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 13, 2026. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Player of the Week awards.

East Division Star of the Week: Logan Poulin, Forward, Northeast Generals

The King of Cape Cod strikes again, this time in the season opener for the Generals. Logan Poulin earns East Division Star of the Week honors after a three-point night Saturday against the Johnstown Tomahawks. The NAHL’s 2025-26 Rookie of the Year got his night started by recording a secondary assist on the Generals’ opening goal. The captain would add to the Generals’ lead with a power-play tally himself in the middle frame. To finish his three-point night, Poulin scored his second goal on the man advantage, this time in top-shelf fashion for the East Division club. The 5-foot-11 forward contributed to half of the goals in the Generals’ 6-3 victory.

Head coach of the Generals, Bryan Erikson, went into detail on how the second-year veteran played a key role in Northeast’s success this past weekend.

“Logan is a special person and player. Offensively, he picked up right where he left off. He is an elite goal-scorer. But as a Captain, I thought he did an amazing job keeping the boys focused on the next shift. He played hard in all three zones and set the standard for how we want to play shift after shift. I am really proud of Logan for how hard he works on his game. He just keeps getting better and better.”

2nd Star: Michael Iliff, G, Maryland Black Bears

3rd Star: Dominic Pajkic, D, Northeast Generals

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Jakeb Lynch, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness

The ‘07 forward from Nebraska, Jakeb Lynch, featured a dominant offensive performance on the ice this past weekend for the Wilderness. The Miami University commit registered six points for the Midwest Division club’s opening weekend. Lynch kicked off his 2026-27 campaign with a four-point performance on Friday night. His name showed up on the scoresheet early in the contest with a tip-in tally in the opening frame. Lynch would record his next point with a primary assist on Jackson Lackas’ power-play goal in the second period. His offensive edge would carry in the period with another tip-in tally for the Wilderness, to give his team the insurance marker. His final primary assist of the night came in the third frame for Kash Crawford’s goal. Lynch helped to lift his team in a big 10-5 victory over the Wisconsin Windigo.

Moving into Saturday, the 19-year-old continued his scoring ways with a two-goal night for the Midwest Division club. Lynch got his night started with a goal off a rebound from the Wisconsin netminder late in the first period. His second tally of the game was scored in top-shelf fashion for the Wilderness in the final period. He helped Minnesota secure the sweep with a big 7-2 win in game two against the Windigo.

Head coach of the Wilderness, Sam Graham, shares more on what it means to see Lynch earn the recognition.

“Lynchy is a special talent, and he showcased that this weekend. I am glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves, and I am confident this is the first of many.”

2nd Star: Nathan Mach, G, Janesville Jets

3rd Star: Kevin Lysohir, F, Minnesota Wilderness

 

South Division Star of the Week: Vincenzo Capano, Forward, Lone Star Brahmas

The 6-foot forward from New Jersey, Vincenzo Capano, spotlighted a big seven-point weekend for the Brahmas. The Army-West Point commit kicked off his age-out season with a three-point performance for Lone Star on Friday night. Capano contributed on the scoresheet first with a primary assist on Nolan Wildfong’s tally in the first period. The captain would shortly go on to score the first goal of his 2026-27 campaign in a silky backdoor fashion for the Brahmas. His final point of the night would be registered in the opening frame when he provided the helper to Jackson Vaites’ goal.

Heading into Saturday night, the captain was critical in lifting the Brahmas to a 4-3 overtime win against the Amarillo Wranglers. The veteran skater contributed to every Lone Star goal in the contest. His first point was notched with a helper on Dylan Chernoff’s goal in the first period. His ability to set up a goal would continue into the second frame as he provided the primary assist on Jackson Vaites’ tally. As the contest moved into the third period, Capano took it into his own hands as he scored on the power play off a rebounded shot in front of Amarillo’s net less than a  minute into the final period of regulation. With the game tied, the matchup would be forced into overtime, and that is when the Army-West Point commit delivered for the Brahmas. With less than a minute left of the extra frame, Capano forced a turnover and went on to score a top-shelf goal for Lone Star. He secured the overtime win and a weekend sweep for the Brahmas.

Capano rounded out his weekend with three goals and four assists during the weekend set.

Head coach of the Brahmas, Dan Wildfong, shares more on the impact of Capano this past weekend.

“Vinny made another step in his development while carrying the team. He put the team on his back this past weekend. He is at another level and is playing college hockey in juniors right now.”

2nd Star: Cody Niesen, G, Odessa Jackalopes

3rd Star: William-Alexis Tremblay, F, Shreveport Mudbugs