Minot Minotauros

3rd Star: Luc Malkhassian, F, Austin Bruins

 

East Division Star of the Week: Oli Genest, Forward, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

The leading goal scorer in the NAHL, Oli Genest, finessed his way to the top of the East Division for the first time this season. The 6’1 Air Force commit got his weekend started against the Northeast Generals on Friday night. In the contest he tallied a goal and two assists. His lone goal was made shorthanded. His offensive prowess carried into the next night at the Canton Ice House. On Saturday night, the Mountain Kings defeated the Generals in a 6-2 fashion. Four of the six goals were scored with the help of Genest. The ‘04 righty got the scoring started and scored the first goal in the matchup within the first minute. During this contest, he notched two goals and made two assists.

The Sanford, Maine native ended his weekend with three goals, four assists, and a +4 rating. He extended his scoring streak to six straight games. He sits second in the league with 77 points on the season. 

Head coach of the Mountain Kings, Cam Robichaud, shares his excitement for Genest.

“We are happy for Oli and the offensive success he has earned this season! He was a huge pick-up for our program. The consistency and rate at which he has scored this season has been fun to watch.”

2nd Star: Ruslan Jamaldinov, F, Philadelphia Rebels

3rd Star: Jaden Johnson, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings 

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Braydon Beahm, Forward, Wisconsin Windigo

Second-year veteran, Braydon Beahm, continues his offensive dominance while in Alaska. On Friday night, the 6’4 lefty found the back of the net and produced two assists for the Windigo. Wisconsin won in a 6-3 fashion against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Moving into Saturday night, the ‘04 Wisconsin native tallied the game-winning goal for the Windigo. His first goal was scored in the first period, while his second goal was made in the final frame. Additionally, one of his goals was scored on the man advantage. He was the only skater in the contest to be successful while on the power play.

His offensive prowess has played a crucial role for the Windigo. Beahm wrapped up his weekend with three goals, two assists, and a +4 rating. The 6’4 Wisconsin native leads his squads with 67 points, 32 goals, and 35 assists. He additionally leads the league with his +42 rating on the year. Additionally, Beahm was named as a 2025 Top Prospect. The ‘04 skater has notched a point in eight of the nine matchups in March. He currently rides a five-game scoring streak.

Assistant Coach of the Windigo, Bryce Reddick, shares more on what he has seen from Beahm this season.

“Braydon has been a stalwart for us all season. His ability to come through during big moments speaks volumes of his character and his will to win. We look forward to his contributions as we close out the regular season and begin our playoff run.”

2nd Star: Niko Laus, F, Springfield Jr. Blues

3rd Star: Cole Christian, F, Anchorage Wolverines

 

South Division Star of the Week: Lucas Deeb, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs

The 6’2 righty from New Baltimore, Michigan, Lucas Deeb, helps to lead his squad to a weekend sweep over the Oklahoma Warriors. Starting on Friday night, Deeb notched an assist in overtime for the Mudbugs. Heading into Saturday night, the 2025 Top Prospect, played a role in every goal scored by the Mudbugs. Deeb got the scoring started for the Mudbugs in the second period. He tied the matchup 1-1 before Riley Fast of the Warriors created a lead for Oklahoma. Heading into the third period, the Mudbugs were down 2-1. With less than five minutes on the clock, Deeb produces an assist on the game-tying goal. As the matchup moved into overtime, the ‘04 skater scored the game-winning goal within the first 30 seconds.

His weekend ended with two goals, two assists, and a +4 rating. On the season, Deeb leads his squad with 25 goals while sitting in second with 48 points on the year. Thanks to his weekend performance, he extends his point streak to five straight games.

Head coach of the Mudbugs, Jason Campbell, went into detail on Deeb’s contribution to the squad this season.

“Lucas has had a great season so far in so many ways. One of his strengths is his offensive abilities and that came through in a big way for us this past weekend.  His poise and vision coupled with the way he can shoot make him extremely dangerous.  You rely on all of your players to be great at what they do.  Lucas Deeb has been great at what he does.”

2nd Star: Max Matthews, D, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Harper Lolacher, F, El Paso Rhinos