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 April 6, 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: Jibber Kuhl, Forward, Aberdeen Wings
As the Aberdeen Wings are fighting for the last spot in the Central Division postseason, Jibber Kuhl, played a critical role in aiding the Wings to a sweep over the Minot Minotauros. The 6’2 righty is a second-year skater for Aberdeen and this past weekend featured a career-high performance for Kuhl. Starting on Friday night, the matchup spotlighted a scoring affair only in the first period. Minot got on the board first, however with two late first-period goals by Aberdeen, the game-winning goal by Kuhl, put the Minotauros to rest. The Wings won 2-1 and notched their second victory against Minot this season.
Moving into Saturday evening, the Minnesota native had his career-high night. Kuhl got the scoring started when he found the back of the net within the first 30 seconds of the contest. Aberdeen continued their scoring affair into the second period with three goals, two of them being assisted by Kuhl. Heading into the third period, the Wings were up 4-0. Minot was able to find the back of the net twice in the third, however, it could not stop the offensive prowess of the Wings. Kuhl notched his second goal of the game with less than three minutes on the clock and helped to lead Aberdeen to a 7-2 victory. In this contest, Kuhl produced two goals and two assists, making it a career-high four-point game for him.
On the season, the ‘05 skater leads his squad in points (47), assists (31), and points per game (1.12) while sitting in third on his team in goals (16). This weekend, the Minnesota native dished three goals, made two assists and sports a +4 rating.
Head coach of the Wings, Scott Langer, shares why Kuhl has been an asset to the Aberdeen squad.
“Jibber takes his game seriously, putting in the work every day. He is a high IQ player who is a difference maker in our dressing room.”
This award marks the seventh time an Aberdeen Wing was named as the Central Division Star of the Week and the first time for Kuhl to be named to the honor.
2nd Star: Damon Cunningham, G, Aberdeen Wings
3rd Star: Damian Slavik, G, St. Cloud Norsemen
East Division Star of the Week: Jordin Palmer, Defenseman, Rochester Jr. Americans
The 6’2 blueliner from New Hampshire, Jordin Palmer, made an impact on Rochester’s scoring front. Palmer is a second-year skater for the Jr. Americans and this past weekend against the New Jersey Titans featured him picking up points. Starting on Friday night, the offensive prowess of Rochester was evident through their 6-2 victory over the Titans. Palmer produced three assists in the matchup. This contest marked his third three-assist game of the season. Moving into Saturday evening, the ‘04 Stonehill College commit assisted in Rochester’s lone goal of the game. The Jr. Americans were down 2-0 heading into the second frame. With the help of Palmer, Rochester was able to cut the deficit in half. However, it would turn out to not be enough leading the Jr. Americans to a 2-1 loss.
In five out of his last six matchups, Palmer has produced an assist for Rochester. He ended his weekends with four assists and a +1 rating with his squad. On the season, Palmer leads all defensemen on his squad in assists (33), total points (38), and points per game (0.68). The 6’2 skater additionally is tied for second overall for his squad with his +31 rating on the year. Palmer has been especially great while on the man advantage. He is tied for second overall in the league with 23 power play assists.
Head coach of the Jr. Americans, Francois Methot explains what he has seen from Palmer this season.
“Jordin has been a standout leader for us throughout the entire season. Consistently delivering strong performances, he has been a reliable presence in every situation. This past weekend was no exception, as he logged significant minutes for the team. His growth and improvement year after year have been remarkable. We're fortunate to have such a high-caliber defenseman as we head into the playoffs.”
This award marks the seventh time a Rochester Jr. American was named as the East Division Star of the Week and first time for Palmer to be named to the honor.
2nd Star: Zion Green, F, Maine Nordiques
3rd Star: Jack MacDonald, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Mason McElroy, Goaltender, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
The 6’0 netminder from the State of Hockey, Mason McElroy, was dominant between the pipes for the Ice Dogs this past weekend. The Ice Dogs hosted the Chippewa Steel in a three-game set over the weekend. McElroy laced up for the Ice Dogs in two of the matchups. Starting on Thursday night, the contest was tight with both squads scoring a goal in the second period. The game eventually went into a shootout for the Ice Dogs, where McElroy was the winner in the blue paint. He turned away 32 out of 33 shots and sported a .970 save percentage. Heading into Saturday night, the ‘06 goaltender notched his second win against the Steel. McElroy stopped 26 out of 27 shots during the contest. The lone Chippewa goal happened in the first period. Following that one goal, McElroy was lights out and helped to lift Fairbanks to two wins over the weekend.
For the weekend, the Otsego, Minnesota native featured a .096 goals against average, a .967 save percentage, and stopped a total of 58 out of 60 shots. McElroy has served as a keystone piece of the Ice Dogs all season. He only has one regulation loss at the Big Dipper Ice Arena this year.
Head coach of the Ice Dogs, Ryan Theros, went into detail on McElroy’s contribution to the squad.
“Mason has been great throughout the season and has been a key contributor to our team's success. His effort and great attitude he brings every day in practice, along with his ability to make timely saves in needed game situations, has been very consistent throughout.
He has been one of the most consistent goalies in the league this season and great to see him get the recognition he deserves. We are looking forward to his continued development and success going forward.”
This award marks the seventh time a Fairbanks Ice Dog was named as the Midwest Division Star of the Week and the first time for McElroy to be named to the honor.
2nd Star: Jackson Stimple, D, Anchorage Wolverines
3rd Star: Beau Altman, G, Wisconsin Windigo
South Division Star of the Week: Nikola Goich, Goaltender Shreveport Mudbugs
The 6’5 netminder from Homer Glen, Illinois, Nikola Goich, earns his third South Division Star of the Week honors thanks to work between the pipes for the Mudbugs. Goich is a second-year goaltender for Shreveport and he has been a critical component of the Mudbug's success. Starting on Friday night, Goich turned away all 32 shots and produced his fifth shutout of the season against the Corpus Christi IceRays. This shutout marks his second shutout against the IceRays this season. His work in the blue paint helped to lift the Mudbugs over the IceRays to second in the South Division standings. Heading into Saturday night, the ‘04 goaltender allowed one goal to Corpus Christi in the first period. Following that lone goal, Goich was dominant between the pipes. He stopped a total of 29 out of 30 shots and helped to give the Mudbugs a weekend sweep over Corpus Christi.
For the weekend, the Illinois native produced his fifth consecutive win in the blue paint, featured 0.50 goals against average, a .984 save percentage, and stopped 61 out of 62 shots. His work on the ice has contributed to Shreveport’s success this season. In his 39 games played, he has won 24 of those matchups and features a .924 save percentage. This season he was named as a Top Prospect for the South Division squad at the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament.
Head coach of the Mudbugs, Jason Campbell, explains why Goich played a vital role in Shreveport’s performance this past weekend.
“Niko performed exactly how we needed him to this past weekend. You can not win games against good opponents without good goaltending and Niko was great for us. Through his performances, our team played more confidently.”
This award marks the tenth time a Shreveport Mudbug was named as the South Division Star of the Week and the third time for Goich to be named to the honor.
2nd Star: Cole Saterdalen, F, Amarillo Wranglers
3rd Star: Charles-Antoine Girard, G, Amarillo Wranglers
