NA3HL announces 2022-23 season awards

May 10, 2023

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its award winners for the 2022-23 season, which include: Most Valuable Player, Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with its All-NA3HL 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and All-Rookie 1^st and 2^nd Teams, Community Service, Leadership, Academic Award, and Broadcaster of the Year.

NOTE: The awards are voted on by the league’s head coaches and general managers, based upon performance during the 2022-23 season.

Most Valuable Player and Defenseman of the Year: Kyle Mortenson, Granite City Lumberjacks

Mortenson, 21, led the Lumberjacks to the Fraser Cup Championship and was one of the top scoring defensemen in the NA3HL. The 6’0/180 lbs. native of Wayzata, MN, was 5^th in scoring among NA3HL defensemen with 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists) in 47 regular season games and added nine points in eight playoff games. He finishes his NA3HL career with 93 points in 116 career NA3HL games.

Forward of the Year: Nick Jameus, Atlanta Capitals

Jameus, 21, was the top scorer in the NA3HL during the 2022-23 regular season. The 5’9/170 lbs. native of Sault Ste. Marie, ON, recorded 97 points (20 goals, 77 assists) in 45 regular season games. He was also selected to and played in the 2023 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament for Team South. In 73 career NA3HL games, he recorded 148 points.

True Hockey Goaltender of the Year: Keaton French, Helena Bighorns

French, 21, began the season with the Minnesota Loons and was traded to Helena in late January. The 6’2/185 lbs. native of Fairbanks, AK, ended up with a 13-13-0 record in 27 games played during the regular season, which included a 2.62 goals against average and a .919 save percentage. While with the Bighorns, French was lights out with a 7-1 record during the regular season, a 1.03 goals against average and .962 save percentage. He led the Bighorns to the Frontier Division title and a spot in the Fraser Cup Championship where he was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Rookie of the Year: Matvey Ivanov, Forward, Texas RoadRunners

Ivanov, 19, finished 2^nd in NA3HL scoring during the 2022-23 regular season. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of San Ramon, CA, put up 85 points (39 goals, 46 assists) in his rookie season. His 39 goals tied for 2^nd overall in the NA3HL as did his 12 power play goals. He was named the South Division Star of the Week on February 28^th and was Runner-Up for Forward of the Month in February.

Coach of the Year: Jeff Crouse, Alexandria Blizzard

Jeff Crouse led the Blizzard to a 32-win season and 2^nd place finish in the West Division during the 2022-23 regular season. He then guided the Blizzard to the West Division Playoff crown and spot in the Fraser Cup Championship, where the Blizzard would finish as Runner-Up for the title. In addition, the Blizzard currently have three players that signed NAHL tenders and three more that have made NCAA commitments.

General Manager of the Year: Eric Fenton, Oregon Tradesmen

On the ice, Fenton put together a Tradesmen team that contended for the Central title until the very last game, ultimately finishing 2^nd in the Division with 31 wins and 68 points. That was followed up by winning the Central Playoff title and an appearance in the 2023 Fraser Cup Championship. The Tradesmen also have an NA3HL-high four players tendered into the NAHL for next season.

Organization of the Year: Granite City Lumberjacks

The Lumberjacks were again at the top of the NA3HL mountain during the 2022-23 season. Not only did the club win the West Division regular season crown with a 39-6-2 record, which was 2^nd best in the NAHL, but they also captured their fourth Fraser Cup National Championship in the last 13 years. Granite City was 5^th in NA3HL attendance and saw six players commit to play NCAA hockey. They also had three more players sign NAHL tenders.

Apex Learning Virtual School Academic Achievement Award: Wes Weisenburger, Great Falls Americans

Weisenburger, 18, had a good first year of junior hockey in the NA3HL and managed to also standout in the classroom. Attending high school all season long, Weisenburger averaged a perfect 4.00 GPA throughout his senior year.. He also recorded 19 points in 38 games played. He will be entering the engineering program at Montana State University next season, where he will also play college hockey in the ACHA.

Community Service Award: Michael Dalaly, Milwaukee Power

Michael was the go-to player as he served as team captain and team leader on and off the ice. He was the first person to always jump to the opportunity for radio interviews, press interviews and also helping the West Bend community for any service that was needed. He was instrumental with the West Bend youth teams assisting in practices, games, and other key attributes. He led the annual Christmas parade and tear down of various community events and was always there when called upon. He is a great human and a person with a huge heart to help anyone in the community that is in need. He is the true definition of a captain, a leader, and an outstanding member of the community.

Leadership Award: Benjamin Mondou, Texas Brahmas

Ben was team captain and wore that "C" with pride. He would be the first one to pick the team up when there were struggles, doubts, or disappointments. He led through example, being on time, work ethic, always working on his craft. He was also a giant facilitator for the team in having such a great bond. He would always get the players together to have group events and social gathering and that ultimately led to a much better team on the ice. He was also always the first one to sacrifice for the team or give that extra effort required to win and for him to succeed. He inspired teammates to do. the same. His dedication to his team was a valuable asset for the Brahmas to advance to the Fraser Cup Championship this past season.

Broadcaster of the Year: Joe Clemence, Granite City Lumberjacks

All-NA3HL 1st Team

Forward: Ryan Hadland, Alexandria Blizzard

Forward: Nick Jameus, Atlanta Capitals

Forward: Carter Newpower, Mason City Toros

Defense: Colin Hedland, Mason City Toros

Defense: Kyle Mortenson, Granite City Lumberjacks

Goalie: Keaton French, Helena Bighorns

All-NA3HL 2nd Team

Forward: Tyler Bloom, Helena Bighorns

Forward: Ryan McKenna, Sheridan Hawks

Forward: Patrick Toomey, Milwaukee Power