Stars of the Week

Central Star of the Week: Robert Kelly - St. Louis Jr. Blues

Central Division Star of the Week: Robert Kelly, Forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues

The Festus, Missouri native skated to a four point performance last weekend during two games against the Peoria Mustangs. Robert Kelly, a newcomer to the St. Louis Jr. Blues scored two goals in both games against the Mustangs. On Friday, he played an integral part in the Jr. Blues’ third period push. He scored their first goal of the game at the top of the third period, and again later in the third. On Saturday, he scored both of St. Louis’ goals to lead them to a 2-1 victory over the Mustangs. 

Jr. Blues head coach Matt Ocello talked about his hard work on the ice.

“Robert had a great weekend for the Jr. Blues versus the Mustangs. He scored 2 goals in Friday night’s almost comeback and scored both goals in Saturday’s 2-1 win. He has been putting in the hard work all season and those efforts are paying off with the rewards. He continues to play well defensively but also brings an offensive knack to the table. We are looking forward to seeing him continue to improve and progress over the course of the season.”

 

2nd Star: Shawn Paulson, Forward, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Zach Staelgraeve, Forward, Peoria Mustangs

East Star of the Week: Peyton Dahlke - Long Beach Sharks

East Division Star of the Week: Peyton Dahlke, Forward, Long Beach Sharks

The 6-foot-3 forward out of Murphy, Texas, accomplished a six point weekend during a two game series against the Norwich Sea Captains. Peyton Dahlke, a newcomer to the Long Beach Sharks, made his offensive presence known from the get-go last weekend. He assisted on the first goal of the game on Friday before finding two goals of his own in the second period, one being a short handed goal. He once again found the back of the net twice on Sunday in the second and third periods, while also adding an assist. The Sharks completed their sweep of the Sea Captains, while Dahlke finished the weekend with four goals and two assists. 

Jeff Tory, Sharks head coach, talked more about his season performance so far. 

“Peyton has gotten off to a tremendous start to the season. He has a great combination of size, strength, skill, and a very high compete level. He puts in the work on and off the ice everyday with a great attitude while being very coachable.”

 

2nd Star: Kayden Hill, Forward, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Eli McCarthy, Forward, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Joseph Hemr - Helena Bighorns

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Joseph Hemr, Forward, Helena Bighorns

Joseph Hemr, AKA Joey made some big offensive impacts for the Helena Bighorns during their two game series against the Gillette Wild. The Lino Lakes, Minnesota, native tallied four points during Friday’s game. He found the back of the net once in the first period and twice in the third, and added an assist to a power play goal. On Saturday, he recorded two assists, leaving him with six points for the weekend and helping the Bighorns sweep the Wild. 

Damon Hanson, Bighorns head coach, talked about his characteristics as a player.

“Joey is a guy we were excited to get for many reasons- he’s a strong kid with a heavy shot and tremendous work ethic. He’s a great human and, of course, has great offensive ability. Joey, although a first year guy, will be a guy that we lean on.”

 

2nd Star: Dayton Niedert, Forward, Badlands Sabres

3rd Star: Seth Hanson, Forward, Bozeman Icedogs

 

South Star of the Week: Camden Babin - Phoenix Inferno

South Division Star of the Week: Camden Babin, Forward, Phoenix Inferno

Camden Babin lit things up for the Phoenix Inferno when they upset the Texas Brahmas in a three game sweep. The Phoenix, Arizona native put together four total points during the weekend in hard fought battles against the Brahmas. On Friday, he assisted the game winning overtime goal to start the weekend off hot. On Saturday, he found a goal of his own, putting the first goal of the game on the board. He once again found the back of the net in the third period on Sunday and recorded an assist, ending the weekend with four points, and helping the Inferno defeat the Brahmas for the third time in a row that weekend.

Inferno head coach, Richard Matvichuk, talked about his outstanding weekend performance. 

“Camden had a great weekend for the Inferno. Not just on the offensive side of the scoresheet, but also being very productive in the plus minus category, and also being a huge part of the Inferno penalty kill. Camden was a huge part of the success the Inferno had this weekend because of his dedication to a 200ft game.”

 

2nd Star: John Scown, Forward, Tulsa Oilers

3rd Star: Otaro Inoue, Forward, Phoenix Inferno

 

Southeast Star of the Week: Trent LaRoche - Louisiana Drillers

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Trent LaRoche, Defenseman, Louisiana Drillers

Trent LaRoche boasted six points during two games against the Atlanta Capitals on Saturday and Sunday. The ‘08 6-foot-4 defenseman continues to produce for the Louisiana Drillers on the ice as he brought his total points to 19 after the weekend. On Saturday, he tallied the first goal and found the back of the net twice more in the third period. On Sunday, he recorded three more points in the form of one goal and two assists. 

Chris Francis, Drillers head coach, acknowledged LaRoche’s impressive presence on the ice.

“Trent has been playing with a tremendous amount of confidence lately, and you can see his game continuing to grow every time he steps on the ice. For an ‘08 defenseman, his poise, compete level, and ability to impact the game are impressive. He has a very bright future ahead of him and I have no doubt that Trent will be playing at higher levels as he continues to develop. This recognition is well-deserved.”

 

2nd Star: Jackson Zych, Forward, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Brayden Owen, Forward, Pelham Prowlers

 

West Star of the Week: Grant Harder - North Iowa Bulls

West Division Star of the Week: Grant Harder, Defenseman, North Iowa Bulls

Grant Harder dominates for the second week in a row, earning him back-to-back Star of the Week honors. Harder continued to lead his team in points scored for the season so far. He tallied three points during two games against the Minnesota Wilderness. On Friday, he found the back of the net during a power play in the third period to seal the deal for a 3-1 victory over the Wilderness. On Saturday, he rounded the weekend out with an assist on the first goal of the game and another power-play-goal in the second period to help the Bulls finish their sweep of the Wilderness.

North talked more about Harder’s accomplishments.

"Couldn’t be prouder of Grant. He is an extremely skilled player who shows up every day, puts in the work, and continues to get rewarded for that commitment. I’m excited to see what he’s able to accomplish this season and where his hard work takes him."

 

2nd Star: Maddux Domagala, Forward, Willmar WarHawks

3rd Star: Mitchell Hawel, Forward, Minnesota Vulcans

 

Central Star of the Week: Nathan Antti - West Bend Power

Central Division Star of the Week: Nathan Antti, Defenseman, West Bend Power

Veteran defenseman Nathan Antti led the West Bend Power to a sweep of the Rochester Grizzlies over the weekend. On Friday, he lended his stick for one assist when Asher Vander Ploeg found the back of the net to aid West Bend to a close 5-4 win in overtime. On Saturday, once again the Power would find themselves in an overtime situation. Nathan Antti scored the game winning goal with only 40 seconds left in overtime. He also recorded an assist on Saturday, leaving his total weekend stats to two assists and one goal. 

West Bend head coach Jason Woods talked about his leadership and player qualities. 

“Nathan has continued to play at a high level for us. In addition to his strong, long down defense skills, his knack for completing the big moment plays continued this weekend. I believe that is his third overtime winning goal in his time with the Power. Add that clutch gene to the leadership he provides our younger players and you quickly understand how important to our program he is!”

 

2nd Star: Parker Holloway, Forward, Wisconsin Woodsmen

3rd Star: Gabe Field, Defenseman, Wausau Cyclones

 

East Star of the Week: Jacob Landry - New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

East Division Star of the Week: Jacob Landry, Forward, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

Jacob Landry, New Hampshire’s returning lead scorer from the 2025-26 season, put together a six point performance over the weekend, earning him a Star of the Week nomination. The Jr. Mountain Kings matched up with the Garden State Gamblers on Friday and Saturday. Landry had three points in both games. On Friday, he scored two of New Hampshire’s four goals, helping the Jr. Mountain Kings defeat the Gamblers 4-1. On Saturday, Landry had two assists and scored a short handed goal midway through the second period. Garden State would be shutout by New Hampshire 8-0. 

Clint Cassavaugh, Jr. Mountain Kings head coach, said Landry was a team leader. 

“Jacob is a veteran of the league and a leader on our team. He knows you have to bring high intensity, a high competitive level, and the right attitude to practice every day, which translates to the game. That’s why he’s off to a great start this season.”

 

2nd Star: DeWight Singleton, Forward, New Jersey Titans

3rd Star: Jaxson Sardinha, Forward, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

 

Frontier Star of the Week: Jase Troyer - Great Falls Americans

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Jase Troyer, Defenseman, Great Falls Americans

Jase Troyer made his presence known over the weekend when the Great Falls Americans took on the Helena Bighorns. He had a two point game, consisting of one assist and one goal. He recorded an assist on the very first goal of the game, less than a minute into the first period. He scored a goal of his own on a power play early in the second period, helping the Americans find a 7-5 win over Helena. 

Greg Sears, Americans Head Coach, talked about his defensive impacts on the team. 

“Jase had a big night in Helena! He is an experienced guy that helped us keep it together when Helena came charging back in the third period. His veteran presence is a big part of our early season success.”

 

2nd Star: Cameron Kimmerly, Forward, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Donovan Balek, Forward, Gillette Wild

 

South Star of the Week: Xavier Othon - Texas Brahmas

South Division Star of the Week: Xavier Othon, Forward, Texas Brahmas

Veteran skater out of Illinois, Xavier Othon put up some big stats over the weekend in the Texas Brahmas’ series against the Tulsa Oilers. He had nine total points across the weekend. On Saturday, he recorded four assists in the Brahmas’ 14-0 victory over Tulsa. He found some scoring momentum of his own on Sunday and tallied three goals, in addition to two more assists. 

Brahmas head coach Michael Rooney talked about his performance this weekend. 

“It’s great to see Xavier achieve this recognition from the league. He’s the ultimate team guy and a very talented player. He was able to put his skill and work ethic on full display this weekend. We as an organization are extremely proud of him and excited to see what this season brings for him.”

 

2nd Star: Jayani Benson, Forward, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Nick Nunez, Forward, Phoenix Inferno

 

Southeast Star of the Week: Cayden Reamer - Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Cayden Reamer, Defenseman, Austin Ice Bats

Returning defenseman Cayden Reamer put six points on the board this weekend against the Bayou State Rougarou, earning him a Star of the Week honor. He appeared in all three games against the Rougarou. On Friday, he found the back of the net twice in the second period back to back, and he recorded an assist. He took on more of a defensive presence on Saturday. On Sunday he recorded three more points, including one goal early in the second period and two more assists. His efforts would help the Ice Bats sweep the Rougarou. 

Harrison Feeney, Ice Bats head coach talked about his impacts on the ice. 

“Cayden has been a great teammate and player for us. He is consistent in both zones. He is a huge part of what we are trying to build here in Austin.”

 

2nd Star: Beau Keller, Defenseman, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Alex McMillan, Defenseman, Texas RoadRunners

 

West Star of the Week: Grant Harder - North Iowa Bulls

West Division Star of the Week: Grant Harder, Defenseman, North Iowa Bulls

Grant Harder showed up and showed out in the North Iowa Bulls’ opening weekend. Previously wearing the Mason City Toros jersey, Harder is a returner for Bulls’ head coach Alex North. He made his defensive presence on the ice known, as he recorded seven total assists during two games against the Alexandria Blizzard. He recorded two assists on Friday and an impressive five assists on Saturday. 

North talked more about his leadership qualities.

"Grant is our captain for a reason. He leads both on and off the ice, puts in the work every single day, and sets the standard for those around him. His production this week is a direct result of that commitment and hard work. Proud of the way he continues to lead our group."

 

2nd Star: Blake Breiland, Forward, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Boone Theiler, Forward, North Iowa Bulls

 

Central Star of the Week: Konnor Goclan - Rochester Grizzlies

Central Division Star of the Week: Konnor Goclan, Forward, Rochester Grizzlies

Konnor Goclan, a veteran for the Rochester Grizzlies, put together a four point performance in a series against the Wausau Cyclones, earning him a Star of the Week nomination. On Friday, he scored the first goal of the game and recorded one assist in the third period, helping the Grizzlies cruise to a 7-3 victory over the Cyclones. On Saturday he once again opened up the scoring for the Grizzlies in the first period. The captain would go on to score the last goal of the game in the third, leading the Grizzlies to a 3-1 win over the Cyclones to sweep the series. 

Grizzlies head coach Marty Raymond talked about his leadership qualities and his impact on the team. 

“Konnor Goclan is a leader on our team not only for his captain status, but simply because he plays the right way on both sides of the ice. He had a great weekend, leading our squad against a very good Wausau team. We are happy for his league recognition today and pleased to have him on our side.”

 

2nd Star: Jacob Illanardo, Goalie, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Cam Hovden, Forward, Wisconsin Woodsmen

East Star of the Week: James Steinberg - Long Beach Sharks

East Division Star of the Week: James Steinberg, Defenseman, Long Beach Sharks

The ‘07 defenseman from New York, James Steinberg put together a big opening weekend performance on the ice this past weekend against the New Jersey Titans. He recorded five total points during two games. He opened his weekend up with two assists on Friday. The Sharks would go on to win 6-5. Heading into Saturday, Steinberg found scoring momentum and recorded three out of the Sharks’ five goals, playing an integral role in the Sharks’ comeback. He led his team to a 5-3 win over the Titans. 

Sharks head coach Jeff Tory shares more on Steinberg’s playing style and how he impacts his teammates.

“James is a very valuable player to our team's success. He’s very responsible defensively and has excellent hockey IQ that helps to translate his defensive player offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. The best compliment I can give him is that he makes everyone around him better. ”

 

2nd Star: Jaxson Sardinha, Forward, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Sedrick Swygert Jr, Forward, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

 

Frontier Star of the Week: Carson Joersz - Yellowstone Quake

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Carson Joersz, Forward, Yellowstone Quake

The Yellowstone Quake went on a two game sweep against the Gillette Wild. Leading the charge in scoring efforts for the Quake was Carson Joersz, a veteran from Mandan, North Dakota. He boasted nine points during two games. On Friday, he found the back of the net three times and recorded an assist, participating in all four of Yellowstone’s points that night. On Saturday he took off once again, recording five points during the match. He scored two goals, including one power play tally, and aided his teammates with three assists, leading his team to a 6-5 victory. 

Quake head coach Gaetano Moirano spoke more about his breakout performance.

“This was a breakout weekend for Carson. As a returner, he is already back on track and exceeding expectations. Carson’s hockey IQ is off of the charts, and the way he creates time and space is great to watch. We look forward to watching him continue his development and continue to show he is a top forward in this league as the season progresses.”

 

2nd Star: Dayton Niedert, Forward, Badlands Sabres

3rd Star: Jackson Wagner, Goalie, Butte Irish

 

South Star of the Week: Tanner Ross - New Mexico Ice Wolves

South Division Star of the Week: Tanner Ross, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Tanner Ross continues to lead the New Mexico Ice Wolves in scoring so far for the 2026-27 season. He was named Star of the Week after a seven point weekend performance in a series against the West Texas Wranglers. He put five points on the board on Friday night in the form of three goals and two assists. His performance would pick up again on Sunday night when he found the back of the night twice in the second period, one being a power play goal. 

Ice Wolves head coach Isaac Washburn spoke more about Ross’s work on the ice. 

“Tanner is a heart and soul type of player who brings a lot of passion both on and off the ice, day after day. It’s been great to see him get some results on the scoresheet to start the year and, to be honest, it’s not much of a surprise because his processes and attention to detail has been consistent. What’s gotten lost a bit is that Tanner has been really strong on both sides of the puck and is developing a solid 200 foot game.”

 

2nd Star: John Scown, Forward, Tulsa Oilers

3rd Star: Chase Ryburn, Goalie, New Mexico Ice Wolves

 

Southeast Star of the Week: Jacob Hums - Pelham Prowlers

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Jacob Hums, Forward, Pelham Prowlers

Jacob Hums, a newcomer from South Bend, Indiana has so far led the Pelham Prowlers in scoring efforts for the 2026-27 season. After a stellar opening weekend and NA3HL debut, his eleven points earned him Star of the Week. The Prowlers opened the season with a three game series against the Bayou State Rougarou. Hums kicked off his season with three points in the form of one goal and two assists. He found a groove on Friday and boasted an impressive seven points, which consisted of five goals and two assists. He rounded out the weekend on Saturday with one assist in the final game of the series. The Prowlers swept the Rougarou with Hums leading the charge.

Prowlers head coach Kevin Kerr talked about Hums and his character both on and off the ice.

“We are really happy and excited for Jacob’s selection this week. Jacob is a great kid, he works hard, and has the right attitude. We’re looking forward to his continued success throughout the season.”

 

2nd Star: Colton Edman, Forward, Pelham Prowlers

3rd Star: Kristopher Pope, Forward, Texas RoadRunners

 

Central Star of the Week: Parker Holloway - Wisconsin Woodsmen

Central Division Star of the Week: Parker Holloway, Forward, Wisconsin Woodsmen

Wisconsin Woodsmen returner Parker Holloway led the team in their opening weekend in total points scored. During two games, he tallied six total points- four assists and two goals. The Woodsmen matched up against the Peoria Mustangs on Friday and Saturday for a two game series. They dropped the first game on Friday in overtime fashion. In this game, Holloway recorded two assists. His big performance of the weekend came on Saturday, where he tallied two assists and two goals. He found goals in the second and third periods. 

Jon Vaillancourt, head coach of the Woodsmen, talked about Holloway's playing style. 

"Parker is able to play in multiply situations for us using his vision, size and skill to create game changing plays," he said.

2nd Star: Brendan Miller, Forward, Peoria Mustangs

3rd Star: Ty Paulios, Forward, Wisconsin Woodsmen

Frontier Star of the Week: Lex Steckelberg - Bozeman Icedogs

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Lex Steckelberg, Forward, Bozeman Icedogs

Lex Steckelberg has returned to the Icedogs for the fourth consecutive year in a row. They kicked off their season over the weekend with two matchups, one against the Gillette Wild and one against the Helena Bighorns. Steckelberg, the Icedogs lead scorer last year, wasted no time leading the team in goals for the weekend. He tallied five total goals across both games. On Friday he scored two against the Wild, and recorded three goals against the Bighorns on Saturday. 

Mike Perkins, the general manager and head coach of the Icedogs talked about Steckelberg's impact on the team.

"Lex's five goals this weekend were obviously huge for us, but what he means to our team goes far beyond the scoresheet. He's our captain because of his character, his work ethic, and the way je leads our group every day. Lex has been instrumental in helping us get off to a strong start- not just because he's producing, but because our guys follow him. He represents exactly what we want a Bozeman Icedog to be," Perkins said.

2nd Star: Cameron Kimmerly, Forward, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Jackson Hepper, Defenseman, Badlands Sabres

South Star of the Week: Otaro Inoue - Phoenix Inferno

South Division Star of the Week: Otaro Inoue, Forward, Phoenix Inferno

Otaro Inoue led the Phoenix Inferno to two wins during their inaugural season debut. They matched up with the Tulsa Oilers in a two game series, and Inoue recorded six total points throughout the entire weekend. The Inferno rallied to an impressive 10-2 win in Friday’s matchup. On Saturday, the Oilers put up a fight and forced the game into overtime. The Tokyo, Japan native scored the game winning overtime goal, completing a hatntrick and leading the Inferno to the win.

Troy Mick, co head coach of the Inferno, talked about his outstanding performance. 

“Otaro has an incredible weekend for us. Four goals and two assists, including an overtime hat trick goal, speaks for itself. He came up big when we needed him most and played a huge role in helping us start the season 2-0,” said Mick.

2nd Star:  Brody Ososki, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Sammy Albano, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Southeast Star of the Week: Dayton Ruppel - Louisiana Drillers

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Dayton Ruppel, Defenseman, Louisiana Drillers

Louisiana remained a dominant presence as they took on a three game matchup against the Bayou State Rougarou. Defenseman veteran Dayton Ruppel had a standout weekend as he tallied an impressive 13 assists and a single goal. He appeared in all three games. His goal came on Friday when he found the back of the net in the third period. 

Chris Francis, head coach of the Drillers, talked about Ruppel’s impact during the weekend.

“Dayton has been a major part of our team’s success. His consistency, leadership, and ability to impact the game every night make him incredibly deserving of this recognition. He continues to set the standard for what it means to be a Louisiana Driller,” said Francis.

2nd Star: Andrew Kozhushko, Forward, Louisiana Drillers

Central Star of the Week: Brendan Miller - Peoria Mustangs

Central Division Star of the Week: Brendan Miller, Forward, Peoria Mustangs

Mustangs returner Brendan Miller made an immediate impact on opening weekend, leading Peoria’s offense to two straight wins over the Wausau Cyclones in front of a home crowd. Miller recorded six points across the two-game set. Four of those points came during his season opener where he recorded a hat trick and one assist to aid the Mustangs to a 8-3 victory over the Cyclones. He followed up on Saturday with two consecutive goals during a power play, bringing his weekend point total to six. 

Chase Ernst, head coach of the Mustangs, said Brendan is a perfect example of what it means to be a Mustang.

“Brendan was the tip of our spear this weekend, and his five goals, six points and three power-play goals were the result of how completely he has bought into what we are building in Peoria,” said Ernst. “He competed with purpose, played within our structure and delivered in the biggest moments for our team. Brendan’s performance was a tremendous example of what it means to be all-in, and we’re incredibly proud to see him recognized as the NA3HL Star of the Week.”

Southeast Star of the Week: Dante Zaffarano - Louisiana Drillers

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Dante Zaffarano, Defenseman, Louisiana Drillers

Drillers veteran Dante Zaffarno wasted no time getting started in the 2026-27 season. During opening weekend he suited up for all three games against the Austin Ice Bats. He tallied four points across the weekend. In Friday’s matchup, he recorded an assist, followed by two more on Saturday. He ended the weekend by scoring a goal in the second period, helping to lead the Drillers to a 2-0 shutout victory. The Drillers swept the weekend series. 

Louisiana Drillers head coach Chris Francis talked about his defensive impact on the team.

“Dante picked up right where he left off last season,” Francis said. “He’s a dynamic defenseman in this league and helps our team have success every time we play. We are lucky to have him.”