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 October 4, 2026. 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: Will Harker, Forward, Bismarck Bobcats

The 5-foot-9 forward from Pleasanton, California, Will Harker, showcased an impressive weekend in the Bismarck Bobcats’ home opener. The ‘07 skater kicked off his Star of the Week performance on Friday night against the Watertown Shamrocks. Harker opened the scoring for the Bobcats less than five minutes into the contest. The 18-year-old found twine off a rebound in front of Watertown’s net to take the lead. His offensive prowess continued into the second frame as he scored in breakaway fashion to give the Bobcats a 4-1 lead. His final point of the night would be notched in the final frame with a primary assist. Harker helped to get the puck out of Bismarck’s offensive zone and provided the setup for Jake Caffrey’s tally in the last 20 seconds of the game.

Moving into Saturday night, the former T1ER skater recorded an assist in Bismarck’s 4-2 victory over the Shamrocks. His name showed up on the scoresheet early with a secondary assist on Carson Clukies’ opening period tally.

For the weekend, Harker skated to a four-point performance, tallying two goals and two assists for the Bobcats.

Head coach of the Bobcats, Garrett Roth, shares why Harker has been an important piece in Bismarck’s success.

“Will had another great weekend to help propel us towards getting two wins on the weekend. He has been a steady presence in the box score and has made a lot of big plays for us in crucial moments of games. His value to a team is way beyond just the production he has provided this season. Will leads by example and is willing to do whatever it takes for team success. His compete level is a differentiating factor in his game at this level. Will brings qualities that will lead to his success well beyond this year because of his heart and soul approach to the game.  We are pleased as a staff that he is receiving this accolade; it is well deserved!”

Despite being a rookie, Harker has been a force on the ice for Bismarck. In his seven games played so far, he has recorded six goals and seven assists for the North Dakota club. In addition, there has only been one contest in which he hasn’t shown up on the scoresheet.

2nd Star: Carson Clukies, F, Bismarck Bobcats

3rd Star: Dilans Birkans, G, Austin Bruins

 

East Division Star of the Week: Matthew Shpungin, Forward, Maryland Black Bears

Hailing from the Garden State, Matthew Shpungin played a valuable role for the reigning Robertson Cup champions over the weekend. The 6-foot righty got his weekend started on Friday night against the Johnstown Tomahawks. The ‘07 skater added to the Black Bears’ lead in the opening frame on the power play with a tip-in goal. The New Jersey native would be critical in the final moments of the game as the contest was forced into a shootout. Shpungin was named as the first skater for the Black Bears in the skills competition and would find twine glove-side of the Tomahawks netminder.

Heading into Saturday night, the second-year NAHL veteran contributed to half of the points on the scoresheet for the Black Bears' 6-3 win over the Tomahawks. The New Jersey native secured his first point of the night with a primary assist on Brayden Wade’s opening period tally. The ‘07 skater continued to showcase his ability to provide the setup for the Black Bears, this time providing a helper on Will Schlechtweg’s power-play tally in the second frame. Shpungin’s final point of the night was in one-timer fashion in the third period for Maryland. The Black Bears earned the weekend sweep over the Tomahawks while Shpungin notched a four-point performance in his two games played.

Head coach of the Black Bears, Clint Mylymok, states how valuable Shpungin has been to the Black Bears.

“Sponge is an extremely talented and versatile player. He has been put in many situations and thrived. Being named Star of the Week is just a feather in his cap. Congrats to Matthew.”

The 6-foot forward has been a critical offensive force for the Black Bears this year, recording four goals and six assists in his nine games played this season.

2nd Star: Mikey Conlon, D, Philadelphia Rebels

3rd Star: Will Schlechtweg, F, Maryland Black Bears

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Oliver Barna, Forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

The '06 forward from Hungary, Oliver Barna, made an impact in his first weekend back with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. The 6-foot skater dominated on the scoresheet on Friday night against the Springfield Jr. Blues. Barna got to work quickly in the contest, finding twine 45 seconds into the game. The Fairbanks veteran carried the puck from the Ice Dogs’ defensive zone to their offensive zone to find twine in breakaway fashion. Moving into the second frame, the ‘06 skater added to Fairbanks’ lead by burying the puck off a rebound six minutes into the period. His scoring ways continued in the middle frame as Barna capitalized on a turnover in the neutral zone and went to score in short-handed fashion for the Midwest Division club. In his first game back to the Ice Dogs, Barna recorded a hat trick in the team’s 5-0 win over the Springfield Jr. Blues.

On Saturday night, Barna contributed to half of the Ice Dogs' points. The Fairbanks veteran got his night started with a primary assist on Dub Eunice III’s power-play goal. He continued his playmaking ways later in the frame, this time providing the feed for Harrison Kaszubowski’s one-timer power-play goal. Barna’s night was not done on the scoresheet as he scored for himself in one-timer fashion in the final period of regulation for the Ice Dogs. He helped to lift the Ice Dogs to a weekend sweep while spotlighting a six-point performance.

Head coach of the Ice Dogs, Dakota Bell, shares more on Barna’s performance.

“Oliver being named Midwest Division Star of the Week in his first weekend back with the team is an incredible accomplishment. He seamlessly transitioned back into our locker room, and that comfort and confidence showed on the ice with his performances this past weekend. We have tremendous trust and belief in Oliver, and he’s already returned that faith by helping our team win games. He’s extremely coachable, works hard, and wants to get better every day.”

Bell went on to explain how valuable he is on and off the ice for Fairbanks.

“There’s no doubt Oliver is a big part of our team. We’re excited to continue helping him develop, reach his goals, and make the most of the opportunity we have in front of us this year.”

The Fairbanks veteran returns to the Ice Dogs off a dominating 2025-26 campaign. The ‘06 forward registered over a point per game in the regular season. Barna registered 69 points in 59 games played for the Midwest Division club. His offensive ability on the ice ranked him first, with 32 goals and 69 points in regular-season play for his team last year.

2nd Star: Aiden Hicock, F, Wisconsin Windigo

3rd Star: Jack McKenna, F, Anchorage Wolverines

 

Mountain Division Star of the Week: Joey Kubas, Forward, Billings Cattle Punchers

In his first weekend as a Cattle Puncher, Joey Kubas, showed up big on the scoresheet in the team’s third-period pushes both nights. The State of Hockey skater on Friday recorded his first points in the League of Opportunity. Kubas showed up on the scoresheet with a secondary assist on Taylor Butt’s tally midway through the final period of regulation. The ‘06 forward won the faceoff to provide the setup to Butt’s goal. Later on in the frame, Kubas would shift momentum for the Cattle Punchers in their home opener by firing a shot from the point while scoring his first NAHL goal. Billings would fall in 5-3 fashion; however, the 20-year-old helped to swing momentum in the Cattle Punchers’ favor in the final minutes of the contest.

Heading into Saturday night, the game was tight in the third frame as the Grand Junction River Hawks led 4-3. With less than 20 seconds to spare, Kubas put pressure on the River Hawks’ netminder and provided a helper on Landon Jamieson’s tally to even the score while forcing an extra frame. Billings would battle back to take the contest in overtime.

Kubas skates away with a three-point weekend and his first Star of the Week honors.

Head coach of the Cattle Punchers, Steve Haddon, describes what has impressed him the most about the newest Billings skater.

“I have been tracking Joey's career and have watched him grow over the last couple of seasons. When we had the opportunity to acquire him, we knew what we were getting with his hockey IQ, his junior experience, and his professionalism. For him to come in right before the series, perform, and contribute right away is not easy. We're really excited to have him and can’t wait to see what he can accomplish this season.”

2nd Star: Reid Taylor, F, Grand Junction River Hawks

3rd Star: Jake Spraetz, Forward, Pueblo Peppers

 

South Division Star of the Week: Ryan Baert, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs

The ‘07 Shreveport veteran, Ryan Baert, showed up big in back-to-back nights for the Shreveport Mudbugs. The 5-foot-7 gets his Friday night started with his first goal of the season early in the opening frame. Baert finds twine off the faceoff five minutes into the game. His second tally of the night was scored in the second period. As New Mexico’s netminder comes out of his net, Baert capitalizes on the loose puck and finds twine to regain Shreveport’s lead. The Mudbug forward’s night did not end there as Baert provided a helper on Jeremiah Roberts’ game-tying goal in the third period. This contest was eventually forced into overtime and a shootout, where Shreveport took the victory on home ice. The London, Ontario, skater recorded a three-point night contributing to all three goals in regulation. This contest marked the second time the Shreveport skater recorded a three-point night in his  NAHL career.

Heading into Saturday night, the ‘07 skater recorded a first-period tally to even the score for the Mudbugs. Shreveport eventually went on to notch a 5-2 win and a weekend sweep over the New Mexico Ice Wolves. For the weekend, Baert spotlighted a four-point performance for the Mudbugs.

Head coach of the Mudbugs, Jason Campbell, went into detail on what it means to see Baert be recognized.

“It’s great to see Ryan break through this weekend. He’s off to a good start this season, and it all started with his offseason training and coming to Shreveport in great shape. He’s been generating several chances for himself and his teammates, and they capitalized this past weekend. He’s been contributing in all areas of the game, special teams, and full strength.”

2nd Star: Aidan Bergner, F, El Paso Rhinos

3rd Star: Ben Vatis, G, Odessa Jackalopes