Stars of the Week

Central Star of the Week: Andrew Bastian - Rochester Grizzlies

Rochester closed out the regular season in style, completing a two-game sweep over St. Louis on home ice. Third-year Grizzlies forward Andrew Bastian played a key role in the pair of victories while also setting a new mark in the organization’s record books with a historic weekend.

Friday’s matchup turned into a high-scoring affair, with Rochester skating away with a 7-4 victory. While the goal horn was busy throughout the night, Bastian had a quieter outing but still found his way onto the scoresheet, recording an assist on the Grizzlies’ fourth goal of the game.

Saturday’s contest was a tighter battle, ending in a 4-2 win for Rochester. This time, the Mankato, Minnesota native had his playmaking abilities on full display, factoring into every Grizzlies goal. Bastian scored the team’s third goal on the powerplay and added assists on the other three tallies for a four-point night.

With a goal and four assists across the weekend, Bastian officially broke the Grizzlies’ single-season assist record, finishing the regular season with 38 helpers and cementing his place in Rochester’s history books.

After a record-setting weekend, Head Coach Marty Raymond spoke highly of Bastian’s leadership and work ethic: “Andrew has shown leadership with his great attitude and through his play. We are very happy to congratulate him as his effort pay dividends on the score sheet.”

2nd Star: Maksim Salienko, F, Wausau Cyclones

3rd Star: Nolan Mix, F, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Tommy Titone - New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

The Jr. Mountain Kings wrapped up a busy week on a strong note, picking up points in all four of their games with two wins and two overtime losses.

Leading the charge offensively was second-year forward Tommy Titone, who showcased his consistency by recording points in all four contests.

In the opening game, a 5-4 overtime loss to Long Beach, Titone helped spark New Hampshire’s comeback effort, recording an assist on the team’s second goal.

The Jr. Mountain Kings responded the following night in dominant fashion, rolling to a 7-1 victory. The Salem, New Hampshire native scored the game’s second goal, added a powerplay assist on the sixth tally, and capped off the performance with his second goal of the night to seal the win.

New Hampshire’s third game of the week featured a strong special teams effort, with four of the team’s goals coming on the man advantage. Titone factored into two of them, opening the scoring and later assisting on the game-winner in the Jr. Mountain Kings’ 5-4 victory.

Despite closing out the regular season with an overtime loss, Titone once again stepped up in a big moment. Trailing late in the third period, he scored back-to-back goals to force overtime and secure another point for New Hampshire.

As New Hampshire pushed to secure playoff positioning, Head Coach Clint Cassavaugh pointed to Titone’s performance during the busy final stretch: “Since coming back to us at the end of November, Tommy has really put in the work on his game. Five games in seven days isn’t how we wanted to finish the regular season, but he stepped up in a big way when we needed him most and helped us secure the points we needed to lock in the second seed in the East.”

2nd Star: Eli McCarthy, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Brady Davis, G, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: Frontier Division Star of the Week: Mathieu Chernauckas - Butte Irish

Butte delivered a night to remember on Friday, picking up a thrilling overtime victory over Great Falls in front of their home crowd in their final home game of the regular season. The packed building had plenty to cheer about as the Irish battled through a hard-fought contest to secure the win.

The Americans certainly didn’t go down without a fight, testing ’06 netminder Mathieu Chernauckas all night long. The Dearborn, Michigan native turned in a spectacular performance between the pipes, facing an incredible workload throughout the game. He saw 21 shots in the first period, a staggering 36 in the second, 18 more in the third, and one in overtime.

Handling 76 total shots is no easy task, but Chernauckas rose to the challenge, turning aside 73 of them while allowing just three goals against the Frontier Division’s third-seeded team. He also stayed composed on the penalty kill, helping hold Great Falls to just one goal on seven power-play opportunities.

By the final buzzer, Chernauckas finished with 73 saves and a stellar .960 save percentage, backstopping Butte to a memorable overtime win in a game the home crowd won’t soon forget.

Butte Head Coach Marc Brodeur praised Chernauckas not only for his performance, but for the presence he brings to the locker room: “Mathieu is a quiet workhorse who brings a great attitude every day. He’s an incredible teammate and someone our group really values.”

2nd Star: Ty Schell, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Chase Berg, F, Helena Bighorns

South Star of the Week: Brayden Macko - El Paso Rhinos

El Paso locked in the #3 seed in the South Division thanks in large part to the standout play of second-year Rhinos netminder Brayden Macko. The Naperville, Illinois native got the start in both victories as El Paso took two out of three games against New Mexico at home.

Friday’s contest saw Macko steadily tested, facing 36 shots and keeping the Ice Wolves off the board on all four of their powerplay chances in a 4-2 win.

Saturday, Macko delivered a dominant performance, earning his third shutout of the season with 31 saves, again holding New Mexico scoreless on the man advantage in a 3-0 victory.

With 67 shots faced and 65 saves across the weekend, Macko posted an impressive .970 save percentage and now holds an 18-4-4 record on the year, anchoring the Rhinos as they head into the postseason.

Head Coach Alec Sherman highlighted Macko’s impact over the crucial weekend: “We went into a very important weekend against a tough New Mexico team with an opportunity to possibly climb up the standings in the last regular season games. We needed a big weekend from our team, especially our goaltenders. In Friday and Saturday's game Macko gave us the opportunity to win, he stood on his head making big saves to swing momentum in key moments. Macko had a huge shutout for us on Saturday night. He has been a young man to lean on and has stepped up big in big games for us this season. We are going to rely on his gamer mentality as we head into Austin this weekend for Round 1 of the Fraser Cup Playoffs.”

2nd Star: Jayani Benson, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Kenny Cadwallader, F, El Paso Rhinos

Southeast Star of the Week: Reece Beckwith - Carolina Rage

Carolina capped off the regular season on a high note, already locked into the postseason, with a dominant three-game road sweep over Pelham. Rookie forward Reece Beckwith made his mark in his first season of junior hockey, showcasing why he’s been a driving force for the Rage.

The South Bend, Indiana native led Carolina’s offense all weekend, tallying an incredible 10 points across the series.

Friday’s 4-0 victory set the tone, with Beckwith directly involved in all four goals, scoring the third and assisting on the other three.

Saturday was even more dominant, as the Rage blanked the Prowlers 9-0. Beckwith registered a hat trick, scoring twice in the first period, and added three assists for a six-point night.

The regular season finale was another statement win, a 7-1 victory, with Beckwith replicating his previous day’s performance: another hat trick and three assists, bringing his weekend total to 10 points and back-to-back six-point games.

Beckwith finishes the regular season as Carolina’s leading scorer with 75 points in 31 games, cementing himself as a rookie to watch heading into the postseason.

2nd Star: Loghan Weber, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Carter Gnau, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Caleb Waller - Alexandria Blizzard

Caleb Waller has earned Star of the Week honors for the second consecutive week, continuing to set the standard for the Alexandria Blizzard and etching his name into the program’s record books.

The Blizzard opened their final regular-season weekend with a 5-2 victory over the Wilderness on Friday. Waller contributed a goal and an assist, quietly setting the stage for what was to come.

Saturday was a night to remember for both Waller and the Blizzard, as he made history in front of the home crowd that has supported him for three seasons. In a 7-2 win, the Assistant Captain delivered his first hat trick of the season and added an assist, helping lead the team while breaking multiple program records in the process.

With four goals and one assist on the weekend, Waller finished the regular season with 86 points in 46 games, setting new Blizzard all-time records for career goals, single-season goals, and single-season points.

Head Coach Jeff Crouse shared his thoughts on Caleb’s historic weekend: “To see Caleb break multiple program records on home ice was truly something special. His impact in Alexandria goes far beyond the scoresheet—he’s a leader, a role model, and a cornerstone of this program. Any college team would be lucky to have such a talented player and great leader, and we can’t wait to see him continue to shine in the postseason.”

2nd Star: Luca Salak, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Grady Stallman, F, Alexandria Blizzard

Central Star of the Week: Shaun Paulson - West Bend Power

Shaun Paulson and the Power handled business in Illinois, sweeping the Mustangs to cap off a flawless 8-0 season series.

Friday night brought the closest contest between the two all year, but West Bend still found a way to grind out a 3-2 win. All five goals were scored in the middle frame, and Paulson helped give the Power control by scoring the team’s second goal in the eventual victory.

After firing over 50 shots for the second straight night, West Bend exploded for a 9-0 shutout victory. Paulson wasted no time making his mark, putting together his third three-point performance of the season, and doing all his damage in the opening period.

He started by setting up the game’s first goal, then buried back-to-back tallies of his own, including a powerplay marker that helped blow the game wide open before the first intermission.

With four points on the weekend, the ’06 forward continues to put together a steady, impressive rookie campaign. Paulson now sits at 30 points in 35 games, averaging just under a point per contest while proving to be a consistent offensive spark for the Power.

West Bend Head Coach Jason Woods couldn’t have said it better about Paulson’s weekend: “It’s fantastic to see Shaun earn weekly honors. He’s had a tremendous rookie season and fully deserves the recognition. We think he’s one of the best 200-foot players in the league, and his all-around game is just unreal.”

2nd Star: Jace Fitzgerald, F, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Eric Denny, D, St. Louis Jr. Blues

East Star of the Week: Caden Shafer - Long Beach Sharks

‘06 rookie Caden Shafer played a key role this week as Long Beach went 2-1 over their three-game stretch. 

Game one featured an 8-3 victory over New Jersey, and Shafer was electric. The ‘06 forward scored back-to-back goals in the first period, giving the Sharks a 3-0 lead heading into the second. He wasn’t done there, adding an assist on the team’s seventh goal to finish with a three-point performance.

After a loss to the Nordiques, Shafer helped Long Beach bounce back in style. He turned in a monster first period, racking up all three of his points in the opening 20 minutes. He started by assisting on the game’s first goal, added another helper on the third, and capped the period with a power-play goal under two minutes to give the Sharks a 4-0 lead in a 7-3 win.

With multiple multi-point efforts this week, Shafer is proving that he’s a rising force for Long Beach as the postseason approaches.

Shafer’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed, according to Sharks Head Coach Jeff Tory: “Caden has been a very dynamic player for us since his arrival. He has the ability to impact a game both with his physicality but also his good vision and play making ability and hockey IQ.”

2nd Star: Trenton Impens, F, Norwich Sea Captains

3rd Star: Sean Bailey, F, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Branson Appelman - Helena Bighorns

The Helena Bighorns held things down on the road, completing a weekend sweep over the Badlands Sabres, and netminder Branson Appelman was at the center of it all. The second-year Bighorns goalie started both games, showing why he’s a cornerstone for the team.

Game one ended in a 4-1 victory and although the Sabres struck first, Appelman settled in quickly and never looked back. He faced just eight shots in the opening period but saw 14 in the second and 13 in the third, finishing with 35 saves on the night.

Saturday was a true nail-biter as the Bighorns eked out a 2-1 win. Appelman controlled the crease all night, denying 28 of 29 shots and preserving the win for Helena.

Over the two games, the Maple Grove, Minnesota native faced 64 shots, making 62 saves for a stellar .968 save percentage. With his season record now at 11-3, Appelman continues to prove himself a reliable presence in goal as Helena looks to return to St. Louis and make a run at the Fraser Cup.

As Helena looks ahead to the playoffs, Head Coach Damon Hanson highlighted the impact of Branson Appelman between the pipes: “Since Branson came in, he’s brought stability to the net every night. He battles hard and makes key saves when we need them, and we’re thrilled to have him as we push into the playoffs.”

2nd Star: Cooper Clouse, F, Great Falls Americans

3rd Star: Andrew Kaunas, F, Bozeman Icedogs

South Star of the Week: Matthieu Leblanc - Austin Ice Bats

The Ice Bats made serious noise this past week, taking two out of three from the Brahmas, both wins coming on home ice.

Friday’s matchup was a wild one, with both teams lighting up the scoresheet before the game was ultimately decided in a shootout. During regulation, Matthieu Leblanc was at the center of the offense, operating as a playmaking machine. He piled up three assists, helping push the Bats to overtime and setting the stage for the eventual win.

Austin carried that momentum straight into Saturday, delivering a statement 7-1 victory in the second-to-last week of the regular season.

Leblanc once again played a starring role, recording his second straight three-point performance. The ’07 rookie was electric, scoring twice, once in the first period and again in the third, while adding an assist to cap off another dominant outing.

In his first season of junior hockey, Leblanc has been nothing short of impressive. He’s averaging 1.42 points per game and now sits at 61 points in 43 games, putting together an impressive rookie campaign.

2nd Star: Jake Wenner, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Liam Cardona, F, Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Star of the Week: Loghan Weber - Louisiana Drillers

To no surprise, the Drillers continued their roll this weekend, completing a three-game sweep over the Rougarou.

Since being acquired by Louisiana last month, Loghan Weber hasn’t missed a step in the Southeast Division after previously dominating the Frontier with Butte. 

He opened the weekend with his most explosive outing, showcasing his elite playmaking ability with six assists, three in the first period, one in the second, and two more in the third.

On Saturday, after Louisiana fell behind 1-0 early, Weber helped flip the momentum. He buried the Drillers’ first goal on the power play and went on to add four assists for a five-point performance. Three of those five points came on special teams, as he added a powerplay assist and a shorthanded helper to his tally.

To cap off the sweep, the ’05 forward stayed hot, scoring another powerplay goal and adding two more assists to close out the weekend.

With 14 points in three games, Weber continues to produce at a high level in his final season of junior hockey, proving to be a major offensive driver for the Drillers down the stretch.

2nd Star: Riley Schmidt, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Caleb Waller - Alexandria Blizzard

Caleb Waller continues to stack accolades in an already impressive season, earning Star of the Week honors for the third time and previously being named Forward of the Month in January.

The Blizzard hit the road this weekend and split their series with the Toros. Friday’s matchup was an offensive showdown, with Mason City controlling much of the game. Still, it was Waller who fueled Alexandria’s comeback push. The ’05 forward scored back-to-back goals in the second period and added an assist as the Blizzard narrowly fell 7-6.

Saturday brought a statement bounce-back performance, as Alexandria secured a 4-2 win. Waller wasted no time making his presence felt, recording all three of his points in the opening 20 minutes. He assisted on the first two goals of the game before scoring one of his own, with two of his three points coming on the powerplay.

With six points on the weekend, Waller continues to climb the record books, closing in on the Blizzard’s single-season points and goals marks, further cementing his role as a driving force behind Alexandria’s success this year.

Alexandria Head Coach Jeff Crouse didn’t hesitate when asked about Waller’s impact: “Caleb’s impact on our program speaks for itself. The numbers are there, but it’s his preparation and how he rises to big moments that set him apart. We’re looking forward to seeing what he and this team can do when the postseason begins.”

2nd Star: TJ Gibson, F, Mason City Toros

3rd Star: Dawson Desjardins, G, Minnesota Moose

Central Star of the Week: Sam Ahl - West Bend Power

West Bend turned in a dominant performance during their home-and-home series with Wausau, sweeping the weekend with a pair of convincing wins.

At the center of it all was netminder Sam Ahl, who got the start in both games and continued building an already impressive resume in his first season with the Power.

Friday night at Marathon Park ended in a 7-3 West Bend win, but Ahl stayed busy between the pipes throughout the contest. The Cyclones fired 37 shots his way, and he answered with 34 saves while shutting down all five Wausau powerplay opportunities.

Game two brought another strong outing from the ‘06 goaltender, as West Bend secured a 4-0 win. Ahl turned aside all 21 shots he faced to earn his second shutout of the season, once again helping hold Wausau scoreless on the man advantage.

Now a perfect 16-0 on the season, Ahl ranks fifth overall in wins among NA3HL goaltenders and backed it up this weekend by turning aside 55 of 58 shots for a .948 save percentage.

For West Bend Head Coach Jason Woods, Ahl’s performance this weekend was no surprise saying: “Sam has been rock solid for us not just this weekend, but all season long. This series was a great example of the consistency he’s brought in his rookie year. His record speaks for itself, but it’s the way he shows up every day that stands out. He’s earned this, and he’s only getting better.”

2nd Star: Mason Decker, F, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Danny Jurcich, F, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Peter Alfano - Norwich Sea Captains

Peter Alfano has been a steady presence in the Norwich lineup, now in his third NA3HL season with the Sea Captains. This weekend, the ‘05 netminder delivered in a big way, backstopping Norwich to a two-game sweep over Maine.

Friday night was a thriller that required a shootout to decide a winner. Alfano was sharp throughout regulation and overtime, turning aside 25 of 26 shots. When the game moved to the shootout, he continued to stand strong, denying all three shooters to seal the victory.

Saturday brought another strong performance in a 3-1 win. The West Haven, Connecticut native faced even more rubber, stopping 36 of 37 shots to complete the sweep.

By the end of the weekend, Alfano had faced 63 shots and allowed just two goals, posting a stellar .968 save percentage and a 0.96 goals-against average, numbers that prove just how dominant he was between the pipes.

Norwich Head Coach Kevin Cunningham had nothing but praise for Alfano after the sweep: “Peter was truly outstanding for us this past weekend in our sweep of the Maine Nordiques. Our team has so much confidence in his ability to give us a chance to win every night. On Friday he kept us within a goal to allow Jake Wilkerson to tie the game late and then shut the door in the shootout, setting up Henry Pinkerman’s game winner. Then on Saturday he was a brick wall in the first period when Maine put on a strong push, making 18 saves to keep the game scoreless in the opening frame and allowing us to take the lead in the second period. I am beyond proud of how well he has played and how his work ethic and leadership have helped set our standard throughout the season.”

2nd Star: Eli McCarthy, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Samuel Barnard, F, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Carter Kilen - Badlands Sabres

Carter Kilen is no stranger to the NA3HL, now in his third season with the Sabres, and this weekend, the ‘05 forward had one of his best showings yet as Badlands took care of business against Yellowstone.

Game one was a thriller, with the Sabres narrowly escaping with a 4-3 win. Kilen got the scoring started within the first five minutes, putting Badlands up 1-0. He didn’t stop there, assisting on the powerplay goal to Wyatt Pink that gave the Sabres a 3-1 lead early in the second. Yellowstone fought back to tie the game midway through the third, but Kilen responded just 13 seconds after the Quake’s third goal, netting the eventual game-winner.

Saturday brought a more dominant effort from Badlands, as they cruised to a 6-2 victory. Kilen made his mark again in the final period with two assists, finishing the weekend with an impressive five-point total.

For Head Coach Brooks Mitzel Carter’s evolution has been impossible to miss: “Carter is in his third year with us and is playing the best hockey I’ve seen him play. He can play in every situation, and has been a huge part of our team's success this year. He is a leader in our locker room and he will be a big piece for us trying to clinch a playoff spot.”

2nd Star: Blake Chapman, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Jeffery Hershberger, F, Helena Bighorns

South Star of the Week: John Scharf - Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas made a statement on home ice, completing a sweep of the Rhinos and extending their win streak to 10. Coming off an appearance at Top Prospects, John Scharf returned to regular-season action and proved why he was selected to represent Texas.

As the team’s leading scorer, Scharf delivered once again. In game one, Texas overcame an early 1-0 deficit to secure a 5-2 victory. Scharf got the Brahmas on the board and added two assists, finishing with three points on the day.

Saturday brought another strong performance, with Texas cruising to a 6-2 win to complete the sweep. Scharf contributed a powerplay assist in the first period before turning the middle frame into his own show, scoring two goals, including a shorthanded tally, to cap off a fantastic weekend.

With six points over the two games, the Mastic, New York native now averages 1.36 points per game, totaling 53 points on the season.

Brahmas Head Coach Micahel Rooney summed up Scharf’s weekend perfectly: “John had himself another great weekend. He has been a model of consistency for our team. He is leading our team through his work ethic and calm demeanor. This weekend he put on a show with his poise and control with the puck. He added some extra flare to his game as well with his short handed tally. Overall he’s been a pleasure to coach and is coming into his best form as we prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.”

2nd Star: Jayani Benson, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Caelen Cross, F, West Texas Wranglers

Southeast Star of the Week: Denis Portnoy - Bayou State Rougarou

Denis Portnoy continues to dominate the Southeast Division, leading Bayou State to a three-game sweep over Atlanta on the road.

Game one was a statement win, as the Rougarou rolled to a 7-1 victory. The ‘08 forward was electric, scoring four goals, one in the first, one in the second, and two in the third, marking his second four-goal performance of the season.

Game two was tighter, ending in a 5-2 final. With Bayou State trailing 2-0 after the first period, Portnoy helped spark the turnaround by netting the team’s fourth goal, continuing to shift momentum in the Rougarou’s favor.

The series finale looked familiar, with an 8-3 final score. Once again, Bayou State fell behind 2-0 early, and once again Portnoy responded, getting the Rougarou on the board before adding the third goal of the game. From there, he shifted into playmaker mode, dishing out three assists to finish with five points in the contest.

By the end of the weekend, Portnoy had piled up 10 points in three games. The Canadian forward now sits at 59 points in just 21 games, ranking second overall on the team.

2nd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers 

3rd Star: Ethan Tierman, F, Bayou State Rougarou 

West Star of the Week: Ty Smith - Granite City Lumberjacks

Ty Smith takes home weekly honors for the second consecutive week after leading the Lumberjacks to a two-game sweep over the Wilderness.

Game one was a statement, with Granite City rolling to an 8-1 victory. Smith wasted no time making his mark, scoring twice in the first period, including a shorthanded tally, to set the tone early.

The momentum carried into game two, as the Jacks skated to another dominant 8-3 win. The Chaska, Minnesota native once again shined in the opening frame, this time showcasing his playmaking ability with two first-period assists. He added another assist and a goal in the second period to extend the lead to 6-1, before closing out the night with one final helper to cap a five-point performance.

With another explosive weekend, Smith continues to be one of the most consistent players in the league, and a driving force behind Granite City’s surge.

2nd Star: Garrett Plaude, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Brady Johnson, F, Minnesota Moose

Central Star of the Week: Alex Rivolta - Wisconsin Woodsmen

Alex Rivolta and the Wisconsin Woodsmen completed a weekend sweep of the Peoria Mustangs in a pivotal 5 vs. 6 Central matchup, with the ‘06 netminder standing tall in both games to improve his season record to 9-2.

Friday night was a true test for Rivolta, as the Mustangs peppered him with 47 shots, the second of only two games this season where he’s faced 40+ attempts. He rose to the challenge, shutting down Peoria’s powerplay, which went 0-for-6, including a massive five-minute major kill in the first period.

Saturday, Wisconsin cruised to a 6-2 victory, but Rivolta remained a wall in net, stopping 35 of 38 shots to secure the win and complete the sweep.

The Kirkwood, Missouri native finished the weekend with 80 saves on 85 shots, posting a stellar .941 save percentage and delivering a dominant showing for the Woodsmen.

2nd Star: Lonnie Land, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues

3rd Star: Parker Holloway, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

East Star of the Week: Louis Allanson - Norwich Sea Captains

weekend sweep over the Buzz. The team was on fire, scoring 14 goals while allowing just five, proving they could rise to the occasion in a challenging weekend.

Second-year forward Louis Allanson set the tone on Friday, helping the Sea Captains cruise to an 8-3 victory. The ‘06 forward assisted on the team’s third goal before finding the back of the net on the powerplay for the fifth, helping fuel the Sea Captains’ momentum.

Allanson carried that energy into Saturday’s 6-2 win, recording another two-point outing by scoring the team’s second goal and assisting on the third, capping off the sweep.

With four points over the weekend, Allanson notched back-to-back multi-point efforts for the first time this season.

2nd Star: Will Zinnen, G, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Jake Wilkerson, D, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: AJ Prioli - Great Falls Americans

The Great Falls Americans were unstoppable in the Frontier, completing a weekend sweep with wins over Gillette and Badlands.

‘05 forward AJ Prioli led the way offensively, continuing a dominant season, averaging 2.04 points-per-game. On Friday, the Americans overwhelmed the Wild at home in an 11-0 victory. The Weymouth, Massachusetts native notched his second hat trick of the season, including two powerplay goals, and added two assists for a five-point night.

Saturday brought a tighter contest against the Sabres, but Prioli still made his mark with two assists in a 3-1 victory, capping a seven-point weekend and solidifying his place as the Americans’ third-leading scorer.

2nd Star: Cameron Kimmerly, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Max Krueger, F, Sheridan Hawks

South Star of the Week: Ben Humphreys - Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas extended their win streak to eight with back-to-back road victories over the West Texas Wranglers, fueled by a standout series from NA3HL rookie Ben Humphreys.

Game one was Humphreys’ best performance of the season, as he notched a hat trick and two assists in a 7-1 win. Special teams were a key factor, with one goal and both assists coming on the powerplay, showcasing his impact on the man advantage.

Humphreys continued his hot weekend in game two, contributing two points with a goal and an assist in the Brahmas’ 5-0 shutout.

With seven points over the weekend, the Spokane, Washington native now has 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 40 games.

2nd Star: Hunzeker Piersimoni, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Joshua Reaska, F, Texas Brahmas

Southeast Star of the Week: Brody Neish - Louisiana Drillers

The Louisiana Drillers remain the only team in the league without a regulation loss, sweeping the Pelham Prowlers during their Mardi Gras Celebration weekend, and Brody Neish was at the center of it all.

The NA3HL’s all-time leading scorer got the weekend started in style, posting four points in game one of a 12-0 drubbing, with two goals, including a powerplay strike, and two assists spread across the first two periods..

Game two saw Neish shift to playmaker mode, dishing out three assists, including two in the first and another in the third that set up Draydin Johnson for a shorthanded goal.

The weekend finale was a showstopper, as the Wichita, Kansas native scored a season-high five goals in an 11-1 victory. Neish tallied two in the first, one in the second, and finished with two more in the third, capping an incredible weekend performance.

2nd Star: Hatcher Horton, F, Atlanta Capitals  

3rd Star: Kristopher Pope, F, Texas RoadRunners

West Star of the Week: Ty Smith - Granite City Lumberjacks

The Granite City Lumberjacks shook up the West Division with a huge weekend sweep of the Alexandria Blizzard, vaulting into a tie for first place in the division.

Ty Smith has been having a breakout season for the Jacks, leading the team in points, and this weekend proved why he’s a true force to be reckoned with. The ‘06 forward extended his point streak to 10 games and has scored two or more goals in each of the last four outings.

In game one of the series on home ice, Smith was all over the scoresheet in the 6–1 win, setting up the first and third goals, scoring the fifth, and finishing with a late powerplay goal to seal the victory.

Game two was a career night for Smith, as he scored a season-high four goals in a 7-4 victory to complete the sweep. The Chaska, Minnesota native tallied two goals in the first and two more in the third, with one goal in each pair coming on the powerplay, showcasing his dominance throughout the series.

2nd Star: Brady Johnson, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Micah Saxon, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

Central Star of the Week: Felix Wadströmer - Rochester Grizzlies

The Rochester Grizzlies stayed on track this weekend, securing their second consecutive weekend sweep with home wins over the Peoria Mustangs to officially punch their ticket to the Fraser Cup Playoffs. The Grizzlies got a major boost from Felix Wadström, who stepped up in a big way over the weekend.

Now in his second season with the Grizzlies, the Swedish forward has taken a big step forward from his rookie campaign, already surpassing last year’s point total. That growth was on full display this weekend, as Wadström recorded seven points over the two games.

Game one was a quieter outing, with Wadström picking up a powerplay assist, but he more than made up for it in game two. After Rochester fell behind early in the first period, the ‘05 forward tied the game at 1-1 and never looked back. He erupted in the second period, scoring four times and finishing the night with five goals in an outstanding performance.

The five-goal outburst marked Wadström’s best showing of the season, as he entered Saturday night with just nine goals on the year.

Head Coach Marty Raymond credited Wadström’s approach all weekend long, saying: “Felix played the right way throughout the weekend and was rewarded on Saturday with a phenomenal performance resulting in his 5 goals. He deserves this award and our entire Organization is thrilled for his success.”

2nd Star: Mitch Nappier, D, St. Louis Jr. Blues

3rd Star: Brandon Slasor, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

East Star of the Week: Gustav Martinsson - Long Beach Sharks

The Long Beach Sharks made a statement this past week, sweeping the Buzz at home to reclaim first place in the East Division.

In his first season of junior hockey, Gustav Martinsson is putting together an impressive rookie campaign. The ‘06 Swedish forward is averaging just under a point per game and has earned a spot representing the Sharks at the 2026 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament in Plymouth, Michigan.

Martinsson stepped up in a big way during the midweek series, playing a key role in the Sharks’ two-game sweep. In Wednesday’s afternoon matinee, he recorded his first two-goal performance of the season as Long Beach skated to a 7-3 victory. Along with the pair of goals, he added an assist for a three-point afternoon.

Thursday’s matchup was a much tighter contest, with the Sharks holding on for a 2–1 win. In the back-and-forth battle, Martinsson came through on the powerplay, scoring the game-winning goal just under five minutes into the second period. The tally marked his fourth game-winner of the season, continuing a strong rookie year for the Swedish forward.

After the series, Head Coach Jeff Tory highlighted just how important Martinsson has been to the lineup saying: “Gustav is a leader for our team in every aspect of the game. He is such a well-rounded player that can change a game at any moment both offensively and defensively for us. He’s our go-to guy in every situation and does a tremendous job for us every shift, every game.”

2nd Star: Ryder Pisiak, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Liam Fish, G, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

Frontier Star of the Week: Ethan Miller - Great Falls Americans

Since joining the Americans in mid-October, Ethan Miller has been nothing short of stellar, currently leading Great Falls in goals and ranking second overall in team scoring. This weekend, he showed just how dangerous he can be, driving the Americans’ offense in wins over the Bozeman Icedogs and Butte Irish.

Friday’s matchup with the Icedogs was a nailbiter, but Miller was unstoppable, scoring all three goals to complete his third hat trick of the season in a 3-2 victory.

Saturday was an even more dominant showing for Great Falls, as the team went on a goal-scoring spree with Miller leading the charge. Carrying the momentum from Friday, he turned up the heat, scoring four goals, two in the first period and two in the second, while adding an assist for a five-point night. With four goals, this marks his second game of the season with four goals in a single outing.

After an eight-point weekend, the ‘05 forward has 58 points in 26 games, averaging 2.23 points per game, and keeps proving why he’s one of the most electric players for the Americans this season.

On Ethan’s impact and big weekend for the Americans, Head Coach Greg Sears said: “Ethan has been a great addition to our team since joining in October. He’s proven to be a key part of our lineup and consistently comes through in the moments that matter. With the playoffs approaching, his ability to create offense and make plays at crucial times has been a huge asset, and we’re excited to see where he takes it from here.”

2nd Star: Dean Schlarman, F, Yellowstone Quake

3rd Star: Rhylan Olson, F, Badlands Sabres

South Star of the Week: Gavin Erickson - Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas had quite the thrilling weekend, completing a dramatic road sweep over the New Mexico Ice Wolves.

Serving as the Brahmas’ go-to netminder, rookie goaltender Gavin Erickson did not disappoint, improving his season record to 17-4 after standing tall between the pipes in both victories.

On Friday night, Texas took game one by a score of 5-1 despite being outshot 36-28, thanks in large part to Erickson’s effort. He was tested more as the game went on, facing eight shots in the first period, 12 in the second, and a game-high 16 in the third. He finished the night with 35 saves, allowing just one goal for an impressive .972 save percentage.

Game two was a wild one, ultimately decided in a shootout. The Brahmas trailed 2-1 for most of the night before Patrick Garvey tied the game with just 0.1 seconds remaining in regulation. Erickson was once again heavily tested, turning aside 31 shots through regulation and overtime. In the shootout, he shut the door completely, making all three saves to secure the win for Texas.

After facing a total of 67 shots on the weekend, the ’07 netminder turned aside 64 of them for a series save percentage of .955 and a 1.50 goals-against average.

On Gavin Erickson’s continued excellence between the pipes, Head Coach Michael Rooney said: "Gavin has been a stud for us all year long. This past weekend was just another glimpse into why he’s the best goalie in this league. On Friday, he shut the door with some timely saves, allowing us to stretch our lead and made it hard for New Mexico to gain a momentum. Saturday was a different story, his play kept us in the game all the way to end of regulation. And once again, he proceeded to stonewall a talented offensive team on the road in a shootout. For this team it was only a matter of time to see him earn the Star of the Week honor. He is a true competitor and his dedication to his craft is something that anyone can admire. He’s came to this team looking to be a difference maker and that’s exactly what he’s done. His mental resilience is one of his best attributes. He comes in prepared, focused, and ready to do what it takes to get better and win each night. Which makes him extremely reliable and not only the best goalie in the South division but throughout the entire league."

2nd Star: Guhnar Hillman, F, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Kenny Cadwallader, F, El Paso Rhino

Southeast Star of the Week: Emerson LaRoche - Louisiana Drillers

The Louisiana Drillers keep on rolling, cruising past the Texas RoadRunners and Bayou State Rougarou for a three-win weekend.

One of seven ‘07s on the Drillers roster, rookie forward Emerson LaRoche has made a seamless transition to the junior level. The Minnetonka, Minnesota native currently sits third on the team in scoring and has already secured an NAHL tender with the Shreveport Mudbugs for the 2026-27 season.

This weekend, LaRoche delivered another strong performance, piling up 10 points across three games, with each outing more dominant than the last.

He opened the weekend with a goal on Friday, netting Louisiana’s fifth tally in a 7-2 win over the RoadRunners.

Game two saw LaRoche make an even bigger impact on the scoresheet. He recorded a hat trick, scoring once in the first period and adding back-to-back goals in the second, including a powerplay marker that pushed the Drillers ahead 6-0 in an eventual 9-1 victory. He also chipped in an assist to finish with four points on the night.

LaRoche capped off the weekend with his most dominant performance yet, scoring two goals and adding three assists for a five-point effort.

The rookie’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Head Coach Chris Francis reflected on the impressive season LaRoche has put together so far: "Emerson has had an incredible rookie season with our team. He’s always finding ways to make plays and his offensive instincts are really impressive. To put up the points he has in his first year of junior hockey speaks volumes, not just for this Star of the Week honor, but also for earning his NAHL tender with the Mudbugs. We’re looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop this season.”

2nd Star: Jared Lang, G, Bayou State Rougarou 

3rd Star: Jaylen Fluhr, F, Atlanta Capitals 

West Star of the Week: Maxim Lazo - Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard had a big weekend in the West Division, dropping a tough overtime game to the Moose on Friday before bouncing back in a dominant fashion on Saturday.

The standout player for Alexandria was Maxim Lazo, a recent addition to the Blizzard after being acquired from the Wisconsin Woodsmen in late January. The Slovakian forward made an immediate impact, showing why he will be a key piece for Alexandria as the postseason approaches.

Despite the overtime loss in game one, Lazo left his mark on the scoresheet, scoring three of Alexandria’s four goals for his third hat trick of the season. His first goal came on the powerplay, putting the Blizzard on the board after trailing 2–0, and he added two more to keep the team within striking distance.

On Saturday, Lazo and the Blizzard came out ready to battle in front of the home crowd. He turned in another multi-goal effort and contributed on special teams, scoring on the power play and setting up Caleb Waller, reinforcing his value as the postseason nears.

Head Coach Jeff Crouse highlighted Lazo’s strong start with the team, saying: “Max has been a great addition since the trade. He’s using his size and speed, meshes well with his teammates, and brings a fantastic attitude. Coaching him has been a real pleasure.”

2nd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Caleb Waller, F, Alexandria Blizzard

Central Star of the Week: Danny Jurcich - West Bend Power

Second-year power forward Danny Jurcich earns Star of the Week honors for the second time this season after West Bend stayed perfect on home ice with a weekend sweep over St. Louis. Jurcich was electric in game one of the two-game set, recording his fourth four-point performance of the season, his highest point total in a single game this year.

After the Power fell behind 2-0 midway through the first period, the Columbus, Ohio native sparked the comeback with back-to-back goals, scoring late in the first and early in the second to put West Bend ahead 4-2. He went on to add a pair of assists in the third as the Power skated away with an 8-5 victory.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, ending in a 5-3 win, but Jurcich found the scoresheet again with the team’s fifth goal, capping off a five-point weekend. He now sits at 50 points on the season, an impressive jump from last year’s 20 points, and has extended his scoring streak to 12 straight games.

On Danny’s hot streak and impact, Head Coach Jason Woods said: “It’s awesome to see Danny pick up Star of the Week honors again. That series was a big one for us, and he flat-out raised his game to help us get the sweep. He’s been trending up all season and finds ways to make an impact every time he’s on the ice. This is exactly why he’s a Top Prospect…he’s a difference-maker and a guy we lean on when it matters.”

2nd Star: Julian Mollerstrandh, D, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Lleyton Jaschke, G, Wisconsin Woodsmen

East Star of the Week: Jaxson Sardinha - Maine Nordiques

The Nordiques bounced back in a big way to split their series with the Buzz, and one player was at the center of it all. Jaxson Sardinha stole the show in a thrilling 3-2 overtime win, accounting for all three of Maine’s points. Sardinha first set up Captain Peyton Dyer to tie the game, then scored just two minutes later to give the Nordiques a 2-1 lead. The Buzz answered back, sending the game to overtime, but Sardinha wasn’t done. With just eight seconds left on the clock, the second-year Nordique found the back of the net, scoring his third game winner of the season.

With these three points, Sardinha now sits at 54 on the season, second on Maine’s scoring leaderboard, and has made huge strides from his rookie year in the NA3HL as he’s on pace to nearly double his point total from last season.

2nd Star: Jackson Dougherty, F, New Jersey Titans

3rd Star: Kolin Krizan, F, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: Riley Schmidt - Gillette Wild

Riley Schmidt was on fire for the Wild this weekend, helping lead Gillette to a big 6-2 win over the Butte Irish. The victory was huge for the team, and for Schmidt personally, as he delivered his best performance of the season. The ‘05 forward notched his first hat trick of the year, scoring once in each period, including a shorthanded goal, and added two assists for an impressive five-point outing.

Although the Wild fell to Bozeman in game two, Schmidt kept his point streak alive with a power play assist. The Kintnersville, Pennsylvania native has now recorded a point in eight consecutive games, continuing his hot streak and proving to be a consistent offensive force in his age-out season.

When asked about Riley’s weekend performance, Head Coach Wilson Anderle shared: “Riley has been a great person to work with this season. His energy and passion for the game helps raise the intensity level at our practices and in our games. When his motor is running he can take over games with his high hockey IQ and skill level.”

2nd Star: Cameron Kimmerly, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Carter Kilen, F, Badlands Sabres

South Star of the Week: Luke Romney - Texas Brahmas

The Brahmas swept a cross-divisional series with the RoadRunners on home ice, and third-year netminder Luke Romney was the backbone of both wins. Romney was rock solid throughout the series, standing tall between the pipes and keeping the Brahmas in control.

Thursday’s 7-1 victory saw the RoadRunners fire 32 shots on goal, seven in the first, 18 in the second, and seven in the third, but Romney was nearly untouchable, turning aside all but one for an afternoon save percentage of .969. Saturday’s matchup was tighter, with only two goals scored, both by the Brahmas. Romney once again rose to the occasion, stopping all 29 shots for his first shutout of the season.

With three straight wins this weekend, Romney is hitting his stride at the perfect time as the postseason nears.

When talking about Luke’s impact between the pipes, Head Coach Michael Rooney exclaimed: “It’s awesome to see Luke get this honor. To him it means so much more. He’s worked extremely hard this year. He had some early adversity this season, but watching play his way back into form this month and been special. He’s a top goalie in this league and has been proving it everyday.”

2nd Star: Marek Gallenberger, F, El Paso Rhinos

3rd Star: Jayani Benson, F, Texas Brahmas 

Southeast Star of the Week: Brody Neish - Louisiana Drillers

Louisiana continued its dominance in the Southeast Division with a three game sweep on the road against Bayou State, and Drillers Captain Brody Neish was a driving force behind the success. Neish, already the NA3HL’s all-time leading scorer, hasn’t slowed down since claiming the record in November.

He kicked off the series with a pair of goals and an assist, including two points in the final period, as the Drillers rolled to a 9-0 victory in game one. Game two was a bit quieter for Neish, but he still contributed with a power play assist in the 7-2 win. He wrapped up the weekend with another two-goal performance, one in the first and one in the second, to cap off a six-point weekend.

With points in every game but one this season, Neish now sits at 121 points and averages 3.46 points per game, continuing his historic pace and proving he’s still firing on all cylinders as the season moves forward.

When asked about Brody’s weekend performance, Head Coach Chris Francis shared: "It's no secret that Brody is a special player. His point totals speak for themselves, and he has a unique ability to create offense in every situation. He’s already had a historic year, and we’re excited to see what he can do down the stretch in his final season as a Driller.”

2nd Star: Matthew Killen, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Caleb Waller - Alexandria Blizzard

The Blizzard split their weekend series, but Caleb Waller was a difference-maker throughout both games. Alexandria dropped game one in a wild 6-5 battle to Willmar, but not without a fight, as Waller led the charge with two goals and an assist.

The Blizzard used that performance as fuel heading into game two, responding with a dominant 5-0 shutout win over the Moose. Waller was once again all over the scoresheet, proving to be a special teams weapon as he dished out two shorthanded assists to Grady Stallman before adding a goal of his own to finish the night with three more points.

The weekend marked Waller’s 20th and 21st multi-point games of the season, highlighting just how consistent he’s been offensively. His ability to produce in all situations continues to stand out and shows why he was selected to represent the Blizzard at the 2026 Top Prospects Tournament.

On Caleb’s consistent play and leadership, Head Coach Jeff Crouse said: “Caleb shows night in and night out why he’s one of the top players in this league. The work he puts in away from the rink is just as impressive, and he’s been a big-time leader for us.”

2nd Star: Jayden Serene, G, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Max Jackson, F, Willmar WarHawks

Central Star of the Week: Jackson Schroeder - Wausau Cyclones

In their final regular-season meetings with the Woodsmen, the Cyclones stayed in control and pushed their season series record to 7-1. Wausau’s leading scorer, Jackson Schroeder, continued to make his mark, earning Star of the Week honors for the third time this season.

Game one was an offensive showcase for the Clones as they rolled to a 9-2 victory. The ’07 rookie delivered his best performance of the season, putting on a monster night with two goals and three assists for a five point outing. Two of those points came on the man advantage, as Schroeder stayed dangerous every time he touched the puck.

Game two brought the drama, ending in a tight 3-2 thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Cyclones struck first when Schroeder set up Jackson Maddock, but the Woodsmen answered on the power play moments later. Schroeder wasted no time responding, cashing in to give Wausau a 2–1 lead at the break and tilt the momentum back in Cyclones’ favor. 

The weekend performance reflected more than just points, as Head Coach Nathan Oystrick explained: “Jackson had another great weekend for us in Wausau. He continues to lead our team in scoring while getting better in all three zones which has opened up more scoring opportunities for him and his linemates. The buy-in on the defensive side of the puck has elevated his game to another level and it paid off with 7 points in 2 games.”

2nd Star: Drew Sparacino, D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Jace Fitzgerald, F, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Brody Emond - Maine Nordiques

After finishing the 2024-25 season as Maine’s leading scorer, second-year Nordique Brody Emond hasn’t missed a beat, once again pacing the team in points. Following a sweep of the Buzz and a hard fought shootout loss to the Sea Captains, the ’07 earns weekly honors for the third time this season.

The two game set against the Buzz marked his most dominant series yet, as Emond powered the Nordiques to a crucial sweep and four valuable points in the standings. In game one’s 6-2 win, his name was all over the scoresheet, turning in his best performance of the season with five of six possible points, two goals and three assists.

Game two brought more of the same. After falling behind 1-0, Maine rattled off five unanswered goals to complete the sweep. Emond once again made his presence felt, scoring another pair of goals and adding two assists for a four point afternoon.

Even in the shootout loss to Norwich, Emond’s impact was undeniable. Maine battled back to earn a point by forcing the game past regulation. After assisting on the Nordiques’ third goal to make it 3-1, the Sea Captains stormed back to take a 5–3 lead early in the third. Emond responded by converting on the power play to make it a one-goal game, then set up Peyton Dyer for the tying goal, sending the contest to overtime and capping off another statement weekend.

2nd Star: Ivan Korshikov, F, New Jersey Titans

3rd Star: Jaxson Sardinha, F, Maine Nordiques

Frontier Star of the Week: Dayton Niedert - Badlands Sabres

Despite not getting the results they were hoping for at Steed Arena against the Bighorns, Badlands’ leading scorer Dayton Niedert once again proved to be the engine of the Sabres’ offense. When Badlands needed a spark, Niedert was the one providing it.

In the series opener, the Sabres fell 4-2, but Niedert accounted for one of the two goals. With Badlands trailing 4-0, he found the back of the net to spark a late push and give the Sabres life in their comeback attempt.

Game two told an even bigger story of his impact. In a 7-3 loss, Niedert was simply unstoppable, scoring all three Sabres goals for his second hat trick of the season. Two of the goals came in the second period, including a power play strike for his second tally, while he capped the hat trick with a third period goal.

With four goals on the weekend, Niedert now has 35 points in 43 games, averaging 1.23 points per game, solidifying his role as the driving force of the Sabres’ offense.

Head Coach Brooks Mitzel has been impressed with Dayton’s impact, saying: “Dayton’s made the jump from high school to juniors look pretty seamless. He works hard every day, and it shows on the ice. Leading the team in points as a rookie is a big accomplishment, and he consistently makes things happen offensively.”

2nd Star: Carson Joersz, F, Yellowstone Quake

3rd Star: Brayden Waters, D, Gillette Wild

South Star of the Week: Calahan Butler - New Mexico Ice Wolves

Calahan Butler and the Ice Wolves went 2–1 over the weekend against the Rhinos, securing a spot in this year’s Fraser Cup Playoffs. The second-year New Mexico forward has been a key contributor all season in the NA3HL, already surpassing his point total from last year.

This weekend highlighted just how vital he’s been for the Ice Wolves. Game one of the three game series saw New Mexico skate away with a 4-1 victory. With the game tied 1-1 after the first period, Butler struck just two minutes into the second, scoring the eventual game winner and setting the tone for the Ice Wolves’ offense.

After falling just short in game two, New Mexico bounced back with a 5-3 win. Butler turned in one of his standout performances of the season, scoring two first period goals, including a buzzer-beater with just one second left, and setting up Ryan Hoosteen for the Ice Wolves’ fourth goal. 

The Ice Wolves’ coaching staff was quick to recognize Butler’s impact this season. As Head Coach Isaac Washburn shared: “It's great to see Cal receive this recognition as he is such a consistent piece of what we do and who we are as a team.  He's a true leader, both in words and in action, and is an excellent steward for the culture and standards within our organization. 

It's been awesome to work with Cal and see his development throughout the season.  He's a great example of staying determined and remaining process oriented even when the results aren't there. He stays the course and the results have started to show up for him with 9 goals in January while his 21 goals for the season are triple of his entire goal output for last season.  Beyond just putting up points though, Cal is a constant source of energy for our group and an excellent role model for the younger players on the team.”

2nd Star: Joshua Reaska, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Gavin Erickson, G, Texas Brahmas 

Southeast Star of the Week: Ethan Tierman - Bayou State Rougarou

Ethan Tierman and Bayou State put on a show in their lone game of the weekend, powering past Carolina with a commanding 14-5 victory. A bright spot for the Rougarou, Tierman continues to drive the offense and shine individually in the team’s inaugural season.

Tierman was unstoppable in this one, finishing with four goals and two assists for six points, marking his 11th multi-point game of the season. He opened the scoring for the Rougarou with two goals in the first period, added two more in the second, and sprinkled in two assists throughout the game, keeping the Rage constantly on their heels.

2nd Star: Reese Beckwith, F, Carolina Rage

West Star of the Week: Wyatt Mineheine - Minnesota Wilderness

Wyatt Mineheine and the Minnesota Wilderness went 1–1 over the weekend, with Mineheine continuing to make his mark since joining the team in mid-November.

Game one saw the Wilderness fall 8-5 to the Alexandria Blizzard, but Mineheine was a standout, notching a hat trick, his 10th game this season with three or more goals. He tallied a second period goal and followed with back-to-back third period strikes, keeping Minnesota in the hunt late in the game.

The Wilderness flipped the script in game two, cruising to an 8-4 victory over the Willmar WarHawks. The ‘06 forward carried his momentum from the night before, scoring two goals and adding an assist to contribute three points in the win. With six points on the weekend, he has now recorded points in nine of his last 10 games, including seven multi-point outings, continuing his streak of strong performances for the Wilderness.

His growth since joining Minnesota has continued to impress, as Head Coach Chris Ratzloff noted: “It’s been great to see Wyatt finding the back of the net consistently lately. His chemistry with Christian and Kamps keeps improving each week,  he’s a natural goal scorer, and they’re connecting with him on the ice. Miney is a great kid with a true knack for putting the puck in the net, and he’s always fun to watch.”

2nd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Max Lazo, F, Alexandria Blizzard

Central Star of the Week: Eric Denny - St. Louis Jr. Blues

After splitting their series with the Toros last weekend, the Jr. Blues kept the momentum rolling as they returned to Central Division play, sweeping a two game road set against the Mustangs. Despite being a defenseman, longtime J Note Eric Denny played a major role in the team’s offensive success.

Both contests ended with identical 6–3 scores, with Denny making his presence felt in each. Friday’s game saw St. Louis fall behind 2–1 early in the second, but the Jr. Blues responded with a three goal burst in the middle frame to take a 4–2 advantage into the third. The final goal of the period came off Denny’s stick, as he cashed in on the power play for his second man advantage goal of the season, a tally that would ultimately stand as the game-winner.

Denny was a difference maker again on Saturday, shifting into full playmaker mode as the ’06 defenseman piled up four assists to help close out the sweep. Three of those assists came in the opening period alone, including one on special teams, before he capped off the night with another helper on the Jr. Blues’ fifth goal.

Reflecting on Denny’s weekend and continued growth, Jr. Blues’ Head Coach Matt Ocello shared: “Eric had a great weekend for us versus Peoria.  Racking up 5 points with 1 goal and 4 assists was a key contribution to the team this weekend.  His actions on the Powerplay were a large factor in his on-ice play.  Eric plays many minutes for us each game and moves the puck very well. We look forward to continuing to see his progress both offensively and defensively for the remainder of the regular season and as we make a push for playoffs.”

2nd Star: Sam Ahl, G, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Chase Kozma, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues

East Star of the Week: Mantas Lisauskas - Buzz

The Buzz put together a dominant weekend on home ice, picking up four crucial points in the standings as they climbed into second place in the East Division. In their series against Maine, the Buzz went to work offensively, scoring an impressive 15 goals while allowing just two across the two game set.

Although he is the youngest member of the defensive core, Mantas Lisauskas was lights out for the Buzz, turning in his best weekend yet. The ’08 rookie totaled seven points, marking his most productive stretch of games to date.

Friday was where Lisauskas truly shined as the Buzz rolled to a 7–2 victory over the Nordiques. His name was inked all over the scoresheet, as he piled up six points on the night, factoring into six of the team’s seven goals. After a scoreless first period, the Buzz carried a 3-1 lead into the intermission, with Lisauskas playing a role in all three goals, scoring twice and assisting on the other. The momentum carried into the third period, where the Lithuania native added three more assists to cap off a dominant performance.

Saturday was a quieter showing for Lisauskas, but he still made his mark, tacking on an assist on the team’s second goal during an 8–0 victory to close out the weekend.

His recent performances have earned recognition from the coaching staff, with Buzz Head Coach Anthony Carlier praising Lisauskas’ consistency and growth: “Mantas has been having an excellent couple of weeks. It’s hard to find an ‘08 who can play both sides of the puck, and find a way to contribute night in and night out. I do believe this success stems from his commitment to our development process, focusing on the little things and taking advantage of every opportunity he can to improve. I’m very proud of the effort he's putting in and hopefully he can continue this success down the stretch!”

2nd Star: Nicklas Walker, G, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Peter Alfano, G, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: Andrew Knox - Gillette Wild

Gillette completed their first sweep of the new year, picking up four crucial points in the standings as their push for a playoff berth continues. The home sweep over Butte was powered by netminder Andrew Knox, who stood tall between the pipes in both games. This marked the second time the Newfield, New Jersey native has posted back-to-back wins since joining the team in late November.

Friday featured Knox’s standout performance, as the Wild rolled to an 8–1 victory. Facing 33 shots, he turned away 32, finishing with an impressive .970 save percentage on the night.

Game two was a tighter contest, with Gillette taking a 4–2 win, but Knox remained steady, stopping 23 of 25 shots to secure the sweep.

With the pair of wins, Knox improves his season record to 6–4, posting a 1.50 GAA and a .948 save percentage through the weekend.

Head Coach Wilson Anderle reflected on Knox’s impact since joining the team, saying: “Andrew has come into our team and provided a spark. He is a goalie that our team has full confidence playing in front of. Every game that he is in the net we know we have a chance to win. Outside of the games he is one of the hardest workers at practice and is loud and energetic to make sure the rest of the team has energy.”

2nd Star: Cameron Kimberly, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Wyatt Knott, G, Sheridan Hawks

South Star of the Week: Grant Sexton - New Mexico Ice Wolves

New Mexico hosted West Texas for a three game series at Outpost Ice Arena, completing a sweep on home ice and improving to 7-0-1 against the Wranglers this season. ‘07 rookie Grant Sexton was a driving force for the Ice Wolves all weekend, recording his best stretch of games yet.

The Halifax, Nova Scotia native exploded for a total of seven points over the three games, now sitting at 30 points on the year, tied for third on the team in scoring with fellow rookie Ryan Hoogsteen. Sexton posted multiple points in each game, making a huge impact on New Mexico’s success.

He set the tone on Friday, contributing two power play assists in the 4-2 win. Saturday was more of the same, as he again recorded two assists on the man advantage during the 8-4 victory. But it was Sunday where Sexton truly stole the show, scoring two goals and adding an assist to earn all three points as the Ice Wolves closed out the sweep with a 3-1 win. Sexton stepped up when it mattered most, driving the team to victory in their closest matchup. 

Reflecting on Grant’s growth and recent play, Head Coach Isaac Washburn noted: “Grant was great for us all weekend right from the opening puck drop Friday night and played a big part in our team earning 6 points at home.  He was responsible and consistent in all 3 zones and contributed on both powerplay and penalty kill.  Being a first year junior player, there will always be growing pains as you learn the game at this level but Grant is always coachable and a team player while staying the course and working through the highs and lows.  In the last few weeks he has really started to gain more momentum in all areas of his game.”

2nd Star: Benjamin Humphreys, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Tyler Conrad, F, Texas Brahmas

Southeast Star of the Week: Brayden Pelcl - Louisiana Drillers

Louisiana kept their momentum rolling this weekend, extending their win streak to seven after a three game sweep of Atlanta at home. In his first season of junior hockey, Brayden Pelcl has been a force in the Southeast Division, averaging 2.88 points per game with 92 points through 32 games.

This weekend was a perfect showcase of Pelcl’s ability to thrive at the junior level, as he racked up eight points against the Capitals. In game one, the Savage, Minnesota native set the tone by assisting the opening goal, scoring his eighth power play goal of the season, and adding another assist for three points on the day. 

Game two saw Pelcl deliver another three point effort, scoring twice and assisting on a power play goal, all in the first period. He closed out the series with two more assists in game three, including yet another on the man advantage.

With points in all three games, Pelcl’s consistency is undeniable, now extending his streak to six consecutive games with at least one point.

Brayden has made an early mark at the junior level, as Head Coach Chris Francis explained: “Brayden has been a fantastic addition to our team, and it’s been incredible to watch him succeed at the junior level. He’s become a key part of our lineup, and his consistency has been a huge asset for us.”

2nd Star: Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Kaden Roness - Alexandria Blizzard

Alexandria has continued their hot streak since the Showcase, and this weekend was no different, as the Blizzard swept Mason City at home. Now in his second season with the team, Kaden Roness has shown significant growth, already surpassing his point total from the 2024-25 season.

Roness played a huge role in the series, putting together his best performance of the season with back-to-back three point games as the Bismarck, North Dakota native was a key contributor in both contests.

In game one’s 6-2 win, Roness was a playmaking force, recording three assists, including one on the first goal of the game and two more in the second period. Game two featured a higher scoring affair, ending 9-4, where Roness scored the Blizzard’s first goal, assisted on the power play goal for their second, and capped the weekend with his second goal of the game, his first multi-goal performance of the season.

The Blizzard have leaned on Roness lately, and Head Coach Jeff Crouse says his recent performance speaks for itself: “Kaden has really stepped up his game as of late and adding some scoring depth to our team. He’s scoring 5-5 and also on the Powerplay. He’s working hard, playing physical and getting pucks on net.”

2nd Star: Wyatt Mineheine, F, Minnesota Wilderness

3rd Star: Carsen Gause, F, Minnesota Moose

Central Star of the Week: Danny Jurcich - West Bend Power

Danny Jurcich and the West Bend Power are showing zero signs of slowing down, rolling to wins over the Rochester Grizzlies and Wisconsin Woodsmen to stretch their win streak to 10. As the team’s second leading scorer, Jurcich is riding a six game point streak and continues to be a major piece of West Bend’s offensive success.

In Wednesday’s midweek matchup with the Grizzlies, the Columbus, Ohio native delivered his third four point performance of the season, propelling the Power to a 5–3 win. After setting up the opening goal on the power play, he went on to record his first junior career hat trick, picking up three of the team’s five goals on the scoresheet.

West Bend clinched a playoff spot on Friday with a 6–2 win over the Woodsmen, where Jurcich added an assist on the Power’s fourth goal of the night. With five points on the week, he now sits at 41 points (13 goals, 28 assists) through 29 games,  and continues trending upward at the perfect time.

When asked about Danny’s offensive production, Head Coach Jason Woods shared: “Danny’s taken a massive jump from last year to this year, and you could really see it against Rochester. He was buzzing every shift and earned that first hat trick in a Power jersey. Even in the 6–2 win over the Woodsmen, when it wasn’t his loudest night on the scoresheet, he still made an impact. He’s our second-leading scorer for a reason, riding a six-game point streak and creating offense every time he touches the puck. We love the jump he’s made, and we’re excited to see him keep rolling.”

2nd Star: Tevin Stukel, F, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Jackson Maddock, F, Wausau Cyclones

East Star of the Week: Sean Bailey - Long Beach Sharks

The Long Beach Sharks picked up their first sweep of the new year, posting back-to-back wins over the Maine Nordiques. Rookie forward Sean Bailey is off to a hot start in his first year of junior hockey, and this week was a perfect example of why. He recorded multi-point outings in both games, continuing to make his mark.

During Wednesday’s dominant 6-1 victory, Bailey was a true playmaker, setting up three goals,  including one on the power play. Saturday, he stole the spotlight, not only assisting on multiple goals but also finding the back of the net himself. In the 6-3 win, the Arizona native netted his first junior hat trick, scoring once in the first period and twice in the second, while also picking up two assists for a five-point night, his best game to date.

This performance also extended his streak of three consecutive games with three points or more. Those four points for the Sharks proved crucial as Long Beach now sits atop the East standings, four points ahead of New Hampshire.

Head Coach Jeff Tory highlighted just how much effort Sean puts in every day: “Sean has such a strong desire to get better every single day. He puts so much work into his preparation, details and practice habits that allows him to translate that into game success.” 

2nd Star: Brendan Dalton, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Yaromir Chicherin, F, Buzz

Frontier Star of the Week: Cooper Clouse - Great Falls Americans

The Great Falls Americans made some noise with a statement sweep over the Sheridan Hawks, their first sweep of Sheridan in over two years. Assistant Captain Cooper Clouse is having a breakout second season, already tripling his point total from last year.

During Friday’s 4-1 victory, Great Falls struck first as Ethan Miller scored, with Clouse picking up the assist to give the Americans a 1–0 lead. Later in the second, after killing off a crucial penalty while holding a 2–1 lead, Clouse came through again, scoring with just 49 seconds left in the period to extend the lead to 3–1. 

Saturday’s game was a back-and-forth battle that ended 6–5. Clouse got the scoring started by assisting on Great Falls’ third goal on the power play. He then exploded in the third period, scoring back-to-back goals to kick off the final frame, with his second of the night, also on the power play, standing as the eventual game-winner.

With five points on the weekend, Clouse is on fire. The Fargo, North Dakota native has now extended his point streak to 22 games, the longest in the NA3HL, showing why he’s one of the league’s most dangerous and consistent players.

​​Head Coach Greg Sears highlighted just how important Cooper has been for the Americans all season: “Cooper has been outstanding for us all year. As an assistant captain, he sets the tone in everything he does, on and off the ice. He was a massive part of our sweep over Sheridan, and with a 22-game point streak going, his consistency speaks for itself. We’re thrilled to see where he takes it from here.”

2nd Star: Ty Schell, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Joshua Sauro, F, Gillette Wild 

South Star of the Week: Connor Hanley - New Mexico Ice Wolves

Second-year Ice Wolves defenseman Connor Hanley had a solid week from the blue line as New Mexico went 2-2. The week kicked off at home on Monday against the Tulsa Oilers, where the Ice Wolves rolled to a 10-2 victory. Hanley was all over the ice, finishing as one of two New Mexico players with four points. The Coon Rapids, Minnesota native set up three goals through the first two periods before capping it off with his own goal, New Mexico’s eighth of the day.

The Ice Wolves then hit the road for a three game Texas stretch against the Brahmas and Ice Bats. Hanley made an immediate impact in game one against the Brahmas, finding the back of the net just over five minutes in to spark the offense and set the tone for New Mexico’s 2- 1 win.

Head Coach Isaac Washburn couldn’t be happier with how Connor has been showing up for the Ice Wolves: “Connor had a really strong week for us, playing big minutes in all situations.  He's always a steady presence for us on the blueline; showing a lot of poise and composure with the puck in all three zones.  All season long he's been strong on the defensive side of the puck but recently he's really started to get more involved offensively.  Glad to see Connor get rewarded on the scoresheet because of the way that he shows up with an honest effort day in and day out.”

2nd Star: John Scharf, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Alexander Elsner, F, Tulsa Oilers 

Southeast Star of the Week: Marlon Derksen - Pelham Prowlers

After going 1-0-0-1 the previous weekend against the Capitals, the Pelham Prowlers flipped the script and completed a three game sweep over Atlanta this weekend. ‘05 forward Marlon Derksen has been the team’s go-to guy all season, sitting more than 20 points ahead of the second leading scorer.

This weekend, Derksen continued to drive Pelham’s offense. In game one’s 5-2 win, after the Prowlers fell behind 1-0 midway through the first, Derksen tied things up with just nine seconds left in the period. He added a power play assist on Matthew Hunter’s goal in the second period and another on a third period power play tally, finishing the game with three points.

Special teams were again the story in game two, a 7-2 Pelham win, as Derksen recorded two more points, a goal and an assist, both on the man advantage.

He kept the momentum rolling in game three, helping Pelham complete the sweep with a 4-1 victory. After trailing 1-0 after the first, Derksen exploded in the second period with back-to-back goals and capped off the weekend by assisting on the Prowlers’ fourth goal.

The team’s top scorer didn’t disappoint, and General Manager Walter Stafford had this to say about his efforts: “Marlon continues to shine and produce for us. With our captain out on Sunday, he really stepped up and filled the void, scoring two goals and adding an assist. Across the three-game weekend against Atlanta, he led the way offensively and was a huge reason we were able to sweep the series.”

2nd Star: Skyler Tompkins, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Logan Diskey, F, Texas RoadRunners  

West Star of the Week: Reece Hubmer - Alexandria Blizzard

After splitting last weekend, the Alexandria Blizzard came out firing, outscoring their opponents 14-5 with wins over the Willmar WarHawks and Minnesota Wilderness. Now in his third season with the Blizzard, ‘05 forward Reece Hubmer has steadily improved each year and is on pace to surpass last season’s point total.

This weekend, Hubmer posted his first back-to-back multi-point games of the season. He kicked things off with his best performance yet in a 7-1 victory over the WarHawks, netting his first hat trick of the season, scoring twice in the first period and adding another in the second.

Hubmer carried that momentum into Saturday’s 7-4 win over in-state rival, the Minnesota Wilderness. He scored Alexandria’s second goal with just 56 seconds left in the opening frame to cut the Wilderness’ lead to 3–2, then set up Caleb Waller on the team’s third goal of the game.

On Reece’s impact since the holidays, Head Coach Jeff Crouse shared: Reece has really added some scoring depth to our team since the break. He came back fresh and healthy and his hard work has really paid off. We look forward to watching him continue his success the rest of the season.” 

2nd Star: Luke Gustafson, F, Mason City Toros

3rd Star: Gabe Otis, G, Minnesota Moose

Central Star of the Week: Mason Decker - Rochester Grizzlies

Mason Decker and the Grizzlies went 2-1 following the Showcase, a stretch that moved them into a tie for second place in the division. The second-year Rochester forward continues to be a driving force in the team’s success, leading the Grizzlies in scoring, and this week was no exception as he extended his point streak to nine games. 

Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Wausau on the 30th, Decker still made his mark, netting the lone goal for the Grizzlies. The group quickly turned the page, opening the new year with a two-game home sweep of the Jr. Blues.

Against St. Louis, the Rochester, MN native set the tone by assisting on the opening goal and adding a power play tally for the Grizzlies’ third goal in a 4-3 win. He followed that performance the next night with a power play assist on the team’s second goal before coming up clutch, scoring the game winner with just 47 seconds remaining in regulation.

When asked about Decker’s performance in key moments, Head Coach Marty Raymond said the following: “Mason has a real ability to come up with big goals when the pressure is on, and he showed it again this weekend. He’s certainly deserving of a Star of the Week honors.”

2nd Star: Nathan Antti, D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Drew Sparacino, F, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Logan Niesen - Norwich Sea Captains

The Norwich Sea Captains picked up four crucial points with a two game road sweep over the Maine Nordiques. Both contests were tight, one goal battles, with the second game ultimately decided in a shootout.

The hero for Norwich in that shootout victory was undoubtedly second-year forward Logan Niesen. After falling behind 1-0 just five minutes in, Niesen answered for the Sea Captains, tying the game 1-1 by the end of the first period. Maine regained the lead with the lone goal of the second, but Niesen came through again, leveling the score at 2 and sending the game into overtime. After a scoreless overtime period, it came down to the shootout, and Niesen delivered once more, netting the only goal to seal the win.

Head Coach Kevin Cunningham highlighted just how crucial Niesen was to the sweep: “Logan was obviously a huge factor in our 3-2 shootout win Saturday, scoring both of our goals in regulation and then the only goal for either team in the shootout. His line, with Louis Allanson and Lukas Sobczak, was excellent throughout the game Saturday evening to help us complete a critical weekend sweep. Each of Logan’s goals highlighted his skill, hockey IQ and willingness to do the hard things required to win. He helped set the tone for a strong start to the stretch run as we compete for a playoff spot in the East Division.”

2nd Star: Spencer Nicoloff, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Henry Pinkerman, F, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: Loghan Weber - Butte Irish

Now in his third season with the Butte Irish, ‘05 forward Loghan Weber has continued to shine in the NA3HL during his final year of junior hockey. Despite coming up short in the two game set against the Great Falls Americans, the Beaverton, OR native has continued to shine this season, posting 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists) and averaging 1.24 points per game.

Weber was the driving force on New Year’s Eve, leading the Irish’s power play and scoring both of Butte’s goals on the night. He followed that up on Saturday with another two-goal performance, including yet another tally on the man advantage.

With multi-point games in back-to-back outings, Weber has now recorded two or more points in a single game 10 times this season, showcasing both his consistency and his ability to make an impact for the Irish.

Head Coach Marc Brodeur had high praise for Loghan, noting the impact he’s made over his three years with the team: “I’ve had the privilege of coaching Loghan over the past three seasons. In that time, he’s developed into one of our most skilled and dedicated players, bringing that effort to the ice every single game.”

2nd Star: Vincent Leaf, F, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: AJ Prioli, F, Great Falls Americans 

South Star of the Week: Carter Lehmann - El Paso Rhinos

After being named Star of the Week during the first week of December, El Paso’s Carter Lehmann hasn’t eased up, extending his point streak to 13 games as he and the Rhinos completed a two game sweep over the Oilers to kick off 2026. With 59 points in 32 games, the Kalamazoo, MI native shows no signs of slowing down and continues to be a key contributor during El Paso’s hot stretch, as the Rhinos have gone 9-0-1-0 in their last 10 games.

This weekend against Tulsa, the Kalamazoo, MI native came out firing, scoring two goals, including one shorthanded, and adding two assists for a four-point performance, marking his third four-point game of the season. He carried that momentum into Saturday’s game, opening the scoring and adding an assist to finish the weekend with six points.

Head Coach Alec Sherman highlighted Carter after another big weekend, pointing to the dedication and consistency he brings every game: “Carter has been a standout for us on offense all season. His 13-game point streak shows his consistency, and his work ethic and dedication set an example for the whole team. We’re looking forward to seeing what else he can accomplish in the remainder of his age-out season.”

2nd Star: Carter Tuplin, F, El Paso Rhinos

Southeast Star of the Week: Matthew Hunter - Pelham Prowlers

Matthew Hunter has been a consistent offensive force for the Prowlers in their inaugural season, and this weekend further cemented his impact. The ‘06 forward currently sits second on the team in scoring and has recorded points in nine of his last 10 games.

To open the calendar year, the Prowlers picked up three points in the standings, going 1-1-0-1 in a three game set with Atlanta. Hunter made his presence felt right away in game one, posting his second four point performance of the season, his highest single-game total. He opened the scoring with a power play assist, followed by back-to-back goals in the first period, including another tally on the man advantage, before adding another assist to cap off the night.

Game two was quieter, but Hunter still found the scoresheet with an assist. Hunter finished the weekend strong, guiding Pelham to a regulation win with two goals and an assist. With eight points on the weekend, he now sits at 41 points in 26 games, averaging 1.58 points per game.

Reflecting on Sunday’s response, General Manager Walter Stafford spoke about Hunter’s leadership: “After a tough shootout loss and a one-goal game, Matthew really stepped up for us on Sunday. He led the way with two goals and two assists and helped us close out the weekend with a win. He continues to lead by example, he’s a quiet, reserved young man, but his teammates respect him and follow his lead.”

2nd Star: Jaylen Fluhr, F, Atlanta Capitals 

3rd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers 

West Star of the Week: Kellen Kantaris - Mason City Toros

Playing in his second full season with his hometown Mason City Toros, ‘05 forward Kellen Kantaris put together his best weekend to date, helping the Toros complete a two game road sweep over the Wilderness.

Kantaris made his mark in game one, scoring a pair of second period goals as Mason City earned a 5-3 victory, marking his first multi-goal game of the season. He carried that momentum into game two, turning in his strongest performance of the year. After recording three assists, including one on the power play, Kantaris capped off the weekend with his third goal, as the Toros completed the sweep with an 8-4 win before heading back to Mason City.

Head Coach Alex North shared thoughts on Kellen’s performance and leadership: “Kellen has been a leader for us all season and it doesn’t always show on the scoresheet. His persistence and work ethic paid off this weekend and I’m glad he is getting this recognition.” 

2nd Star: Luca Salak, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Wyatt Mineheine, F, Minnesota Wilderness

Central Star of the Week: Adam Sexton - West Bend Power

Adam Sexton and the West Bend Power put on a dominant showing at the NA3HL Showcase, winning all three games and helping the Central Division finish with the best overall performance at the event.

Sexton has been in the midst of his best stretch of the season, riding a six-game point streak, with his three strongest showings all coming in Blaine. He opened the Showcase by making an immediate impact against the Brahmas, scoring the first goal of the game and assisting on the tying goal to force overtime, where the Power skated away with a 5–4 victory.

Game two saw more of the same against Helena, as Sexton once again opened the scoring and went on to dish out two assists for a three point night in a 7–1 win. To cap off the Showcase, West Bend delivered a statement 4–2 victory over Granite City. Sexton made his mark yet again, scoring the eventual game-winner and adding an assist on the insurance goal, finishing the event with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists).

Head Coach Jason Woods praised Sexton’s standout performance at the Showcase, saying: “Adam played a huge role in our success at the Showcase. He stepped up when it mattered most and was a big reason we were able to complete the sweep. His ability to consistently find the back of the net made a difference every game. We’re excited to see him keep building off that performance moving forward.”

2nd Star: Baylor Stebbins, F, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Owen Gruden, F, Peoria Mustangs

East Star of the Week: Jackson Dougherty - New Jersey Titans

As the Titans’ leading scorer, ’06 forward Jackson Dougherty has found early success in his first season of junior hockey. Prior to the Showcase, New Jersey picked up a key East Division win, knocking off first-place Long Beach by a 5–3 score. In that victory, Dougherty recorded his third multi-goal performance of the season, standing as the only player in the game to score twice. After assisting on the Titans’ second goal, he buried a power-play marker to tie the game at three before adding the insurance goal late.

Dougherty continued to make an impact at the Showcase, finding his way onto the scoresheet in the final game of the event as the Titans earned a 5–2 win over the Rougarou. The Brentwood, California native picked up a pair of assists, including one while shorthanded, to finish off the week. 

2nd Star: Jack Plummer, D, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Yosef Pievsky, F, New Jersey Titans

Frontier Star of the Week: Vincent Leaf - Sheridan Hawks

In his second season with the Hawks, ’05 forward Vincent Leaf has picked up right where he left off last year and currently sits as Sheridan’s leading point producer. Even in a 1–2 Showcase showing, he remained a constant presence offensively, finding the scoresheet in all three contests.

Leaf was at his best on the man advantage throughout the week. Against Louisiana, the Des Moines, Iowa native buried his seventh powerplay goal of the season. In game two’s thrilling shootout win over Long Beach, he continued to drive the power play, recording two man-advantage assists to help spark a comeback after Sheridan trailed 3–1. He then capped the night by converting in the shootout, scoring one of the Hawks’ three goals.

In the final game of the Showcase, he once again contributed on the power play, picking up an assist on Sheridan’s only goal.

Head Coach JJ Santagata highlighted Leaf’s consistent impact, both at the Showcase and throughout the season: “Vince has been the backbone of our offense all season. He’s been finding ways to contribute 5 on 5, on the power play and chips in defensively as well. His overall game has rounded out very nicely this season and each game, no matter the opponent he finds a way on the scoresheet. He’s been consistent and reliable for us all season and will continue to play a big part for our team come the second half.”

2nd Star: Maddox Harn, D, Badlands Sabres

3rd Star: Dylan Peterson, F, Gillette Wild 

South Star of the Week: Nathan McFall - New Mexico Ice Wolves

The Ice Wolves had a strong showing in Blaine, going 2–1 with Nathan McFall between the pipes for both wins. In their first matchup of the event, New Mexico squared off against Mason City in a South vs. West showdown, earning a 5–3 victory. McFall was tested with 25 shots, turning aside 22 to help secure the win.

After taking a day off on day two, the second-year NA3HL netminder continued his momentum against Long Beach, delivering a performance to remember. McFall earned his first shutout of the season, stopping all 19 shots he faced, helping New Mexico claim a decisive 4–0 win. With these two strong outings, his season record now sits at 6–5, solidifying his role as a key piece for the Ice Wolves.

Reflecting on McFall’s weekend in Minnesota, Head Coach Isaac Washburn emphasized both his on-ice impact and leadership: "It's great to see Nate be recognized for his strong play at the showcase in Minnesota. He was instrumental in holding us in the first game while we found our footing during a slower start. In our last game he was calm and composed from start to finish and our guys gained confidence and fed off his steadiness.

He is very professional in the way he goes about his business every day; focusing on preparation and recovery to make sure he's always ready to compete at his highest level. Beyond his athletic ability, he's a better human and truly embodies what our culture is all about. We're really fortunate to have such a solid group of goaltenders; no matter which one is in net, our guys can play with confidence and know they all give us an equally good chance to win."

2nd Star: Garrett Lant, G, West Texas Wranglers

3rd Star: Jacob Wenner, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Southeast Star of the Week: Carter Gnau - Louisiana Drillers

As an ’06, Carter Gnau has been having an outstanding rookie season with Louisiana, and the Showcase was no different as he continues to be a key offensive presence for the Drillers. In their 6–4 win over the Hawks, the Fort Wayne, Indiana native recorded a point in every period,  scoring the team’s second goal on the power play, assisting Skyler Tompkin’s tally to tie it 4–4, and capping the game with an empty-net goal.

Even in a 2–1 overtime loss to New Hampshire, Louisiana still earned a point in the standings, with Gnau picking up an assist in the tightly contested game. The Drillers closed out their weekend in Minnesota with a 3–2 victory over the Brahmas, and Gnau again made his mark, opening the scoring and assisting on the game-winning goal. 

With six points at the event, he now has 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 25 games, averaging just over two points per game.

Head Coach Chris Francis praised Gnau not just for his skills, but for the impact he has on the entire team: “Carter earns his ice everyday. His quiet confidence, relentless effort, and doing the little things right is why he continues to be successful. Having Carter on this team has been amazing as he is the ultimate team guy.”

2nd Star: Skyler Tompkins, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Jayden Serene - Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard have been rolling, currently riding a six-game win streak, and third year goaltender Jayden Serene has been a key reason why. The River Falls, Wisconsin native has been lights out between the pipes, starting in four of those six wins and allowing just one goal in each outing.

Serene kicked off this stretch with arguably his best game of the season in a pre-Showcase showdown against longtime rivals Granite City. The ’05 netminder was heavily tested, facing 40 shots and turning aside 39 for a .975 save percentage, helping swing momentum in Alexandria’s favor.

He carried that dominance into the Showcase, starting in wins over Badlands, Great Falls, and Wausau. Across the event, Serene faced 89 shots on goal, making 85 saves for an impressive .955 save percentage. His strong play has helped Alexandria sweep the Showcase and push the team’s momentum forward, with his season record now at 13–8 and trending upward.

Head Coach Jeff Crouse highlighted Serene’s role as a cornerstone for the Blizzard this season: “Jayden had a great week for us, and we are extremely proud of the way he represented himself and the team during the showcase. He brought consistent effort and leadership every time he stepped on the ice, and his performance was a big reason for our success. Jayden has truly been the backbone of this team all year, and it shows in his work ethic, reliability, and willingness to compete every day. He continues to improve with each game, and we’re excited to see him build on that momentum in the second half of the season.”

2nd Star: Levi Flatley, F, Minnesota Wilderness

3rd Star: Mason Ray, D, Granite City Lumberjacks

Central Star of the Week: Jordan Mini - Peoria Mustangs

Jordan Mini and the Peoria Mustangs put together a monster weekend, completing a milestone sweep over the Rochester Grizzlies on home ice. Now in his third season with the Mustangs, Mini has been a steady offensive presence, and this weekend was no exception.

Friday’s win was the more explosive of the two, as Peoria powered their way to an 8–4 victory. The ’06 Pekin, Illinois native struck twice in the second period, with his second goal standing as the eventual game-winner.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, but the Mustangs again landed in the win column with a 5–3 victory. Mini stayed hot, recording a point in each period. He kicked things off by setting up the Mustangs’ first goal on the power play, added a goal of his own in the second, and closed the night by assisting Peoria’s fourth tally.

With a five-point weekend, he’s now riding a four-game point streak and sits at 16 points through 24 games this season.

Reflecting on Mini’s recent stretch, Head Coach Luke Gruden highlighted his importance to the group: “Since returning from injury, Jordan has elevated his game with every shift. He’s leading this group both on and off the ice, and his presence will be crucial not only at the showcase, but throughout the rest of the season.”

2nd Star: Jace Fitzgerald, F, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Charlie Maquet , G, Peoria Mustangs

East Star of the Week: Theo Fritz - Buzz

Theo Fritz and the Buzz rolled through the week, winning all four of their games as they carry a four game win streak into the Showcase.

The first year Buzz forward opened the week as a playmaking force, dishing out three assists in a 5–1 win over the New Jersey Titans. In their second matchup of the week, the Buzz secured another victory over the Titans, this time 3–2, with Fritz opening the scoring.

His production carried into the weekend as they battled their way to a big 3–2 overtime win on Friday over New Hampshire. The Bethel Park, Pennsylvania native buried the team’s second goal of the night to help lift the Buzz to victory.

They closed things out on a high note, completing the weekend sweep over the Jr. Mountain Kings with a 5–2 win. Fritz made his mark once again, this time striking on the power play for the Buzz’s third goal, which stood as the eventual game-winner.

2nd Star: Jack Baker, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Mikhail Mishin, F, New Jersey Titans

Frontier Star of the Week: Dylan Herold - Gillette Wild

Dylan Herold and the Gillette Wild put together a strong bounceback weekend, earning a two game road sweep over the Yellowstone Quake. The first year Wild forward delivered his best showing of the season, piling up five points across the series.

Friday’s matchup finished with a 7–3 win for Gillette, as Herold made an early impact. He set up the Wild’s second goal on the power play, then tied the game himself with the team’s third tally, sparking a run of four unanswered goals to finish the night.

Saturday brought a 6–2 victory, and the Rosemount, Minnesota native stayed hot, turning in his first three point game of the year. He opened the scoring with the game’s first goal, then put together an excellent second period by adding a pair of assists to cap off his standout weekend.

Reflecting on Herold’s breakout performance, Head Coach Wilson Anderle highlighted the strides he’s made: “Dylan was very dynamic for us this weekend. His skating and hockey sense allows him to be a scoring threat at all times. Since coming to Gillette he has almost been a point per game player. A lot of his success recently comes from his hard work. Dylan is consistently one of our players that stays on the ice well after practice has ended to work on his game.” 

2nd Star: Elijah White, D, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Jeff Slivon, F, Sheridan Hawks 

South Star of the Week: Jayani Benson - Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas earned a huge win on Friday night, cruising to a statement 9–2 victory over the New Mexico Ice Wolves. The standout of the night was unquestionably second-year Brahma Jayani Benson, who delivered his best performance of the season with an impressive five-point outing.

Friday’s game marked Benson’s second multi-goal effort of the year, as he erupted for four goals. He opened the scoring and added another tally in the first period, then followed it up with a dominant second frame, adding two more goals along with a power-play assist to cap off a career night.

Head Coach Michael Rooney highlighted Benson’s strong play and the impact it will carry into the showcase: “Jay is a player that came into this season with a really high standard for himself. Each day he comes in and works to achieve the goals he set for himself this season. After a few setbacks to start the year he’s been coming into his own and establishing himself as one of the top forwards in the South Division this past month. It’s awesome to see him get this honor, and we’re really excited to see what he can do at the Showcase this upcoming weekend!”

2nd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Kenny Cadwallader, F, El Paso Rhinos

Southeast Star of the Week: Denis Portnoy - Bayou State Rougarou

In his first weekend in the NA3HL, ’08 forward Denis Portnoy made an immediate impact for Bayou State, racking up an eye-popping 15 points (10 goals, 5 assists) across a three game series against the Carolina Rage.

Portnoy kept building momentum throughout the weekend, increasing his point totals in each game. He kicked off his NA3HL debut with a hat trick in game one, scoring once in the first period and twice in the second.

The King City, Ontario native followed that performance with another hat trick in game two, lighting it up on special teams with one shorthanded goal, one power-play goal, and one at even strength. He also added an assist for a five-point effort.

Portnoy saved his best for last in game three, during the 9–5 victory for Bayou State. He produced an incredible eight-point night, scoring four goals and setting up four others. Two of his goals came on the power play, with the second standing as the eventual game-winner. He also tallied three assists in the first period and added another helper in the middle frame, leading the team’s overall offensive explosion.

Head Coach Paul MacLean highlighted the immediate difference Portnoy has made for the Rougarou: “Denis is exactly the kind of addition you hope for as a head coach. He stepped in, bought into our culture immediately, and made an impact right away. His work ethic and presence have already elevated our group, and we’re excited about what he brings to this team.”

2nd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers

3rd Star: Isaiah Ronson, F, Atlanta Capitals 

West Star of the Week: Tommy Perkins - Minnesota Wilderness

Tommy Perkins and the Minnesota Wilderness put up a strong fight this weekend, splitting their series with the Alexandria Blizzard.

Game one went in favor of the Blizzard, but the Wilderness didn’t go down without a fight. Fueled by the ’06 blueliner Perkins, Minnesota made a late push in the second period. During the comeback attempt, Perkins scored the team’s second goal and assisted on their third, though the Wilderness ultimately fell 5–3.

Saturday looked like it might follow a similar script, with Minnesota trailing 2–0 heading into the third period. That’s when Perkins came alive, igniting the comeback. He first set up Stratton Maas on the power play to make it 2–1, then assisted Tyler Starich on the tying goal to force overtime. With the stage set, Perkins struck in overtime, banking home the winner to cap off the weekend and lift the Wilderness to victory..

With a total of five points across the series, Perkins delivered his best showing of the season to date.

Head Coach Chris Ratzloff had high praise for Perkins after his weekend heroics: “Tommy really rose to the occasion this weekend. He brought energy, effort, and consistency every shift, and it showed with the way he produced offensively in both games. That OT winner was huge for our group and gives us some great momentum heading into the showcase.”

2nd Star: Caleb Waller, F, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Carsen Gause, F, Minnesota Moose

Central Star of the Week: Jackson Schroeder - Wausau Cyclones

The Wausau Cyclones split their weekend matchup with the St. Louis Jr. Blues in an intense Central Division showdown, and once again, rookie standout Jackson Schroeder made his presence felt. The Cyclones’ leading scorer picked up league honors for the second time this season after another dominant performance.

In Friday’s 5–1 win, the ’07 forward set the tone early by opening the scoring and giving Wausau a 1–0 lead. He continued to drive the offense with a power-play assist on the team’s third goal and added another helper before the night was over, finishing three points on the night.

Saturday’s 4–2 loss did little to slow his momentum, as Schroeder tallied both Wausau goals and remained their most consistent offensive threat. His five-point weekend extends his point streak to seven games, all multi-point outings, as he climbs to 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists) in just 17 games played.

Head Coach Nathan Oystrick pointed to Schroeder’s development as a key part of his impact stating: “Jackson continues to score big goals and put up great offensive numbers. He is consistently making the right adjustments and learning the Junior game, which is allowing him to have success.”

2nd Star: Aaron Sibert, G, St. Louis Jr. Blues

3rd Star: Michael Maillette , F, West Bend Power

Frontier Star of the Week: Kyyan Jahner - Badlands Sabres

The Badlands Sabres put together a dominant weekend on home ice, completing a two game sweep of the Yellowstone Quake. Veteran forward Kyyan Jahner delivered his strongest performance of the season, playing a major role in securing all four points in the standings.

In Friday’s 7–2 win, Jahner was a force all over the ice, finishing as one of three Sabres to post a three-point performance. He set up the game-tying goal early in the first period, then buried the team’s third goal with under two minutes left in the frame. Rounding out his three-point night, he scored shorthanded to push the lead to 5–2.

Continuing his hot streak in Sunday’s 5–1 victory, Jahner netted the team’s first goal on the power play.

On Kyyan’s role in the team’s success, Head Coach Brooks Mitzel shared: “Kyyan was a huge factor in our success this weekend. This is his third season with us, and he has really emerged as a leader in our locker room. He brings a lot of energy to our team and helps set the tone every single day. It was great to see him get rewarded this weekend, as he is always putting in the work to develop and get better. Kyyan is a crucial piece to our lineup and will continue to bring the energy we need to get to where we want to be.”

2nd Star: Loghan Weber, F, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Gordon Jennings, D, Great Falls Americans

South Star of the Week: Carter Lehmann - El Paso Rhinos

Carter Lehmann and the El Paso Rhinos had a busy and successful week, winning four of five games. After dropping their opener, the Rhinos turned things around, stringing together four straight wins, including a win over New Mexico followed by a three-game sweep of the West Texas Wranglers.

This stretch marked Lehmann’s strongest run of the season, as the Kalamazoo, MI native recorded points in every game. After posting one goal and three assists against the Ice Wolves, he stayed red-hot, finding the back of the net in all three games against West Texas.

In game one, Lehmann was the hero, assisting on the team’s second goal shorthanded before scoring the overtime winner, his first game-winning goal of the season, helping El Paso to a 3–2 victory. Lehmann continued his strong play in game two, adding another goal and assist, with his goal coming on the power play as the Rhinos took a 4–2 win.

He closed out the week on Sunday with a dominant 7–1 win, recording his first hat trick of the season. Two of the three goals came on special teams, one powerplay goal and one shorthanded, and he added a power-play assist for a total of four points on the day, leading the Rhinos’ dominant performance.

Head Coach Alec Sherman highlighted how Lehmann sets the tone for his teammates on and off the ice stating: “Carter shows up day after day preparing for the weekend ahead. He leads by example on and off the ice pushing himself and his teammates. We just finished up 7 games in 10 days and we were very impressed by the amount of minutes he logged without losing a step. He’s been a leader who we can lean on to get us the next goal or defend to protect a lead. He’s a great example of a true Rhino.”

2nd Star: Taylor Lewis, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Carter Tuplin, F, El Paso Rhinos

West Star of the Week: Tyler Starich - Minnesota Wilderness

Tyler Starich and the Minnesota Wilderness split their series with the Mason City Toros, a big weekend showing against a tough West Division opponent. After spending last season with the Wilderness, Starich returned to the team and played his first full weekend back, immediately proving to be a key contributor moving forward.

Despite a 6–3 setback on Friday, the ’06 forward picked up two points, assisting on the team’s second goal before scoring the third with under a minute remaining in the second period.

Game two saw the Wilderness bounce back with a 5–2 road victory, and Starich was the standout. He opened the scoring early, then added the only goal of the second period on the power play, which would eventually serve as the game winner. He capped off the night with an assist on the team’s fourth goal, bringing his total to five points over the past three games.

On Starich’s return and standout weekend, Head Coach Chris Ratzloff exclaimed: “Since coming back to the team, Tyler has made an immediate impact. His energy lifts everyone around him, and his offensive ability was on full display this weekend. He earned recognition for his hard work, leadership, and knack for finding the back of the net.”

2nd Star: Carsen Gause, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Charlie Marchand, F, Minnesota Moose

Central Star of the Week: Michael Maillette - West Bend Power

The West Bend Power just keep rolling, pushing their win streak to 12 straight with another decisive weekend sweep, this time taking down the St. Louis Jr. Second-year forward Michael Maillette was the heartbeat of the offense, delivering a standout performance in both games.

Even with West Bend piling up 14 goals across the series, Maillette was the only player to record multi-goal efforts in each matchup. He opened the weekend in style on Friday, powering a 6–2 win with his first hat trick of the season, scoring once in every period.

He didn’t cool off on Saturday either. In an 8–3 victory, Maillette buried back-to-back goals in the second period, notching the Power’s sixth and seventh tallies, including a powerplay goal to cap his dominant weekend.

On Maillette’s all-around play this weekend, Head Coach Jason Woods noted: ​​“Mike was outstanding this weekend. He wasn’t just scoring, he was controlling the play and setting the tone offensively. In just three weeks back with the team, he looked fully dialed in. When Mike is playing at his peak, there’s no question how important he is for us!”

2nd Star: Breyon Maroney, F, Peoria Mustangs

3rd Star: Ty Paulios , F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

East Star of the Week: Ivan Korshikov - New Jersey Titans

The New Jersey Titans have hit their stride, picking up three straight wins as Ivan Korshikov earned back-to-back weekly honors and stretched his personal scoring streak to six games. New Jersey handled Maine twice and Norwich once, controlling all three matchups from start to finish.

In the first game against Maine, Korshikov was a force on special teams, scoring two shorthanded goals and assisting on another as the Titans secured a 4–2 win. Game two turned into a scoring surge for New Jersey, and the ’08 forward delivered his biggest performance of the season, opening with a first-period hat trick, then adding an assist and another goal to cap off a five-point night.

He closed the week with another multi-goal effort, striking twice in a 5–2 victory over the Sea Captains. With 10 points across three games, Korshikov has climbed to 23 points in 11 outings, continuing to drive the Titans’ momentum.

With Korshikov driving the offense night after night, Head Coach Ryan Swain shared his perspective: "Ivan has been on an absolute tear. He’s playing the right way, and he’s getting rewarded. He has been an amazing addition to our team. His ability to put the puck in the net in all situations has been impressive to watch, to say the least.”

2nd Star: Jaxson Sardinha, F, Maine Nordiques

3rd Star: Will Zinnen, G, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Dayton Niedert - Badlands Sabres

Dayton Niedert and the Badlands Sabres split their weekend series with the Bozeman Icedogs, with the rookie forward emerging as the driving force behind the Sabres’ offense. Badlands took game one in a tight 3–2 battle, rallying from a 2–0 deficit. Niedert kickstarted the comeback with a power-play goal in the final minute of the opening period, cutting the lead to 2–1. After Rhyland Olson tied things up, the Waterloo, IA native delivered again, this time shorthanded, burying the game-winner with under four minutes left in regulation.

Though the Sabres dropped game two, the ’06 forward stayed productive, scoring back-to-back goals, one in the final minute of the first period and another early in the second. He ended the weekend with two of Badlands’ three goals, capping off a solid five-point showing.

Speaking about the impact Dayton has had on the Sabres, Head Coach Brooks Mitzel stated: “Dayton is one of those players that I trust in every situation. From day one, he’s always been one of our hardest competitors. He has been the spark plug to our offense this year, while continuing to get better and better on the defensive side. He brings a great attitude to the rink everyday and has stepped up as a leader in our locker room. I look forward to seeing what he can do the rest of the year.” 

2nd Star: Reid Wilkinson, F, Bozeman Icedogs

3rd Star: Cole Murphy, G, Great Falls Americans

South Star of the Week: Jake Bamback - Austin Ice Bats

The Ice Bats wrapped up a successful stretch, picking up one last win in New Mexico on Monday before returning home and securing a two-game sweep of the West Texas Wranglers. Jake Bamback has been at the center of it all, extending his scoring streak to 10 straight games as he continues to drive Austin’s offense.

In Monday’s matchup with New Mexico, the Dallas, TX native assisted on the Ice Bats’ first goal to even the score at 1–1, then delivered the game-winner himself in a 4–2 victory.

Back on home ice against West Texas, Bamback stayed hot. On Friday, Austin rolled to an 8–1 win, and the ’06 forward put together his third four-point performance of the season, scoring back-to-back goals in the second period while adding two assists. In Saturday’s 6–3 win, Bamback continued to contribute, assisting a shorthanded goal and tacking on one of his own in the first period. 

With eight points added to his totals, Bamback stands at 51 points in 31 games, maintaining a strong 1.65 points-per-game average. 

Discussing Bamback’s growth and potential, Head Coach Josh Malin said: “Bamback has been a great acquisition for us during the off season. Through being a good leader through his actions on and off the ice he has excelled this year here in Austin. Consistently being attentive to the details has been a huge emphasis that he has excelled upon as he looks to rise into the ranks of tier 2 and college hockey. He has practiced in the NAHL this season already and would be a great addition into any NAHL locker room.”

2nd Star: Charlie Wilson, D, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Guhnar Hillman, F, Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Star of the Week: Ethan Tierman - Bayou State Rougarou

The Bayou State Rougarou made history over the weekend, securing their first-ever program sweep with three straight home wins over the Atlanta Capitals. At the heart of the sweep was leading scorer Ethan Tierman, who turned in a standout weekend from start to finish.

Friday was a performance for the record books. Tierman scored seven goals, the most by any NA3HL player in a single game this season, accounting for all but one tally in Bayou State’s 8–1 win. He opened with a first-period hat trick, then followed it up by scoring four straight goals in the second.

Saturday’s matchup was the tightest of the series, a 5–3 Rougarou victory, but Tierman stayed red-hot. He turned in another hat trick and added an assist, contributing to four of Bayou State’s five goals.

He closed the weekend in style on Sunday, delivering his second consecutive four-point outing with two goals and two assists. In total, the ’05 forward piled up 15 points across three games, playing a massive role in a milestone weekend for the program.

On Ethan’s commitment and performance, Head Coach Paul MacLean noted: “Ethan’s commitment to improving every day has been remarkable. He’s used that drive to elevate every part of his game. He’s playing with confidence, competing hard, and earning every bit of recognition that comes his way. This is just the beginning for him, and we’re excited to watch him keep building.”

2nd Star: Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Cole Schmidt, G, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Gabe Otis - Minnesota Moose

Gabe Otis delivered a monster weekend in net, backstopping the Minnesota Moose to two more wins as they stretched their win streak to nine straight with victories over the Mason City Toros and Granite City Lumberjacks. Otis has now been in goal for seven of those nine wins, continuing to anchor one of the hottest teams in the league.

Across the two-game stretch, the second-year NA3HL goaltender faced 67 shots, 29 from Mason City on Friday and 38 from Granite City on Saturday. The 38-shot outing marked his second-highest workload of the season, yet he rose to the moment again, securing his seventh consecutive win while being heavily tested throughout.

Adding to the Moose’s strong defensive showing, neither opponent was able to convert on the power play, with the Toros and Lumberjacks going a combined 0-for-9 on the weekend.

Otis allowed just four goals while making 63 saves, finishing the weekend with a .940 save percentage. With the pair of wins, he continues to prove he’s among the league’s top-performing goaltenders, improving his season record to 10–2.

Head Coach Todd Sanden summed up Gabe’s value to the team stating: “Gabe is an elite competitor in goal! His relentless drive and high standards push him to perform at the top of his game, making him one of the premier goaltenders in the NA3HL. With Gabe between the pipes, our team plays with confidence and trust in every situation.”

2nd Star: Mitchell Gawel, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Stone Resch, F, Mason City Toros

Central Star of the Week: Quinn O’Connor - West Bend Power

Quinn O’Connor and the West Bend Power dominated on home ice, extending their win streak to 10 with a two-game sweep over the Peoria Mustangs. The second-year Power forward led the charge offensively, putting up six points on the weekend.

In game one’s 8–1 victory, O’Connor opened the scoring less than two minutes into the contest. He added his second goal in the middle frame to make it 5–0, then followed it up with a shorthanded assist on the team’s seventh goal.

Game two brought more offensive firepower from the Power, and the Denver, CO native kept things rolling with one goal and two assists. His six-point showing marks his best weekend of the season, and with 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists), he is on pace to surpass his rookie total of 29 points.

Recognizing his hard work and improvement, Power Head Coach Jason Woods shared: “Quinn has stepped up in recent weeks and raised his game to another level. The expectation of our players is to keep working to get better every day and it is exciting when you see that process take place. I’m excited for him to continue his work to the next step in this process!”

2nd Star: Jackson Hoem,  F, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Brett Ludvigsen, F, Rochester Grizzlies

East Star of the Week: Ivan Korshikov - New Jersey Titans

Ivan Korshikov and the New Jersey Titans turned in their best weekend of the season, earning an impressive sweep over the Buzz, who currently sit third in the division. The rookie forward was outstanding for New Jersey, playing a major role in both victories.

Friday’s matchup was an overtime thriller, ending 5–4 in electrifying fashion. After the Titans fell behind 2–0 heading into the second period, Korshikov got them on the board with their first goal of the game. Before the middle frame ended, he added a power-play assist to tie things at three going into the third. He struck again late in regulation, scoring his second of the night to force overtime with under two minutes remaining. In overtime, he completed the hat trick, his first of the season, and secured the win.

The ’08 forward carried that momentum into Saturday, when New Jersey skated away with a 5–3 victory. He added two more goals, one in the second period and another in the third. The weekend featured his first two game-winning goals of the season, and he has now recorded points in six of the eight games he has appeared in.

Titans Head Coach Ryan Swain is loving what he’s seeing from Korshikov stating: “Ivan has quickly become an important part of our team. With two game winning goals in a row, his stat line speaks for itself. Beyond that, his skill opens up space for his teammates on the ice, making them better as well. We're very excited to have him as part of the Titans organization.”

2nd Star: Sean Bailey, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Yosef Pievsky, F, New Jersey Titans

Frontier Star of the Week: Ethan Miller - Great Falls Americans

Ethan Miller and the Great Falls Americans swept the weekend, earning wins over the Butte Irish and Bozeman Icedogs. Since joining the team in mid-October, Miller has been a major driving force in the Americans’ offense, and this weekend was no exception.

In Friday’s impressive 7–3 win over the Irish, Miller got things started by assisting on Great Falls’ first goal to tie the game 1–1 midway through the opening period. Before the frame ended, he added a goal of his own to give the Americans a 2–1 lead. He kept it rolling in the second, extending the lead to 4–1, and later finished off the hat trick by scoring the team’s final goal of the night.

Saturday’s game was a lower-scoring affair, but still a strong performance as the Americans secured a 4–1 win over the Icedogs. Miller played a key role on the power play, dishing out two assists on the man advantage.

With six points on the weekend, Miller has been unstoppable, recording points in eight of his nine games and averaging 2.78 points per game for a season total of 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists).

From the ice to the locker room, Americans Head Coach Greg Sears says Miller has made a difference: “Ethan has been a nice addition to our club. As a veteran player, he adds more than his skill up front. He brings a positive influence to the locker room and has made a noticeable impact there as well.”

2nd Star: Caden Feinstein, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Reid Lezubski, F, Great Falls Americans 

South Star of the Week: Justin Fielden - West Texas Wranglers

Justin Fielden and the West Texas Wranglers brought the heat this weekend, battling hard as they split their series with the division-leading Texas Brahmas. Friday’s game was a back-and-forth thriller, with the Wranglers striking first with two early goals, the second coming on the power play from Fielden. After the Brahmas answered with two of their own, the game headed to overtime, where Fielden delivered again, burying his second of the night to secure the win.

Despite coming up short in game two, the Wranglers kept pressing and didn’t go down quietly. The ’08 rookie still made his mark, scoring West Texas’ first goal of the night and adding an assist on the second as they ultimately fell 5–3.

Though new to the lineup, Fielden has already recorded five points in four games, showing promising signs of a bright future ahead.

Wranglers Head Coach Austin Sutter is thrilled with Justin Fielden’s contributions on and off the ice sharing: "Justin has been a tremendous addition to our group. He’s brought energy, scoring, and a willingness to get to the hard areas of the ice. His hockey IQ is exceptional. What stands out most is how quickly he’s bought into our team-first approach, and this recognition is a direct result of our entire group playing the right way. As an organization—from the NA3HL to the NAHL—we’re excited about Justin’s future in Amarillo. If he continues to put in the work and stay committed to the process, he has every opportunity to keep climbing our development ladder.”

2nd Star: Brayden Macko, G, El Paso Rhinos

3rd Star: Benjamin Humphreys, F, Texas Brahmas

Southeast Star of the Week: Will Heskett - Texas RoadRunners

NA3HL veteran Will Heskett and the Texas RoadRunners kept their win streak rolling, sweeping their three-game series with the Atlanta Capitals. Heskett was on fire throughout the set, recording points in all three games and finishing the weekend with nine points (5 goals, 4 assists).

Game one was his strongest performance, as he posted an outstanding five-point night in an 8–1 victory, his second five-point outing of the season. He scored twice, including a power-play goal, and added three assists, one of which also came on the man advantage.

On Saturday, he was quieter but still made the scoresheet with another goal and an assist. To close out the weekend, Heskett delivered a strong first period on Sunday, scoring back-to-back goals, his second coming on the power play and the latter standing as the eventual game-winner in an 8–2 win.

Heskett’s commitment on the ice hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Head Coach Mike Beavis stated:
“Will has been working hard all season and is getting some college interest as of late and should have a commitment soon. He wears his heart on his sleeves every night and is determined to help us get to the post season.”

2nd Star: Reese Beckwith, F, Carolina Rage

3rd Star: Emerson LaRoche, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Sam Moen - Willmar WarHawks

The Willmar WarHawks are hitting their stride, winning their last three games, including a big weekend sweep over Mason City and Alexandria. Rookie goaltender Sam Moen was outstanding between the pipes, standing tall in both victories.

Throughout the weekend, the ’07 netminder faced a heavy workload, seeing 45 shots in each game from two strong West Division opponents. He remained composed under pressure, delivering identical performances with 43 saves in both contests. Facing a combined 90 shots over the two games, Moen stopped 86, posting an impressive .956 save percentage for the weekend. These wins provide a major momentum boost for both Moen and the WarHawks as the season moves forward.

WarHawks Head Coach Payton Ruter praised Sam Moen’s stellar play this weekend exclaiming: “We are extremely proud of Sam for earning West Division Star of the Week, he’s earned every bit of it. Mo comes up with big saves when it counts, and the way he battles and keeps his cool drives our team’s success.”

2nd Star: Mason Wanka , F, Willmar WarHawks

3rd Star: Nathan Mach, G, Granite City Lumberjacks

Central Star of the Week: Jackson Schroeder - Wausau Cyclones

Jackson Schroeder and the Wausau Cyclones put together a fantastic weekend, completing a road sweep over the Rochester Grizzlies and extending their lead to four points over their division rivals in the standings.

Friday’s game was a back-and-forth battle, tied 2-2 early in the third period. The rookie forward ignited a final-frame surge for the Cyclones, scoring two of the team’s three goals in the period, including the game-winner.

Saturday’s contest was more of a nail-biter, as the Cyclones came away with a 3-2 win. Schroeder set the tone early, assisting on Wausau’s first goal to tie things up late in the opening period, then added his third goal of the weekend, his second straight game-winner. With four points on the series, Schroeder now sits at 22 points on the season, leading the team in scoring during his impressive rookie campaign.

Cyclones Head Coach Nathan Oystrick highlighted Schroeder’s impact over the weekend noting: “Jackson had a great weekend for us, playing a full 200 ft and scoring two game winning goals. As a first year player, he has adapted to the league well and gotten better and more consistent each week.”

2nd Star: Brody Josselyn,  D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Ty Paulios, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

East Star of the Week: Peter Alfano - Norwich Sea Captains

The Norwich Sea Captains bounced back in a big way, skating to three wins on the week. Third-year netminder Peter Alfano got the nod in two of those victories, turning in his best performances yet in his age-out season.

Wednesday’s matchup on Long Island was a thriller, with overtime needed to determine a winner against the Sharks. The West Haven, CT native faced his busiest night of the season, turning aside 50 of 53 shots for a strong .943 save percentage.

The momentum carried into Saturday, where Alfano once again stood tall between the pipes against the New Jersey Titans. For the second straight outing, extra time was needed as the game went to a shootout. Alfano faced 47 shots through regulation and overtime, allowing just two goals, and then stole the show in the shootout, stopping six of the Titans’ attempts to secure the victory.

After back-to-back clutch performances, Head Coach Kevin Cunningham was quick to recognize Alfano’s impact in net: “Peter was truly outstanding for us last week. His assertive, confident play in the net was a vital factor in our overtime win at Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon and the shootout win against New Jersey Saturday evening. He made some outstanding saves in both games including shutting the door in the third period at Long Beach to allow his teammates to score three straight goals to earn the win and then making six straight shootout stops to set the stage for Henry Pinkerman’s game-winner in the eighth round.”

2nd Star: Sean Bailey, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: James Steinberg,  D, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Shayne Smith - Yellowstone Quake

Shayne Smith and the Yellowstone Quake put together another strong weekend, splitting their two-game home series with the Butte Irish. The rookie forward, who leads the team in scoring, continues to make a major impact for the Quake as they take big strides this season.

Friday’s matchup saw the Quake battle hard in a 6-4 loss to Butte, with Smith once again leading the charge offensively. He opened the scoring for Yellowstone, sparking the team’s offensive push that kept the game close throughout.

Saturday’s tilt was a different story, as the Quake took control and skated away with an impressive 6-2 victory. With the score sitting at 2-1 midway through the second, Smith came alive, recording a natural hat trick with two goals in the second period and one more in the third. His third tally stood as the game-winner, marking his first hat trick of the season.

With four goals on the weekend, Smith has now found the back of the net in nine of his last ten games. His offensive consistency has been a major key to Yellowstone’s success, as he continues to average 1.7 points per game and has totaled 21 points (15 goals, 6 assists) so far this season.

His latest performance only reinforced what Head Coach Gaetano Moirano has seen all season long: “Shayne continues to impress and make a major impact for the Quake. His hat trick this weekend highlights his ability to be one of the top players in the Frontier Division, if not the entire league. I’m really proud of what he’s accomplished and expect even more great things to come.”

2nd Star: Elijah White, D, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Jack Ryan, G, Bozeman Icedogs 

South Star of the Week: Cutter Daniel - West Texas Wranglers

The West Texas Wranglers split their series with the El Paso Rhinos, defenseman Cutter Daniel playing a huge role offensively for his team from the blueline

Friday’s game kept fans on the edge of their seats, going into overtime before the Wranglers secured a 3-2 victory. Daniel turned in his best performance of the season, racking up three points on the night. After El Paso scored first, Daniel responded in less than two minutes with a power-play goal to tie the game, then assisted on West Texas’ second goal to close out the period. When the Rhinos evened the score later, Daniel delivered once more, scoring his third game-winner of the season in overtime to seal the win.

Saturday’s matchup didn’t go the Wranglers’ way, as El Paso skated to a 5-3 victory. Still, Daniel made an impact, scoring his second power-play goal of the weekend and continuing to play a key role on special teams. Despite being a defenseman, Daniel is a central figure in the Wranglers’ lineup, currently leading the team in scoring with 12 points in 16 games.

Daniel’s growth on and off the ice hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Head Coach Austin Sutter highlighting the defenseman’s commitment and leadership: “Cutter embodies the Wrangler Way—he leads by serving, competes for his teammates, and attacks the process every day. When the work comes before the reward, the reward always finds you. He’s becoming a player who can thrive in college hockey, and we’re proud to see him recognized.”

2nd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Carter Tuplin, F, El Paso Rhinos

Southeast Star of the Week: Joey Izzo - Texas RoadRunners

Joey Izzo and the Texas RoadRunners continued their hot streak, earning a clean three-game sweep over the Bayou State Rougarou. The second-year forward has gotten off to a strong start in his final junior hockey season, ranking as the team’s second-leading scorer and among the top five scorers in the league.

Over the weekend, the Chicago, IL native continued to light up the scoresheet, totaling 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists). Izzo found the back of the net in all three games, extending his goal streak to seven consecutive contests.

His best performance of the weekend came during Sunday’s 11-1 victory. After falling behind 1-0 in the first period, Texas cranked up the heat in the second, with Izzo playing a major role in the offensive surge. He contributed one goal and three assists, including two on the power play, sparking the team’s attack. He carried that momentum into the final period, adding another power-play goal and a shorthanded assist for a six-point game, thriving on special teams.

After another dominant weekend, Head Coach Mike Beavis spoke about the qualities that make him a key contributor: "Joey has been a workhorse all season long and as one of our captains he has stepped up when needed.  He is a good two way forward and we depend on him each night."

2nd Star: Vincent Campbell, D, Texas RoadRunners

West Star of the Week: Garrett Plaude - Granite City Lumberjacks

Granite City continues to be unstoppable, extending their record to a perfect 14-0 after a two-game sweep over the Mason City Toros. Rookie forward Garrett Plaude, who earned Star of the Week honors earlier this season, has continued to shine for the Lumberjacks’ offense.

Friday’s 9-4 victory proved to be Plaude’s best performance of the season, as he tallied an impressive four points. In the first period, the ‘06 forward contributed two points, assisting on Granite City’s opening goal and scoring the Jacks’ third tally. He added his second goal of the night late in the second period, with just two seconds left on the clock, extending the lead to 7-3. Plaude capped the night by completing a hat trick on the power play, his first of his junior career.

Sunday’s game was a bit slower offensively for Plaude, but he still made an impact, assisting on Granite City’s first goal in their eventual 6-4 victory. With five points on the weekend, he is now averaging 1.25 points per game, a strong achievement for a rookie competing in the extremely tough West Division.

Following another strong weekend, Head Coach DJ Vold spoke about Plaude’s contributions and growth this season: “Garrett has done an outstanding job stepping into the lineup this season. His work ethic, skill, and consistency make him a key part of our success, and we expect him to keep making an impact as he continues to grow.”

2nd Star: Mark DeNoyer, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Micah Saxon, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

Central Star of the Week: Gus Feldker - St. Louis Jr. Blues

The St. Louis Jr. Blues came away with three of four possible points in a split with the Wausau Cyclones, and rookie hometown standout Gus Feldker was front and center. It marked the best weekend of his junior career to date, with the first-year forward making an impact in both games.

In game one, the Jr. Blues clawed back after falling behind 2–0 early in the second. Once the score was even at two, the ’08 forward took over, netting back-to-back goals, the final two of the night, for his first junior tallies, including the game-winner in a 4–2 comeback victory.

Game two didn’t swing St. Louis’ way, falling 2–1 in overtime, but Feldker still made an impact, assisting on Caden Lindley’s lone Jr. Blues goal to bring his weekend total to three points.

The Jr. Blues have now earned points in 10 straight outings and sit tied with West Bend atop the standings.

His breakout performance didn’t go unnoticed by Head Coach Matt Ocello: ““Gus had a great breakout weekend. Scoring his first goals of the season, they were two big goals for us on Friday night versus the Cyclones including the game winner. With his skill, he has the ability to score some quality goals and make plays by using his speed and driving the net. The coaching staff is excited to see how he develops over the course of this season in the league.”

2nd Star: Travis Visvadra, G, St. Louis Jr. Blues

3rd Star: Tristan Hearley, D, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Will Zinnen - Long Beach Sharks

After posting a shutout the previous week, the Long Beach Sharks kept rolling, improving to 7-3 in their last 10 games with wins over the New Jersey Titans and Norwich Sea Captains, backed by standout rookie goaltender Will Zinnen.

On Wednesday against the Titans, the Madison, WI native turned aside 27 of 29 shots for a .931 save percentage. He followed it up on Saturday with another strong performance in a 2-1 nail-biter against Norwich, stopping 31 of 32 shots and shutting down all three Sea Captains power-play chances.

In total, Zinnen faced 61 shots on the week and turned away 58 for a stellar .950 save percentage. Now 3-1 on the season, the rookie netminder continues to prove he’s more than ready for the spotlight, and the future looks bright in Long Beach.

Despite being a rookie, Zinnen has already earned the trust of the staff. According to Head Coach Jeff Tory: “Will is a very talented young goalie. His preparation, athleticism, and compete level stand out every day, and they allow him to perform at a high level every time he steps on the ice. He brings consistency, confidence, and a work ethic beyond his years, and it’s paying off for both him and our team.”

2nd Star: Talon Schackman, F, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Tyler Miller, G, Maine Nordiques

Frontier Star of the Week: TJ Wonnacott - Sheridan Hawks

Second-year Hawks netminder TJ Wonnacott delivered a standout weekend, playing a major role as Sheridan secured wins over the Bozeman Icedogs and Helena Bighorns. This was one of his biggest tests of the season, and he answered in a big way with his best back-to-back outings of the year.

On Friday, Wonnacott backstopped a 3–0 shutout win against Bozeman, turning aside all 23 shots he faced, including a perfect effort on eight Icedogs power-play chances, to earn his first shutout of the season.

Saturday’s matchup with Helena was one fans across the Frontier Division had circled, and Wonnacott rose to the occasion again. He faced 33 shots and surrendered just one goal in a 2–1 victory, locking down another crucial win for the Hawks.

With the sweep, Wonnacott improved to 6–2 on the year. His weekend numbers were stellar, stopping 55 of 56 shots for a .982 save percentage, a statement performance from Sheridan’s returning goaltender.

The Hawks' staff took notice of Wonnacott’s composure and confidence in net. As Head Coach JJ Santagata shared: “This was obviously a big weekend for us and especially TJ. Seeing TJs calmness and confidence gave us the ability to play our game in front of him. He’s been reliable and consistent for us in the crease. Having a reliable #1 is massive in this league and TJ brings us that each weekend he’s in the net. Happy to see him earn this recognition and continue to get better each week here.”

2nd Star: AJ Prioli, F, Great Falls Americans

3rd Star: Damen Baxter, G, Yellowstone Quake 

South Star of the Week: Patrick Garvey - Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas continue to set the pace in the South Division, staying perfect at 13-0 after completing a three-game sweep of the West Texas Wranglers at home. Leading the charge from the blue line was second-year defenseman Patrick Garvey, who delivered his best series of the season with points in all three contests.

The Silver Lake, OH native opened the weekend strong in Friday’s 7-0 win, assisting on the game’s first goal before burying one of his own for the Brahmas’ sixth tally of the night. Saturday’s matchup was tighter, but Garvey still made an impact, picking up the assist on the insurance marker in a 2-0 shutout win.

He capped the weekend in style on Sunday, scoring twice in the opening period, including a power-play goal, as the Brahmas rolled to a 7-2 victory. The performance marked Garvey’s first multi-goal game of the year, and with the season not even a month and a half old, he now sits just six points shy of surpassing his point total from last year.

After a weekend where Garvey proved his value in every role he was given, Head Coach Michael Rooney had high praise: “Pat is a really talented player. At first glance people see him for a big body, but he’s so much more than that as a player. He’s a true character in the room that loves the game and wants to see the team succeed more than anything. He’s one of the most dangerous players in the league. He has deceptive skill coupled with a quick release. His size, toughness, and skating ability makes him a nightmare for other teams to match up against. 

Seeing him win star of the week is something special. He stepped up in a big way for us this weekend. He was asked to move up to forward for the first time in a few years and he did not disappoint. He definitely earned this honor and showed why he’s one of the most versatile players in the league.”

2nd Star: Benjamin Humphreys, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Kole Kite, G, West Texas Wranglers

Southeast Star of the Week: Brody Neish - Louisiana Drillers

The Louisiana Drillers are showing no signs of slowing down following last year’s Fraser Cup championship. This year’s group remains perfect at 16-0 after a dominant three-game sweep of the Bayou State Rougarou, and returning veteran Brody Neish once again led the charge.

A fourth-year Drillers forward and last season’s team points leader, Neish picked up right where he left off. Louisiana overwhelmed the Rougarou with 43 goals across the weekend while allowing only two, and Neish was at the center of the offensive explosion.

He came out firing with back-to-back four-goal performances, recording a hat trick in the second period of Friday’s opener and another hat trick in the first period on Saturday. He added five assists across the first two games before closing the sweep with a goal and four more helpers in the finale.

In total, Neish racked up 18 points over three games, a statement weekend from a veteran who continues to set the standard for an undefeated Drillers squad.

Head Coach Chris Francis shared his thoughts on Neish’s leadership and performance this season: “Brody’s leadership and veteran presence this season has been on the next level. Everyday at the rink he makes sure this team is competing and leads by example every game. This year he is even more hungry for team success which is translating into personal success.”

2nd Star: Tobin Tuzinsky, F, Carolina Rage

3rd Star: Lucas Dyer, F, Texas RoadRunners

West Star of the Week: Aidan Callaghan - Willmar WarHawks

The Willmar WarHawks had a big weekend, coming away with wins over both the Mason City Toros and Minnesota Wilderness, thanks in large part to second-year standout Aidan Callaghan.

Friday’s matchup was a thriller, going back and forth before needing overtime to decide the victor. Callaghan got things started by assisting on Willmar’s first goal and later extended the lead with a tally late in the second period. With the score tied after three, he became the hero, banking home the overtime winner to secure the victory.

He carried that momentum into Saturday’s 7-5 win over Minnesota. After a tied first period, Callaghan opened the scoring in the second and continued his strong play in the third, adding another goal and an assist. By the end of the weekend, he had tallied six points and extended his point streak to six consecutive games, proving once again why he’s a key contributor for the WarHawks.

This was a statement weekend for Callaghan, and Head Coach Payton Ruter made that clear: “Aidan has all the tools and intangibles to dictate the outcome of a game. He’s big, strong, fast and has great offensive awareness. He proved this weekend that when he’s at 100%, he’s a difference maker.”

2nd Star: Luca Salak, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Mason Wanka, F, Willmar WarHawks

Central Star of the Week: Brendon Miller - Peoria Mustangs

The Peoria Mustangs broke into the win column, splitting their weekend series with the Minnesota Wilderness thanks in large part to a dominant performance from ‘08 forward Brendon Miller, who racked up nine points (6 goals, 3 assists) over the two games.

In game one, the Mustangs earned their first win of the season in an 8–4 victory. After trailing 2–0 late in the first, Miller sparked the comeback with his first goal of the night before Peoria added another to even things up heading into the second. He stayed hot from there, assisting on the go-ahead goal, scoring again to make it 4–3, and adding another helper before the end of the second period. In the final frame, the Pekin, IL native capped off a monster night with two more goals, finishing with six points in the win.

Despite a narrow 6–5 loss in game two, Miller once again led the charge offensively. He opened the scoring for Peoria in the first period, then helped fuel the late push, assisting on the Mustangs’ third goal and burying their fifth to close out another strong showing.

Peoria Head Coach Luke Gruden was impressed with Brendon’s play over the weekend, highlighting his growth and confidence: “Brendon had a tremendous weekend. He played with confidence and consistently moved his feet to create space and opportunities. As one of the younger players on our team, and in the league, his growth is evident. I only see him continue to develop and play with even more confidence as the season progresses.”

2nd Star: Peter Burke, G, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Mason Decker, F, Rochester Grizzlies

East Star of the Week: Noah Levesque - New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

The New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings had a light schedule with just one game on tap, but they made it count, rolling to an 8–1 road win over the Norwich Sea Captains.

Captain and leading scorer Noah Levesque led the charge with a dominant four-point outing. He set the tone early, assisting on both first-period goals as New Hampshire took a 2–1 lead after 20 minutes. He kept things rolling in the second, scoring his first of the day to give New Hampshire a 3–1 lead. His scoring didn’t stop there, as he added his second of the game, the team’s eighth, to seal the win.

With the standout performance, Levesque now sits at 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) through 13 games and has recorded multi-point efforts in six of them.

Speaking on his captain’s impact beyond the scoresheet, Jr. Mountain Kings Head Coach Clint Cassavaugh shared: “Noah is a leader on and off the ice. He brings intensity every day to practice and pushes his teammates to make them better every day.”

2nd Star: Jay Montgomery, D, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Wyatt Strahan, F, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Kaden Rhyder - Great Falls Americans

After earning All-NA3HL Third Team honors during the 2024-25 season, third-year Great Falls netminder Kaden Rhyder continues to shine in the NA3HL, delivering a standout weekend for the Americans with wins over the Sheridan Hawks and Yellowstone Quake. The Elizabethtown, PA native was rock solid in net, posting his best numbers of the season.

Game one was a statement win, handing the Hawks only their second loss in the last 10 games. In the 3-1 victory, Rhyder faced an incredible 50 shots, stopping 49 for a remarkable .980 save percentage, his top performance so far this season. He carried that momentum into game two as the Americans rolled to a 7-1 win over the Quake, making 25 saves on 26 shots. Over the weekend, Rhyder faced 76 shots total, allowing just two goals for an outstanding .973 save percentage.

Americans Head Coach Greg Sears was thrilled with Rhyder’s performance, noting his leadership and impact on the team: “It was great to see Kaden back to his old self after the injury. He’s a true leader for us, both on and off the ice, and he had an outstanding weekend that really set the tone for the team.”

2nd Star: Riley Schmidt, F, Gillette Wild

3rd Star: Mathieu Chernauckas, G, Butte Irish 

South Star of the Week: Josh Middleton - New Mexico Ice Wolves

The New Mexico Ice Wolves were back in action this weekend, picking up two of three games on the road against the Ice Bats, with their only setback coming in a shootout. Goaltender Josh Middleton once again earned weekly honors, playing a key role in all three contests as the team collected five of six possible points and extended his personal record to 7–0–1–1 on the season.

With both the Ice Wolves and Ice Bats among the South Division’s top teams, Middleton faced heavy fire, seeing a total of 133 shots across the series. His busiest night came in Saturday’s shootout loss, where he stopped 52 of 54 shots, keeping New Mexico in contention. All three matchups were nail-biters, decided by just one goal, including a standout effort in game one where Middleton stopped 34 of 36 shots. He wrapped up the weekend with an impressive .947 save percentage, standing tall and keeping New Mexico competitive in every game.

Reflecting on his standout weekend, Ice Wolves Head Coach Isaac Washburn shared thoughts on Middleton’s consistent impact: “We're really glad to see Josh get recognized for his continued strong play in net as he held us in each game this weekend, making extremely timely saves.  He has been an absolute workhorse and the ultimate competitor for us this season and gives us a chance every night, continuing to battle relentlessly even when we're not at our best in front of him.  He approaches each day, whether for practice or games, with great consistency of detail and professionalism in the way that he prepares, recovers, and goes about his business.”

2nd Star: Carter Lehmann, F, El Paso Rhinos

3rd Star: Mason Manderfield, F, Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Star of the Week: Carter Gnau - Louisiana Drillers

Carter Gnau and the Louisiana Drillers kept their momentum rolling, extending their record to 13–0 after a win over Pelham and a three-game sweep of the Carolina Rage. Despite being a rookie, the ‘06 forward from Fort Wayne, IN, has found his groove in the NA3HL, recording points in all 13 games so far this season, averaging an impressive 2.5 points per game.

This weekend was another dominant showing for Gnau, as he racked up 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) across four games. In Thursday’s matchup against the Prowlers, he made his mark in the second period, assisting on the Drillers’ fifth goal before scoring the sixth in an 8–3 victory. The momentum carried into the Carolina series in Greer, where Gnau recorded three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in game one. He didn’t slow down in games two and three, posting identical four-point efforts in each, including back-to-back hat tricks paired with an assist each night, earning his first two hat tricks of the season.

Drillers Head Coach Chris Francis shared his thoughts on Gnau’s strong start to the season and impact on the team: “Carter has been very consistent for our group during the beginning part of this season. His team first approach has been contagious throughout the line up night in and night out. We are happy to see he is being rewarded personally but I know he has a bigger goal in mind.”

2nd Star: Lucas Dyer, F, Texas RoadRunners

3rd Star: Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers

Central Star of the Week: Elias Holan  - West Bend Power

Elias Holan and the West Bend Power put on a show this weekend, sweeping their rivals, the Rochester Grizzlies, on home ice. The Fairbanks, AK native turned in his best performance of the season with back-to-back multi-point efforts.

Friday night saw fireworks from both sides in a 7–6 barnburner, with Holan notching his first career two-goal game, both coming in the second period as the Power’s second and fifth tallies.

Saturday’s rematch was a tighter battle, but Holan once again led the charge. The rookie forward scored the opening two goals, including the game-winner, before setting up the insurance marker to collect all three possible points and cap off a statement weekend for West Bend.

Head Coach Jason Woods highlighted the dedication behind Elias Holan’s recent success, pointing to the hard work he’s put in off the ice: “The work Elias has been putting in was on display this past weekend. Endless amounts of time in the shooting room and diving into film offered big time results. He is a gifted skater and as a young player, his upside is huge!”

2nd Star: Jace Jordan, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues

3rd Star: Danny Jurcich, F, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Brody Emond - Maine Nordiques

Brody Emond and the Maine Nordiques battled through a busy four-game stretch, finishing 2-2 on the week, and for the second time this season, the returning forward earned weekly honors.

Despite the split results, Emond was a steady force offensively, finding the scoresheet in all four contests. He opened the week with an assist on Maine’s lone goal against New Hampshire, then followed up by breaking through for the Nordiques’ only tally in a tough matchup with New Jersey.

After a setback on Friday, Emond helped spark Maine’s weekend turnaround with back-to-back wins. In Saturday’s 4-2 victory, he set the tone early, assisting on the first three goals before adding one of his own to complete a four-point night. He carried that momentum into Sunday’s 5-2 win, extending his scoring streak to three games with a pair of goals, including the eventual game-winner.

Maine Nordiques Head Coach Dylan Farrell-Reny spoke highly of returning forward Brody Emond following another strong week of performances: “Brody’s point streak just keeps rolling, and right now, nothing seems to slow him down. His relentless pursuit of the puck and natural scoring touch have driven success for both himself and the team. He’s playing his true game with confidence, and it shows every night. The East Division is one of the toughest out there, but he never lets that slow him down. He’s a great teammate, a strong leader in the room, and a huge piece of the puzzle for our group. I’m just glad he’s on my team. I wouldn't want to be the one trying to defend against him.” 

2nd Star: Sean Bailey, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Anderson Weimer, G, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: Cooper Clouse - Great Falls Americans

Cooper Clouse and the Great Falls Americans split their weekend, defeating the Badlands Sabres before falling just short in an overtime battle against the Gillette Wild.

During Friday’s 6-2 win over the Sabres, second-year forward Clouse delivered his best performance of the season, recording his first multi-goal game.Clouse jumpstarted the offense with the Americans’ first and third goals, including the eventual game-winner, and added two helpers down the stretch to complete a dominant four-point night.

Saturday’s matchup with Gillette was a back-and-forth thriller, with both teams trading goals throughout. Clouse helped swing the momentum with a power-play assist to even things at 2-2 late in the second, then came up big once more, burying the game-tying goal with less than two minutes left to force overtime.

After a weekend of standout play, Head Coach Greg Sears reflected on Cooper’s early-season impact and his growing role as a leader on the team: “Coop had a really strong weekend and continues to build on a solid start to the season. As a veteran, he’s done a great job stepping into more of a leadership role and setting the standard for how we want to play. He leads by example both on and off the ice, and the younger guys feed off that energy.”

2nd Star: Max Arlt, F, Gillette Wild

3rd Star: Riley Schmidt, F, Gillette Wild 

South Star of the Week: Carter Tuplin - El Paso Rhinos

Carter Tuplin and the El Paso Rhinos had a phenomenal weekend, taking two of three games from cross-state rivals the Austin Ice Bats. First-year Rhinos forward and team-leading scorer Tuplin made a huge impact, recording points in all three contests and helping fuel El Paso’s success.

In game one, Tuplin got the offense going, netting the first goal of the night on the power play to spark momentum for the Rhinos. Game two saw him deliver his best performance of the season, a four-point explosion in a 7-4 win. After El Paso fell behind 1-0, Tuplin scored the team’s first goal on the power play, then made his mark on special teams with a shorthanded assist to even the score at 2-2. He added two more points in the second period, scoring at even strength and assisting again on the power play.

Even in Saturday’s narrow 5-4 loss, Tuplin continued his hot streak, opening the scoring once more and adding another assist to finish the weekend with a point in every game. 

Head Coach Alec Sherman spotlighted Tuplin’s effort and versatility, praising his contributions on every line and special teams this past weekend: “Carter was a work horse for us this weekend. We utilized him in every scenario, PP/PK & even strength. He’s a true Rhino player. He shows up to work and battles day in and day out. He was a major player in our success this weekend.”

2nd Star: Joshua Reaska, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Nicholas Catalano, F, Texas Brahmas

Southeast Star of the Week: Wyatt Mineheine - Texas RoadRunners

Wyatt Mineheine continued his hot streak, earning weekly honors again after the Texas RoadRunners swept a three-game series on the road against the Atlanta Capitals.

Mineheine made an immediate impact in game one, assisting on the RoadRunners’ second goal of the period on the power play before scoring twice himself to close out the first frame. He kept the momentum going in the second period, recording two shorthanded points, a goal and an assist, and adding an even-strength goal. He capped off the night by assisting on the game’s final goal, finishing with a dominant performance.

Saturday’s contest was more of the same, as Mineheine assisted on the opening shorthanded goal and went on to score four times, three in the second period and one in the third. In the series finale, he continued to make his presence felt, netting a power-play goal and adding four assists to finish the series with 17 points. 

After a weekend of stellar performances, Head Coach Mike Beavis emphasized just how impressive Wyatt Mineheine’s consistency and production have been: “Game after game, Wyatt keeps finding ways to shine, and a 4.15 points per game average makes it clear he’s on another level right now.”

2nd Star: Brody Neish , F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Brayden Pelcl, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: TJ Gibson - Mason City Toros

TJ Gibson and the Mason City Toros had a weekend to remember, sweeping their two-game series against the Minnesota Wilderness. Now in his second season with the Toros, Gibson continues to lead the team in points after another standout weekend.

Game one was a back and forth thriller, ending 7-6 in favor of Mason City. The Wilderness jumped out to a 3-1 first-period lead, but Gibson made a statement by scoring with just one second left to cut the deficit to 3-2. After Minnesota added the lone goal of the second period to go up 4-2, the Toros erupted in the third, scoring five goals. Gibson assisted on the team’s third and fifth goals before adding the sixth himself to fuel the comeback.

Game two was a dominant performance from Mason City, as they blanked the Wilderness 7-0. Gibson got things started by assisting on the opening goal, then scored the third and assisted on the fourth, including a power-play helper. With seven points over the weekend, Gibson now averages 1.42 points per game, totaling 17 points in 12 games, and continues to be a driving force for the Toros.

TJ Gibson’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, and Head Coach Alex North had plenty of praise for the veteran forward’s scoring and setup ability: “I am very happy for TJ to get this recognition. He has shown that not only is he able to put pucks in the net, but also set up the guys around him to score as well.”

2nd Star: Caleb Waller, F, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Blaze Bauer, F, Mason City Toros

Central Star of the Week: Lonnie Land - St. Louis Jr. Blues

The St. Louis Jr. Blues kept their hot streak rolling this weekend, extending their win streak to six with a sweep over the Wisconsin Woodsmen. Assistant Captain Lonnie Land led the charge with four points across the series. 

Friday night’s 5–3 victory was all about special teams, with four of St. Louis’ five goals coming on the power play. After a quiet first period, Land came alive in the second, first setting up the team’s third goal with the primary assist, then burying a power play tally of his own late in the period, which would stand as the eventual game-winner. Land carried his momentum into the third period, adding another power-play assist to cap off a strong night for himself and the J-Notes’ special teams.

Saturday’s matchup was a thriller, as St.Louis took a 3–2 overtime win against Wisconsin. Land picked up right where he left off, scoring back-to-back goals just minutes apart in the second period to get St. Louis on the board and set the stage for the weekend sweep.

Following a weekend sweep of the Woodsmen, Head Coach Matt Occello reflected on Land’s hard work and key contributions: “Lonnie had a great weekend for us versus the Woodsmen, putting up some key points in both victories on the weekend. His commitment to showing up every day ready to compete and work hard is a signature trait that he brings to the table. He has shown through his leadership on and off the ice that he wants this team and his teammates to have success this season. He has taken great strides in his development, and we are excited to continue to watch him grow even more over the course of the rest of the season.”

2nd Star: Mason Decker, F, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Ben Knutson, G, West Bend Power

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

The Long Beach Sharks picked up a big four points in the standings with a two-game sweep of the Maine Nordiques. After appearing in a handful of games with the Sharks last season, ‘07 defenseman James Steinberg has found his groove this year, emerging as the team’s leading scorer among defensemen.

Saturday night featured Long Beach’s most dominant performance of the season, as they rolled to a 7-0 victory over Maine. Steinberg set the tone early, assisting on the team’s opening goal before scoring his second goal of the season to put the Sharks up 5-0. He finished the night strong with an assist on the sixth goal, totaling three points on the day. 

Sunday was a tighter contest, but Long Beach still came away with a 7-4 win. Steinberg kept the momentum going, racking up three assists, one on the power play, one at even strength, and one shorthanded.

Sharks Head Coach Jeff Tory spoke about what makes James Steinberg such a key player for the team: “James is an extremely poised young defenseman that sees the game at a very high level. His vision and playmaking ability especially under pressure is impressive while still playing a smart, responsible game defensively.”

2nd Star: Brendan Dalton, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Jake Wilkerson, D, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: Shayne Smith - Yellowstone Quake

The Yellowstone Quake had a standout weekend, earning three points in the standings after an overtime loss in game one against Butte and claiming their first victory of the season the following night against Great Falls. Rookie forward Shayne Smith, Yellowstone’s second-leading scorer, made a major impact on the scoresheet throughout the weekend.

Although Yellowstone fell 4-3 in overtime, Smith found his way onto the scoresheet with one of the team’s three power-play goals.

Saturday, the Quake truly shined, claiming a dominant 6-1 victory over the Great Falls Americans. With a 3-1 lead after two periods, Yellowstone did not take their foot off the gas in the third. Smith was a driving force in the final 20 minutes, scoring back-to-back goals to open the period, including one on the power play. He capped off the night with an assist on the team’s final goal, finishing the weekend with four points and extending his goal-scoring streak to three consecutive games.

2nd Star: Jeff Slivon, F, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Elijah White, D, Sheridan Hawks 

South Star of the Week: Joshua Reaska - Texas Brahmas

Joshua Reaska continues to turn heads in the NA3HL, earning weekly honors for the second time after he and the Texas Brahmas dominated the road with a sweep of the Austin Ice Bats.

The Brahmas newcomer opened the scoring for the team, netting the first goal of the game shorthanded and setting the tone for both the rest of the game and the series. He continued his impact on the penalty kill, assisting on Jayani Benson’s goal to put Texas up 4-1 midway through the third period in a game they would go on to win 5-1.

Reaska continued to impress on Saturday, once again leading the charge in the Brahmas’ 7-5 victory. The Chicago native dominated the opening frame, recording a hat trick in the first twenty minutes, highlighted by a power-play goal to start the scoring. He added another powerplay tally late in the second to break a 3-3 tie and give Texas the lead heading into the third. Reaska closed out his standout performance with a power-play assist and the final goal of the night, wrapping up an incredible weekend.

With eight points over two games, Reaska is now averaging 2.14 points per game and has tallied 15 points in seven games this season.

Head Coach Michael Rooney reflected on what makes Reaska such a special player: “Josh was able to add to his hot start to the season this week. He really put his goal scoring ability on display this weekend. Even when being targeted by opponents, he's able to score goals that are both big and timely for the moment swings. He finds different ways to score, he’s not just a one trick pony. His work ethic away from the puck sets himself up with plenty of dangerous opportunities. He battles through pressure and competes hard in all situations of the game. He’s a pleasure to coach, any coach or team would be ecstatic to have him. He’s a player that everyone needs to know when he’s on the ice.”

2nd Star: Josh Middleton, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Gavin Erickson, G, Texas Brahmas

Southeast Star of the Week: Tobin Tuzinsky - Carolina Rage

Carolina Rage forward Tobin Tuzinsky has made a seamless jump to the junior level after three seasons developing in the NAPHL. The Rage were unstoppable over the weekend, completing a three-game sweep of the Atlanta Capitals while racking up an impressive 28 goals over the series.

Tuzinsky dominated the series, contributing 10 goals and seven assists in three games. He opened the weekend on fire, netting four goals in each of the first two games, including a hat trick in the first period of game 1 and another in the second period of game 2.Beyond his goals, he added seven assists, keeping the team’s offense firing on all cylinders. 

This was Tuzinsky’s best series to date, and with 17 points on the weekend, the ‘06 forward now leads the Rage in scoring. 

2nd Star: James Parnell, D, Carolina Rage

3rd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers

West Star of the Week: Garrett Plaude - Granite City Lumberjacks

The Granite City Lumberjacks are one of just three teams in the league to remain undefeated, thanks to a two-game sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness. Rookie forward Garrett Plaude has been a key factor in their hot start, averaging just over a point per game and finding the back of the net in all but one contest so far this season.

Friday’s 4-1 victory was powered by special teams, as all of Granite City’s goals came on the man advantage. With less than a minute remaining, Plaude With under a minute left in the game, Plaude added the fourth and final goal for the Jacks, his second power-play tally of the season.

Plaude carried that momentum into Saturday’s matchup, opening the scoring with two goals in the first period during Granite City’s eventual 5-2 victory. This performance marked both his second multi-goal game of the season and his first game-winning goal. 

2nd Star: Kellen Kantaris, F, Mason City Toros

3rd Star: Gabe Otis, G, Minnesota Moose 

Central Star of the Week: Maxim Lazo - Wisconsin Woodsmen

Back for his second season in the States, Maxim Lazo has been the driving force behind the Woodsmen offense, averaging 1.71 points per game and recording at least one point in every contest so far this season.

Lazo took center stage on Friday night as Wisconsin put on a show at home, taking down the West Bend Power 6–4. The Slovakia native was unstoppable, netting four goals to lead the comeback victory. After trailing 2–0 in the first period, Lazo ignited the offense with back-to-back goals to even the score, then buried a power-play tally before the second period came to a close. He capped off his stellar night with the team’s sixth goal to seal the win.

Even in Saturday’s setback, Lazo stayed hot, picking up two assists to finish the weekend with six total points. Lazo leads the charge with 12 points in seven games, powering the Woodsmen offense and setting the pace early this season.

With the Woodsmen battling injuries, Head Coach Jon Vaillancourt credited Lazo for stepping up and providing stability, saying: “Maxim has provided our group with stable production as we battle with injuries in the lineup. He has a natural talent to find the puck around the net and I believe should be on the radar for many schools in this coming season. We look to veteran players like him to provide leadership on and off the ice for our young players.”

2nd Star: Drew Sparacino, D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Mitchell Nappier, D, St. Louis Jr. Blues

East Star of the Week: Brody Emond - Maine Nordiques

After leading the Nordiques in points last season as a rookie, Brody Emond has wasted no time proving that his breakout year was no fluke. The ’07 forward continues to be a force on the scoresheet, racking up seven points in three games over the weekend.

After a quiet start with a lone assist in game one against New Jersey, Emond erupted against Norwich, putting up six points in the two-game series. In Friday’s matchup, he found the back of the net on the power play and set up two more goals, earning three out of four possible points.

On Saturday, Emond set the tone early, scoring the game’s opening goal to spark the Nordiques’ offense. He assisted on the team’s second goal to build a 2–0 lead, then sealed the deal in the third with his second goal of the game as Maine skated away with a commanding 5–2 victory.

Head Coach Dylan Farrell-Reny spoke highly of Emond’s continued development and impact on the team, saying: “Brody is a younger player with tremendous upside. He’s dangerous with the puck on his stick and has a natural ability to finish plays. He’s relied on heavily in all situations, is extremely coachable, and represents the brand with maturity and pride both on and off the ice.”

2nd Star: Jacob Landry, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Talon Schackman, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Frontier Star of the Week: Austin Uecker - Helena Bighorns

Second-year forward Austin Uecker has been leading the charge for the Bighorns’ offense this season, delivering another standout weekend against the Badlands Sabres and Gillette Wild. In Friday’s dominant 9–2 win, Uecker got things rolling with an assist on Helena’s third goal, added another helper on the power-play sixth goal, and capped the night with a goal of his own in the second period.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, but Uecker continued his hot streak in the 4–1 victory over Gillette. The Sleepy Eye, MN native opened the scoring to make it 1–0 after the first, extended Helena’s lead to 2–1 midway through the second, and then struck again on the power play to complete his first hat trick of the season, igniting the Bighorns on their way to the win.

With six points on the weekend, Uecker now leads the team with 16 points in nine games, building on the strong performance he showed in his rookie season.

Beyond his scoring, Uecker’s leadership has stood out. Head Coach Damon Hanson stated: “Austin has had a great start to the season personally for himself, and obviously had a very good weekend. Austin is determined to help this hockey team win at all costs each and every weekend doing whatever takes. We are very lucky to have him as he is a leader on and off the ice.”

2nd Star: Cole Murphy , G, Great Falls Americans

3rd Star: Dantae Hunziker, F, Sheridan Hawks

South Star of the Week: Guhnar Hillman - Austin Ice Bats

Captain Guhnar Hillman led the Austin Ice Bats to an electrifying three-game sweep of the El Paso Rhinos, with two games decided by a single goal and all three keeping fans glued to their seats.

Game one saw the Bats fall behind 2–1 early in the second period, but Hillman sparked a turnaround. He set up a key power-play goal and then scored shorthanded, helping Austin take a 4–3 victory. In game two, the team again trailed entering the third, down 1–0, but Hillman dominated the final period, racking up three assists as the Bats scored four goals to secure a 4–2 comeback win.

The finale was an instant classic, with scoring going back and forth and the third period ending in a 3–3 tie. The tension carried into overtime, where Hillman came through once again, netting the game-winner and completing the sweep, his second game-winning goal of the season.

Head Coach Josh Malin had high praise for Hillman after another big weekend, stating: “Guhnar has been instrumental to our success here in Austin, upholding the culture and foundations that we built last year as an organization. All his hard work this offseason is paying off dividends and sets an example for the rest of the group on what the compete level should be day in and day out. Guhnar helps the group pull the rope in the direction of winning each day through their attitude, effort, and discipline. Excited for what's in store for Guhnar as the season progresses and helping the Ice Bats continue to win games."

2nd Star: Montana Medina, D, Tulsa Oilers

3rd Star: Kenny Cadwallader, F, El Paso Rhinos

Southeast Star of the Week: Wyatt Mineheine - Texas RoadRunners

Wyatt Mineheine has been nothing short of dominant in his second NA3HL season, currently leading the league in scoring with 37 points, 13 of which came this past weekend as the Texas RoadRunners completed a three-game road sweep over the Carolina Rage.

The Proctor, MN native opened the weekend on fire, scoring back-to-back goals in the first period and adding another in the second to record a hat trick, while also collecting an assist in a 4–0 shutout win. He followed that performance with another hat trick in game two, two goals in the first, one in the second, and an assist in the third as Texas rolled to a 7–1 victory.

In Sunday’s finale, Mineheine stayed hot, striking twice in the first period (including one on the power play) and setting up three more goals for a five-point game as the RoadRunners sealed the sweep with another 7-goal effort.

Texas Head Coach Mike Beavis spoke on Mineheine’s impressive early-season form, saying: “Wyatt’s been a workhorse since day one. He’s leading the league in scoring and continues to push the pace for our team. He’s really set the bar high for what we expect every night.”

2nd Star: Calum Hartner, G, Texas RoadRunners

West Star of the Week: Caleb Waller - Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard continued their streak of Star of the Week honors, this time with third-year forward Caleb Waller earning the spotlight after helping his team sweep the Willmar WarHawks in a home-and-home series.

A veteran presence in Alexandria’s lineup, Waller has been a consistent offensive threat year after year, and this season is proving no different. In game one, the Blizzard turned a 1–0 deficit into a 5–1 victory behind a dominant special-teams performance. Waller played a key role, recording two power-play points, scoring Alexandria’s second goal and assisting on their fifth.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, with no scoring through the first period, but Waller once again made his mark. He assisted on the Blizzard’s opening goal and then scored the eventual game-winner to help seal a 3–1 win and the weekend sweep.

With 12 points in six games, Waller has tallied at least one point in every contest so far, averaging an impressive two points per game as one of Alexandria’s most reliable offensive weapons.

When talking about his captain, Head Coach Jeff Crouse couldn’t say enough about the impact Waller’s had both on and off the ice: “Caleb has been off to a great start with us this year and has really stepped up his leadership role for us this year as well. He’s accepted the Captain role and has a great attitude and work ethic so far this season and it’s paid off on the ice. We look forward to watching his production throughout the rest of the season!”

2nd Star: Jayden Serene, G, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

Central Star of the Week: Jace Fitzgerald - West Bend Power

Jace Fitzgerald has earned weekly honors for the second time this season after another standout performance against the Wausau Cyclones. Fitzgerald was the difference-maker as the Power skated to a two-game sweep on the road. In Friday’s 5-1 win, the veteran forward tallied his team’s third goal and later added a power-play assist. He raised the bar even higher on Saturday, recording his first hat trick of the season in a 7-4 victory, scoring once in each period, including a second-period power-play goal. With goals in three straight games and five of his first six to start the season, the Rice Lake, WI native continues to be a driving force for West Bend.

The impact Jace has had early season is clear, and Head Coach Jason Woods highlighted just how impressive his play has been: "Jace has been absolutely electric this season, and it’s no surprise to see him recognized by the league again, especially after dominating the series against Wausau. Averaging two points per game in his age-out year shows just how hard he works and how dangerous he is every time he’s on the ice. He’s a game-changer for us now, and there’s no doubt even bigger things are coming for him this season and beyond."

2nd Star: Brody Josselyn, D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Jace Jordan, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues

East Star of the Week: Hayden Brown - Maine Nordiques

Making his NA3HL debut, ‘07 forward Hayden Brown wasted no time making an impact, helping the Nordiques sweep their home-opening series against the New Jersey Titans. The hometown product was a force on special teams all weekend, starting with his first career goal in Friday’s 4-2 win, sealing the night with the team’s fourth tally in the third period. He carried that momentum into Saturday, where he stole the show with a dominant second period. He recorded a natural hat trick, all three goals coming on the power play to fuel the Nordiques’ to a commanding 8-2 victory.

Head Coach Dylan Farrell-Reny praised Brown’s early impact and future potential: “Hayden is the definition of a Nordique,  a true leader with a relentless work ethic on the ice. He’s only scratching the surface of his potential, and I’m very excited to see his development throughout the rest of the year. He’s a true goal scorer and allowing him to play his game is exactly what he needed.”

2nd Star: Kolin Krizan, F, Norwich Sea Captains

3rd Star: Ilya Baldin, F, Binghamton Buzz

Frontier Star of the Week: Loghan Weber - Butte Irish

The Butte Irish saw mixed results this weekend, but one constant was the performance of veteran forward Loghan Weber. Friday, in front of the home crowd, he set the tone against the Helena Bighorns, scoring the game’s first goal and fueling the team’s momentum. He didn’t stop there, with Butte holding a 2-1 lead entering the third, Weber picked up two assists on the team’s fourth and fifth goals, helping seal the win. Despite losing 7-4 on Saturday, the Irish gave Bozeman a battle as Weber found his way onto the scoresheet yet again. He opened the scoring on the first-period power play, added a second power-play goal later in the game, and contributed an assist, finishing the weekend with six points.

His effort and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed by Head Coach Marc Brodeur stating: “Whether it’s in practice or a game, Loghan is always the hardest worker on the ice. He is a great teammate and a true student of the game.”

2nd Star: Lex Steckelberg , F, Bozeman Icedogs

3rd Star: Joshua Sauro, F, Gillette Wild 

South Star of the Week: John Scharf - Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas remain the only undefeated team in the South Division after sweeping in-state rivals Austin Ice Bats in a two-game series. NA3HL rookie John Scharf made a big impact for Texas all weekend. In Friday’s nailbiter, the Brahmas fell behind 1-0 early, but Scharf sparked the comeback with back-to-back goals, one of which came on the power play. Scharf also set up the fourth goal on another power-play opportunity, with the Brahmas eventually winning 5-4 in a shootout. Saturday saw a commanding 5-1 win, highlighted by Scharf’s assist on the third goal and his own goal to close out the game, giving him five points on the weekend.

It wasn’t just the points that stood out this weekend, Head Coach Michael Rooney highlighted what makes Scharf a complete player: “John had a great weekend. He’s just beginning to crack the surface of his potential. He’s a true two way player, he doesn’t cheat the game. What makes him a dangerous player is not only his ability to shoot the puck, but his vision as well. He sees the ice and plays that not many can. He’s not overly flashy, but does everything the right way. He’s a silent assassin with the puck. We’re extremely proud to see him recognized with this honor!”

2nd Star: Nicholas Catalano, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: William Andegren, F, West Texas Wranglers

Southeast Star of the Week: Matthew Hunter - Pelham Prowlers

The Pelham Prowlers made history this weekend, earning their first-ever set of wins and completing their first weekend sweep by taking all three games against the Bayou State Rougarou. ‘06 forward Matthew Hunter led the charge, finishing as the team’s top goal scorer. Hunter was unstoppable, tallying eight goals on the weekend, including hat tricks on both Friday and Saturday. Two of his goals came on the power play, while another two ultimately stood as game-winners on Saturday and Sunday. He also added two assists, rounding out a dominant all-around performance with a total of 10 points. 

2nd Star: Carter Tymchak, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers

West Star of the Week: Grady Stallman - Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard stormed past the Minnesota Wilderness, bouncing back from last weekend to earn their first sweep of the season. Hometown product Grady Stallman was the standout, especially in Friday’s high-scoring opener. He lit up the scoresheet with five goals, one in the first, two in the second, and two more in the third, leading Alexandria to a 7-3 victory. Stallman carried that momentum into Saturday’s tighter contest, which ended 6-4. After trailing 1-0 heading into the second period, the Blizzard erupted for five goals, including back-to-back power-play goals, one of which proved to be the game-winner. Across the weekend, Stallman finished with an impressive +8 rating, highlighting his impact at both ends of the ice.

It was a weekend to remember for Stallman, and Head Coach Jeff Crouse was quick to highlight his impact on the ice: “Grady had a great weekend for us. He brought energy and enthusiasm to the team and it obviously paid off on the ice. A 5 goal performance is almost unheard of and it was just a game as a Coach where you sit back and enjoy the show. We look forward to watching him continue his success.”

2nd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Stone Resch, F, Mason City Toros 

Central Star of the Week: Mason Decker - Rochester Grizzlies

Second-year forward Mason Decker put on a show this past weekend as the Rochester Grizzlies swept their two-game series against the Peoria Mustangs.

Friday’s opener was a scoring frenzy, with 11 goals total, five of them coming off Decker’s stick. He netted back-to-back goals in the first period (including a power-play tally), added another in the second, and capped it off with two more in the third for an unforgettable five-goal performance.

While he didn’t match that output in game two, Decker still played a major role in Rochester’s 4-0 shutout. He picked up three points, assisting on the first and fourth goals while burying the team’s third.

With eight points on the weekend, Decker now leads the Grizzlies in scoring through two weeks of play.

Head Coach Marty Raymond said the following when asked about Decker earning league honors: “Mason, a true veteran, dominated both ends of the ice this weekend while leading our team on and off it. Spectacular play and a truly well-deserved honor.”

2nd Star: Eiji Hofmann, F, Wausau Cyclones

3rd Star: Brody Josselyn, D, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Brendan Dalton - Long Beach Sharks

The Long Beach Sharks opened the 2025-26 season strong, winning two of three, topping New Jersey on Wednesday before splitting a weekend series with Maine.

Rookie forward Brendan Dalton wasted no time making an impact, leading the team in scoring after the first weekend with six points (2 goals, 4 assists). In Wednesday’s opener, he recorded a pair of points, setting up the Sharks’ second goal to give them a 2-1 lead before adding one of his own to cap off a four-goal first period.

Dalton continued to shine on Saturday, quarterbacking the power play with two assists on the man advantage. He capped off his breakout weekend on Sunday, carrying that momentum into a tight matchup with the Nordiques by netting a shorthanded goal and adding another power play assist.

Sharks head coach Jeff Tory praised Dalton’s early impact, pointing to his composure and playmaking ability as keys to the rookie’s strong start: “Brendan has tremendous poise with the puck and a knack for making high-level plays under pressure. He not only creates scoring opportunities for himself, but he also elevates the players around him.”

2nd Star: Jacob Landry, F, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Jace Tourillot, F, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Chase Berg - Helena Bighorns

The Helena Bighorns enjoyed a big weekend, with wins over the Great Falls Americans and the Bozeman Ice Dogs.

Friday’s contest with Great Falls went back and forth before ultimately being settled in a shootout. While he didn’t record a point in regulation, second-year forward Chase Berg stepped up when it mattered most, burying the lone goal of the shootout to lift the Bighorns to victory and send Steed Arena into celebration.

On Saturday, Helena handed Bozeman their first loss of the season with a 4-1 win. Berg made his mark early with an assist on the opening goal, then followed it up with back-to-back tallies, including the eventual game-winner, for a three-point night that powered his team to the sweep.

Head Coach Damon Hanson spoke about Chase Berg’s strong start to the season and his role as a leader on the ice: “Chase Berg has started the season off very well and is looking to continue the little success he has had in the last few games offensively. While Chase also focuses on leading our group weekend after weekend in the right direction.”

2nd Star: Vincent Leaf, F, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Carter Kilen, F, Badlands Sabres 

South Star of the Week: Josh Reaska - Texas Brahmas

Under new head coach Mike Rooney, the Texas Brahmas made a statement in the South Division, knocking off the previously undefeated Texas RoadRunners before sweeping a two-game set with the El Paso Rhinos.

Newcomer Josh Reaska wasted no time making his presence felt, racking up seven points in his first week with the team. In a 6-1 road win down in College Station, he picked up two assists on Xavier Othon’s goals for two points on the day. 

Against El Paso, Reaska kept rolling. In game one, he opened the scoring on the power play and later sealed the 3-1 win with his second goal of the night. On Sunday, he added two more power-play assists and, once again, scored the Brahmas’ final goal to cap a 6-4 victory and the weekend sweep.

Head Coach Michael Rooney exclaims his excitement on Reaska earning weekly honors and his contributions to the team: “Josh is a really talented player, he’s humble, and lets his play do his talking. It’s not just his abilities on the ice that make him one of the best players in the league, but his ability to absorb information and translate it to his play. Seeing him get this notoriety is something special. We’re certain there are more great moments to come from him and the team this season.”

2nd Star: Ryan Hoogsteen, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Star of the Week: Isaac Emmrich - Carolina Rage

The Carolina Rage broke through in a big way, earning a road sweep over the Atlanta Capitals. Isaac Emmrich was a steady force all weekend, finishing with five points in the three-game set.

The 2007 forward kicked off his junior career in style on Friday, scoring Carolina’s first goal of the night and adding an assist during their 4-2 win. He delivered a near repeat on Saturday, tallying another goal and assist in the Rage’s second straight 4-2 victory.

Emmrich capped off his standout weekend on Sunday by sparking the offense once again, netting Carolina’s opening goal on the way to a 2-1 win and the sweep.

Head Coach Mike DeCarle highlighted Emmerich’s style of play and the keys to his success:

"Isaac Emmerich is a versatile, all-around player who combines physicality with smart, disciplined play. He also brings strong offensive skills, as shown last weekend in Atalanta, where he tallied 3 goals and 2 assists across 3 games.”

2nd Star: Jaylen Fluhr, F, Atlanta Capitals

West Star of the Week: Gabe Otis - Minnesota Moose

West Division Star of the Week: Gabe Otis, Goaltender, Minnesota Moose

After joining the Moose late last season, 2006-born goaltender Gabe Otis returned for year two in Minnesota and opened the 2025-26 campaign on a high note. Starting Saturday against the Minnesota Wilderness, Otis was unbeatable, stopping all 26 shots he faced for his first shutout of the year. He was especially sharp on the penalty kill, denying the Wilderness on all four of their power-play opportunities.

Head Coach Todd Sanden reflected on “Gabe has a competitive nature and work ethic that drives his success. He works hard on and off the ice and is a great teammate.”

2nd Star: Luke Gustafson, F, Mason City Toros

3rd Star: Blake Breiland, F, Alexandria Blizzard

Central Star of the Week: Jace Fitzgerald - West Bend Power

Veteran forward Jace Fitzgerald wasted no time making an impact, picking up right where he left off last season as the West Bend Power opened the year with a sweep over the Peoria Mustangs.

Fitzgerald started things off on Friday, finding the back of the net on the power play to seal West Bend’s 4-1 victory. He cranked it up a notch on Saturday night, powering the offense with a four-point effort. Carrying momentum from the night before, he posted two points in the opening period, assisting on the first goal before scoring shorthanded to put the Power up 2-1. The second period was more of the same, setting up the team’s fourth goal and then burying his second of the night, which stood as the eventual game-winner in a 5-3 victory.

Power Head Coach Jason Woods credited Fitzgerald’s leadership and impact, saying, “Jace started the year off with a bang. To be able to score in all three phases of the game, on the penalty kill, power play, and five-on-five, really shows his ability to dominate in multiple ways. The tenacity he attacks practice and games with is a great opportunity and example for our younger guys to see how it’s done each and every day!”

2nd Star: Danny Jurcich, F, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Josh Kauppinen, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

Frontier Star of the Week: Lex Steckelberg - Bozeman Icedogs

The Bozeman Icedogs continue to dominate, standing as the only undefeated team in the Frontier Division. After leading the way offensively in week one, second-year forward Lex Steckelberg kept his foot on the gas, shining once again during the weekend series against the Yellowstone Quake.

In Friday’s tight, low-scoring battle, the hometown standout delivered exactly what fans came to see, opening the scoring in the second period and igniting momentum for Bozeman’s 2-1 victory. Saturday, however, was Steckelberg’s night to shine. He filled the scoresheet with four points, starting with an assist on the first goal before turning into a special teams dynamo. He netted two power-play goals, including the game-winner, and added a shorthanded tally to mark his second hat trick of the season, leading Bozeman to a 4-1 win.

When reflecting on Lex Steckelberg’s strong showing, Bozeman Head Coach Mike Perkins said, "Seeing Lex continue to shine as a veteran player in our program is what it’s all about. He’s put in the work and delivered a huge performance yet again this weekend. We’re excited to watch him continue to grow, and we’re thrilled for him to earn these honors."

2nd Star: Easton Langemo, F, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Dominic Arndt, F, Gillette Wild 

South Star of the Week: Josh Middleton - New Mexico Ice Wolves

The New Mexico Ice Wolves kicked off the 2025-26 season with a strong showing, collecting five points over three games, falling just short in Friday’s overtime opener before dominating in games two and three with regulation wins, both by shutout. Rookie goaltender Josh Middleton was a wall in net all weekend, proving he is a force to be reckoned with even in his first season of junior hockey.

After a tough overtime loss on Friday, Middleton bounced back in spectacular fashion, posting back-to-back shutouts, an impressive accomplishment in the South Division. Over the course of the weekend, the St. Louis Park, MN native faced 102 shots, allowing just six goals for a .941 save percentage. The highlight of his weekend came Sunday, when he stopped 35 shots for a commanding shutout to close out the series. 

When reflecting on Josh Middleton’s strong showing, Head Coach Isaac Washburn shared, “We're extremely proud of Josh and the way he showcased his ability to compete relentlessly all weekend.  His steady and calm presence was a big asset for our group throughout the weekend.  I'm happy to see him recognized and honored as he continuously works hard to lead by example in the way he prepares each day and stays focused through the highs and lows of each game.  We're really excited to work with Josh and watch him continue to develop his game.”

2nd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Liam Cardona, F,  Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Star of the Week: Lucas Dyer - Texas RoadRunners

The Texas RoadRunners continue to light up the scoreboard, improving to 6-0 with a clean sweep of the Carolina Rage. Leading the charge for the offense is second-year forward Lucas Dyer, who currently sits atop the league scoring leaderboard thanks to an incredible weekend.

The Houston, TX native exploded for 19 points over three games, tallying nine goals and 10 assists. Not only did he record a hat trick in all three contests, including his first of the season, but this performance also pushes his season total to 24 points, already surpassing his entire 2024-25 campaign.

RoadRunners Head Coach Mike Beavis praised Dyer’s hot start, saying, “ Lucas has been on a tear over the first two weeks of the season. He’s determined to help his team make a statement. He should have some opportunities at the NAHL level during the season and will most likely have some choices to make for college. His high GPA coupled with his skill should create some interesting offers."

2nd Star: Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Dayton Ruppel, D, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Jason Williams - Mason City Toros

The Mason City Toros picked up three out of four points in their opening series against the Minnesota Wilderness, and rookie forward Jason Williams made a strong impression in his first taste of junior hockey. Despite a 2-1 overtime loss in game one, Williams scored his first-ever junior goal, opening the scoring for Mason City.

Williams truly made his mark on Saturday, helping propel the Toros to an 8-3 victory. The St. Louis, MO native was unstoppable, scoring one even-strength goal in each period to record a hat trick. At just an ‘07 birthyear, he is currently the youngest player in the league to achieve a hat trick this season.

Toros Head Coach Alex North applauded Williams’ weekend efforts, saying, “I couldn’t be happier for Jason earning this honor. He comes to the rink every day with the right attitude and work ethic, and it showed in both games. Jason plays the game the right way, and this recognition is a well-deserved reward for his efforts.”

2nd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Max Jackson, F, Willmar WarHawks

Central Star of the Week: Caden Lindley - St. Louis Jr. Blues

The St. Louis Jr. Blues opened their season in dominant fashion, sweeping the Peoria Mustangs in front of their home crowd. Rookie forward Caden Lindley  made an immediate impact in his NA3HL debut, collecting five points across the two-game set. In Saturday’s 8-2 win, Lindley started quietly before erupting in the final two periods, notching two goals (including a power-play tally) and adding two assists. He followed up on Sunday by sealing the 6-2 victory with the game’s final goal, bringing his weekend total to five points in two games.

When asked about his week one performance and earning Weekly Honors Head Coach Matt Ocello said the following:

“Caden had a great opening weekend for being a newcomer into the league.  Putting up 5 points on the weekend including 3 goals and 2 assists he contributed immensely.  Caden is a player that we have been watching for a few seasons in our Midget program and was a target this past summer to lock in for this season.  He brings good vision and skill assets to the team that are very beneficial to putting points on the scoresheet.  We are looking forward to continuing to see great things from Caden this season.”

2nd Star: Joseph Lopiccolo, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues

Frontier Star of the Week: Jack Ryan - Bozeman Icedogs

2006 netminder Jack Ryan wasted no time making his mark in year two with the Bozeman Icedogs, earning back-to-back wins to start the 2025-26 campaign against the Butte Irish and Great Falls Americans. Starting both games, the Denver, CO native turned aside 75 of the 78 shots he faced, 33 from Butte and 45 from Great Falls. Despite numerous penalty minutes across the weekend, Ryan stood tall on the penalty kill, denying both opponents on the power play. In total, he allowed just one goal against the Irish and two against the Americans, finishing the weekend with a stellar .962 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average.

When asked about Ryan’s dominant performance between the pipes, Head Coach Mike Perkins said the following:

“We’re excited to see Jack’s growth and development from last year to this year. His play over the weekend not only gave us a chance to win both games, but also set the tone for our team to keep improving.”

2nd Star: Jackson Roethler, G, Badlands Sabres

3rd Star: Chase Berg, F, Helena Bighorns 

South Star of the Week: Gavin Brown - West Texas Wranglers

The West Texas Wranglers made a strong first impression in their NA3HL debut, earning three of a possible four points on opening weekend. Friday’s matchup with the Austin Ice Bats was a thriller, with forward Gavin Brown leading the way. Brown assisted on the first goal in Wranglers’ program history and scored twice, including the game-tying goal that sent the contest to overtime before Austin ultimately prevailed in a shootout. On Saturday, West Texas captured its first-ever victory with a 4-2 win over Austin, as Brown once again made his mark by adding two assists, including one on the game-winning goal, to finish the weekend with five points.

When asked about the 07’s contributions on opening weekend Head Coach Austin Sutter said the following: 

“We’re proud of Gavin for being named South Division Star of the Week. He and his teammates have fully embraced the standard we’re building in Amarillo, and his hockey IQ and relentless work ethic stood out in Austin. At just an ’07 birth year, Gavin has tremendous upside, and with continued development, we are confident he has the ability to play college hockey.” 

2nd Star: Matthieu Leblanc, F, Austin Ice Bars

Southeast Star of the Week: Michael Garrett - Texas RoadRunners

RoadRunners newcomer Michael Garrett made an immediate impact on opening weekend, leading Texas’ offense in a three game sweep of the Pelham Prowlers. The Woodbury, MN native was all over the scoresheet, tallying an impressive nine points across the series. He kicked off the weekend with a hat trick on night one, scoring once in each period. Garrett kept the momentum rolling in game two, netting four more goals, two shorthanded and two on the power play, while adding an assist. He finished the weekend strong with another goal in the finale, closing out a dominant debut with nine points.

When asked about his lights out performance and joining the team Head Coach Mike Beavis said the following: 

"Michael has been a tremendous addition to our program, and we are extremely pleased with his work ethic. His play has already helped elevate the team, and as a two-way, 200-foot player who gives his all every shift, he’s the kind of talented, dedicated kid who is sure to catch the attention of several NCAA teams right away."

2nd Star: Wyatt Mineheine, F, Texas RoadRunners