NA3HL announces Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week
Honors go to Josh Benson (North Iowa), Ian Gately (New England), Graham Day (Metro), Nick Nast (Great Falls), Nick Balestra (St. Louis), Hunter Soden (Syracuse), Sascha Figi (Atlanta), Riley Tigrett (Willmar).
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) announced today the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending November 20, 2016. The divisional stars of the week are an award given each week of the regular season to the top performing players in each of the eight divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Josh Benson, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls
Stillwater, MN native Josh Benson stopped 30 of 31 shots in net in his win on Friday night. Benson held on for the win by stopping all three shooters he faced in the shootout for North Iowa, earning him a .968 SV% through 65 minutes of play. “Josh Benson was outstanding on Friday for the Bulls. Josh gives us the confidence to play an aggressive offensive style of game. If we make a mistake, he is there to make the saves we need,” said General Manager and Head Coach Todd Sanden.
2nd Star: Danny Toycen, forward, La Crosse Freeze
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Faulkner, forward, Wisconsin Whalers – Matt Resch, forward, Wisconsin Whalers – Donny Schultz, forward, La Crosse Freeze – Brendan Studioso, forward, North Iowa Bulls
Coastal Division Star of the Week: Ian Gately, forward, New England Stars
Helping the Stars earn a weekend sweep, forward Ian Gately grabbed five points and a +6 rating through two games. The Goffstown, NH native continues to make an impact for New England, who swept the weekend at home over Roc City. “Ian continues to be rewarded for his hard work. His physical play contributes to his offense, allowing his efforts to come shining through,” said Head Coach Darryl Green.
2nd Star: none
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): none
East Division Star of the Week: Graham Day, forward, Metro Jets
With a hat trick on Saturday night, Graham Day led to Jets to two big wins over the weekend. The Rochester, MI native picked up a total of four goals over the weekend, one being short-handed, and finished two games at +5. “Graham was the difference for us on Saturday when the game was tight. He scored a key SHG and another in the 3rd to extend the lead. His leadership on and off the ice this year have continued to influence our group positively,” said General Manager and Head Coach Justin Quenneville.
2nd Star: Dom Glavach, forward, Pittsburgh Vengeance
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brian Dee, forward, Pittsburgh Vengeance – Robby Flannery, defenseman, Metro Jets – Brock Grandbois, forward, Toldeo Cherokee – Anthony Weinrich, forward, Toldeo Cherokee
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Nick Nast, goaltender, Great Falls Americans
Saturdays are for shutouts in the world of Nick Nast, who stood on his head for the Americans this weekend. The Oxnard, CA native collected 35 perfect saves in his second shutout of the season, as Great Falls took a 6-0 win over Missoula. “Nick had a dominating performance, shutting down the opposing team on every opportunity they had,” said Assistant Coach Erik Gatson.
2nd Star: Reed Kelly, forward, Yellowstone Quake
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brendan Bessee, forward, Helena Bighorns – Brad Estrada, forward, Helena Bighorns – Daniel Johansson, forward, Billings Bulls – Danny O’Donnell, defenseman, Great Falls Americans – Ludvig Omdal, forward, Billings Bulls – Nick Ottenbacher, goaltender, Yellowstone Quake
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Nick Balestra, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues
Forward Nick Balestra continued his offensive contributions for the St. Louis Jr. Blues this weekend, racking up 11 points. The Ballwin, MO native finished at +11 through two games, and collected a power play goal in his five goal, six assist weekend. “Nick had an offensive explosion this weekend. He continues to be a point producer for our club,” said General Manager and Head Coach Chris Flaugher.
2nd Star: Ivan Galaguzov, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Geloneck, goaltender, Cincinnati Thunder
Northeast Division Star of the Week: Hunter Soden, forward, Syracuse Stampede
With two hat tricks over the weekend, Hunter Soden collected seven points in three games for Syracuse. The Pequannock, NJ native registered six goals and an assist, including the game-winning goal on Sunday night. “Hunter Soden was the dominant player during the weekend. Hunt's 2 hat tricks and one assist powered us to this past weekend’s sweep of Lockport. Hunt played both ends of the ice all weekend, making sure to contribute his scoring touch,” said General Manager and Head Coach Michael Beavis.
2nd Star: Conor Landrigan, forward, Binghamton Jr. Senators
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Blake Bennett, forward, Lockport Express – Jacob Hanebrink, forward, Jersey Shore Wildcats – Ramsey Mayne, defenseman, Syracuse Stampede – Adam Partridge, goaltender, Lockport Express – Jeremy Wilber, forward, Binghamton Jr. Senators
South Division Star of the Week: Sascha Figi, forward, Atlanta Capitals
Eight points in three games from forward Sascha Figi powered the Atlanta Capitals to two wins over the weekend. The Kloten, Switzerland native notched the game-winning goal on Sunday night to finish the Capitals weekend out strong. “Sascha's ability to shoot the puck on the power play helped us get our power play back on track. He had 3 power play goals of our 6 this weekend. He also tallied 5 assists,” said Assistant Coach Jason Smith
2nd Star: Mark Revniaga, forward, Point Mallard Ducks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jesse Brown, forward, Atlanta Capitals – T.J. Delaney, forward, Euless Jr. Stars – Nick Sheridan, forward, Euless Jr. Stars
West Division Star of the Week: Riley Tigrett, forward, Willmar WarHawks
Forward Riley Tigrett helped secure a weekend sweep for the Willmar WarHawks at home. Tigrett registered three goals and two assists in two games, and finished the weekend at +6. “Riley stepped up and showed us why he is our team captain this weekend. He not only elevated his game, but the play of the entire team. He produced, but also helped to create opportunities for his teammates as well,” said Head Coach Chris Blaisuis.
2nd Star: Alex Flicek, forward, Breezy Point North Stars
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mac Berglove, goaltender, Granite City Lumberjacks – Andrej Jamnicky, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Magnus Lindhe, goaltender, Breezy Point North Stars
