NA3HL announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending December 10, 2023. The Divisional Stars of the Week is an award given each week of the regular season to the top performing players in each of the five divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Easton Plachetka, Defense, Wausau Cyclones
Over a two game set, Wausau defenseman Easton Plachetka posted 5 points in a weekend sweep for the Cyclones. The blue-liner added an assist in the opening game of the weekend, then followed up by adding 4 assists the next game. The Greenville, WI native has played in 23 games this season and has totalled 17 points.
2nd Star: Zachary Lacasse, D, Peoria Mustangs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brooks Barofsky, G, West Bend Power – Mason Buchanan, F, Peoria Mustangs – Connor Dvorak, F, Wausau Cyclones – Jackson Heim, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen – Riley Planey, F, West Bend Power
East Division Star of the Week: Caiden Hess, Forward, Northeast Generals
Northeast Generals forward Caiden Hess helped in the Generals weekend sweep over the New Jersey Titans by adding 5 points. In those two games, the Hanover, MA native dished out two assists in the opening game of the series, and then followed that performance with a three assist night. Hess has played in 20 games for the Generals this season, where he has accumulated 17 points with 6 goals and 11 assists.
2nd Star: Riley Klas, D, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Dylan Garvin, D, New Hampshire, Jr. Mountain Kings – Riley Groman, G, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Chase Leivian, F, Norwich Sea Captains – John Rogers, F, Northeast Generals
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Spencer Wilkinson, Forward, Bozeman Ice Dogs
Spencer Wilkinson lit up the scoresheet over two games for the Bozeman Ice Dogs, earning the Frontier Division Star of the Week. The Bozeman, MT native went back-to-back nights scoring a goal and handing out two assists to total six points over two games. This season, Wilkinson has played in 22 games and has combined for 27 points.
2nd Star: Braden Cunningham, F, Helena Bighorns
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cade Bendigo, F, Great Falls Americans – Ty Brander, D, Great Falls Americans – Andrew Browe, F, Butte Irish – Camden Cunningham, F, Helena Bighorns – Braylon Rogers, G, Butte Irish – Matthew Ryynanen, G, Bozeman Ice Dogs
South Division Star of the Week: Ryan Piekarski, Goalie, El Paso Rhinos
El Paso Rhinos netminder Ryan Piekarski posted a shutout win and added an assist on top. In a showing over the weekend against the Atlanta Capitals, the Huntington Beach, CA native posted a 34 shot shutout win. On top of being a brick wall in the net, the goaltender added an assist in the game's final goal. Piekarski is 3-0 on the year for the Rhinos and has a combined 1.00 GAA and a .964 SV%.
2nd Star: Carson Gotelaere, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brendan Johnson, F, Louisiana Drillers – Matt Loney, G, El Paso Rhinos – Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers – Ethan Secord, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves
West Division Star of the Week: Sam Schowalter, Goalie, Granite City Lumberjacks
Granite City netminder Sam Schowalter stood his ground in a battle of the West Divisions top ranked teams as he shutout the Rochester Grizzlies. The Eden Prairie, MN native backstopped his way to a 19 shot shutout victory. This season Schowalter holds a 12-2-0-1 record with a 2.10 GAA and a . 904 SV%.
2nd Star: Thomas Gerum, F, Granite City Lumberjacks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Marcus Fritel, F, Mason City Toros
