NA3HL Announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending March 3rd. The Divisional Stars of the Week is an award given each week of the regular season to the top performing players in each of the five divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Bryce Stensrud, Forward, Oregon Tradesmen
Tradesmen forward Bryce Stensrud posted four points over two games. The Mundelein, IL native scored two goals and added two assists. Stensrud added two goals in the second period, and assisted on both goals in the third period in a 5-2 win over Wisconsin. Stensrud has played in 28 games this season where he has combined for 32 points.
2nd Star: Anderson Brien, F, Wausau Cyclones
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Easton Simpson, F, Oregon Tradesmen
East Division Star of the Week: Blake Hasenauer, Forward, Northeast Generals
Northeast forward Blake Hasenauer posted three points over two games in the Generals' weekend sweep over New Hampshire. The Reading, PA native added an assist in the opening game of the weekend where Northeast won 4-1. On Sunday’s regular season finale, the forward added two goals which included the overtime winner in a 4-3 final. Hasenauer has played in 14 games for the Generals this season where he has combined for 14 points.
2nd Star: Ryan Hiles, F, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt Bellopede, F, Long Beach Sharks – Glen Farmer, F, Norwich Sea Captains -- Brian Essing, F, Nowich Sea Captains -- Mason Jackson, F, Long Beach Sharks – Xander St. Pierre, F, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Dmitri Kuleshov, Forward, Great Falls Americans
Great Falls forward Dmitri Kuleshov was fantastic over the weekend with his efforts, helping the Americans clinch a spot in the 2024 Fraser Cup playoffs. The Sydney, Australia native netted two goals and handed out two assists in the Americans Friday night win, 5-2. The following night, Kuleshov added two assists in the 3-2 overtime win. Kuleshov has played in 41 games this season where he has totalled 53 points.
2nd Star: Tanner Freed, F, Sheridan Hawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Gavin Barr, F, Helena Bighorns – Braden Cunningham, F, helena Bighorns – Tay Kurpius, F, Gillette Wild – Ty Obey, F, Great Falls Americans – Brooks Roaldson, F, Badlands Sabres – Ryan Sikorski, D, Butte Irish – Weston Villers, D, Butte Irish – Isaac Young, F, Gillette Wild
South Division Star of the Week: Sebastian Thome, Goalie, Louisiana Drillers
Drillers netminder Sebastian Thome was outstanding in his performance that excelled Louisiana into the postseason as he won three straight starts in net. The Buffalo, NY native was called on in three must win games against the Atlanta Capitals. Thome answered the call winning in all three games stopping 74 of 81 shots, which was good for a 2.33 GAA, a .910 SV%, and a spot in the Fraser Cup playoffs. Thome has appeared in 14 games for the Drillers this season where he holds a 10-2-0-1 record.
2nd Star: Ethan Fredricks, D, Atlanta Capitals
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Mackenzie Bolger, F, El Paso Rhinos – Alex Cagan, D, Texas Brahmas – Trey Erramouspe, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Landon Hackler, F, Atlanta Capitals – Stanley Hubbard, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Nick Jones, F, El Paso Rhinos – Logan Motz, D, Texas RoadRunners – Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers – Luke Romney, F, Texas Brahmas – Carson Spear, F, Texas RoadRunners
West Division Star of the Week: Sam Brennan, Defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks
Granite City defenseman Sam Brennan was a key in the Lumberjacks to clinch the West Division Regular Season Championship title. In a showdown for the West Division title, the Eau Claire, WI native came to play, adding a goal, two assists, and a +5 rating in the Lumberjacks 6-4 win over Rochester. Brennan has played in 42 games this season and has totalled 36 points.
2nd Star: Marcus Fritel, F, Mason City Toros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Thomas Gerum, F, Granite City Lumberjacks – Gavin Griffin, D, Rochester Grizzlies – Spencer Klots, F, Rochester Grizzlies – Sam Meene, D, Mason City Toros
