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 September 21, 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: Mike Malatino, Forward, North Iowa Bulls

The 20-year-old from the Empire State, Mike Malatino, played an influential role in North Iowa’s success against the Minot Minotauros over the weekend. The second-year veteran started his 2025-26 campaign with a bang on Friday night.  The Bulls initially played from behind; however, in the first period, Malatino got the primary assist on North Iowa’s first goal by Korolyuk and then scored the game-winning goal moments later in the first frame. Following his two-point period, Malatino finds the back of the net again 30 seconds into the second period. North Iowa clinches the victory with a 5-1 performance.

​Heading into game two on Saturday night, Minot was hungry to clinch a win at home. The contest was tight and with most of the scoring happening in the second frame. Malatino served as the primary assist for Denis Kuzmenkov’s goal and helped to lift the Bulls into a 5-4 shootout victory. The ‘05 skater features 2.0 points per game and spotlights a four-point performance over the weekend.

​Head Coach of the Bulls, Nick Bruneteau, explains the impact Malatino has had on the team.

"Mike’s leadership, both on and off the ice, has put himself and our group in a position to succeed every weekend. His ability to produce on both ends of the rink was on full display this weekend, demonstrating the complete player he is. We look forward to his continued success this season.”

2nd Star: Beck Liden, G, St. Cloud Norsemen

3rd Star: Owen Pitters, F, Aberdeen Wings

 

East Division Star of the Week: Nick Jarmain, Forward, Johnstown Tomahawks

Serving as the Captain of the Tomahawks, Nick Jarmain showed off his moves on the ice, helping his team sweep the Northeast Generals over the weekend. On Friday night, Johnstown was playing from behind, heading into the third frame, being down 4-3. However, the Tomahawks turned up the heat and showed off their offensive prowess with a five-goal period. Two of the goals were scored by the Captain, helping to lift his team to an 8-4 victory. ​

Moving into Saturday night, the ‘05 forward from the Garden State played a crucial role in the Tomahawks' victory. Jarmain first served as the primary assist on Emerson Marshall’s goal in the first period. However, with less than 30 seconds on the clock, the Tomahawks and Generals were tied 2-2. Jarmain finds the back of the net with 26 seconds on the clock, clinching the game-winning goal for Johnstown. His work over the weekend spotlights a four-point performance as a second-year veteran of the Tomahawks.

Head Coach of the Tomahawks, Adam Houli, dives into detail on Jarmain’s work on the ice so far this year.

​“Nick had an excellent weekend for us, and it makes sense as he puts his game fully together. This weekend, he was poised, smart, and his work ethic was off the charts. He had timely plays and timely goals that propelled us to a sweep. He is only getting better and better day by day.”

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

3rd Star: Shane Tronoski, F, Johnstown Tomahawks

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Declan Burns, Defenseman, Wisconsin Windigo

The 6’1 blueliner from Chicago, Illinois, Declan Burns, featured a three-point performance against the Kenai River Brown Bears. On Saturday night, Burns helped the Windigo show off their offensive prowess by notching three assists in the 5-1 victory. The 19-year-old is a second-year veteran of the Windigo. His three-assist game marks the first in his NAHL career and the second time he has spotlighted a three-point contest. With his prior experience in the league of opportunity, the blueliner is looking to lead his team to another Robertson Cup appearance and Midwest Division title.

Head Coach of the Windigo, John Mitchell, shares more on the development he has seen from Burns.

“This is very exciting news. With Deco, I think it was only a matter of time. He checks every box at the defensive position and does them very well. His skating ability sets him apart, and as the season continues on we expect his confidence to grow more and more. It’s still early, and we are excited to see what level he can take his game to.”

2nd Star: Michal Liscinsky, F, Minnesota Wilderness

3rd Star: Easton Cody, G, Wisconsin Windigo

 

South Division Star of the Week: Trent Peterson, Goaltender, Amarillo Wranglers

Hailing from the state of Wisconsin and representing the Ladder of Development, Trent Peterson helped the Amarillo Wranglers clinch a sweep against the Shreveport Mudbugs. The ‘05 netminder started the series with his first NAHL win on Friday night. Peterson faced 29 shots, stopping 26 in the blue paint. His ability on the ice helped the Wranglers clinch a 4-3 victory against the Mudbugs. 

Heading into Saturday night, the former Granite City Lumberjack netminder continued to show off dominance in the blue paint. Peterson allowed one goal in the first period when Shreveport was on the power play. However, after that, Peterson went lights out stopping 32 out of 33 shots by the Mudbugs. His ability in the net helped to lift the Wranglers to a 4-1 victory and clinching a sweep against the Mudbugs. 

On the weekend, he spotlighted his first two wins in the NAHL, a 2.0 goals against average, and a .937 save percentage. After having a dominant year in the NA3HL with the Granite City Lumberjacks, Peterson signed a tender with the Amarillo Wranglers and has earned a spot on the roster.

Head Coach of the Wranglers, Michael Hill, dives more into detail on what it means to see Peterson’s hard work pay off. 

“Trenton has really seized his opportunity. The hard work he has been putting in at practice is showing up in games. It’s been great to see his preparation pay off when it matters most.”

2nd Star: Andy Earl, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Leo Isaksson, F, Lone Star Brahmas