NA3HL Announces Stars of the Week

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) is pleased to announce the Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending in October 6th. 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: Josh Kauppinen, Forward, Wisconsin Woodsmen

Josh Kauppinen and the Wisconsin Woodsmen split their weekend series with their tough in-division rival in the West Bend Power. The ‘06 Hermantown, MN native was a huge contributor for the Woodsmen, scoring one shorthanded goal and dishing out three assists for four points on the day. In addition to helping his team claim victory, Kauppinen maintained a plus-minus of +3 during game two. 

“Ralph Marston said it best, Excellence is not a skill, it's an attitude. I believe Josh embodies that philosophy,” stated Woodsmen Head Coach Jon Vaillancourt. “His practice habits and preparation for games are creating opportunities for success in performance. We use him in a lot of different situations and it's great to see him having early success in our league.” 

2nd Star: Tristen May-Robinson, Wisconsin Woodsmen 

3rd Star: Noah Joyce, Rochester Grizzlies

East Division Star of the Week: Dalton Elliott, Goaltender, Binghamton Buzz

Dalton Elliott and the Binghamton Buzz are back in the win column, picking up four points in the standings after a weekend sweep over the Northeast Generals. Starting between the pipes for both contests, the Johnstown, IA native was faced with 73 shots, making 71 saves for a save percentage of .973% and a goals against average of 1.00. With these games being his first two of the 2024-25 campaign, Elliot is off to a hot start and will be a goaltender to watch moving forward.

“Dalton’s first two appearances in the Buzz net were astounding. He plays with a sense of calm and control,” stated Buzz Head Coach Gaetano Moirano. “The boys played confidently in front of him as well. We look forward to seeing Dalton have continued success.”

2nd Sar: Ethan Miller, Binghamton Buzz

3rd Star: Ryan Bernard, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Brett DeVincent, Goaltender, Bozeman Ice Dog

Brett DeVincent was an absolute stud between the pipes for the Ice Dogs on Friday night as Bozeman defeated the Badlands Sabres 3-2 in a shootout. The first-year Bozeman netminder was faced with a whopping 53 shots as the Sabres outshot the hometown team 53 to 34. Saving 51 of 53 shots, DeVincent had an in-game save percentage of .962% and a goals against average of 1.85. With this win, DeVincent’s record improves to 3-1-0-0. 

“Brett’s work ethic speaks for itself,” stated Ice Dogs Head Coach Mike Perkins. “His compete level is very high in practices and games and sets the tone for his teammates.”

2nd Star: Easton Langemo, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Zac Orwig, Great Falls Americans 

South Division Star of the Week: Chase Forry, Forward, Texas Brahma

Chase Forry and the Texas Brahmas maintain their perfect record with a pair of victories over the Tulsa Jr. Oilers. Playing his third season in the NA3HL for the Brahmas, Forry continues to be a top producer for his squad, racking up seven points in two games this past weekend, bringing his season point total to 20 points. Of his seven points this weekend, Forry scored three goals and notched four assists while maintaining a plus-minutes of +7. 

“Chase has put in a lot of work as a Brahma over the last two seasons. His experience is showing early in our year and we couldn’t be happier for him,” stated Brahmas Head Coach Chad Bailey. “We are expecting big things from him this season and we are looking for ward to his continued success throughout the year. With him being a large presence on our team, he has recently been named Assistant Captain to help lead this year’s squad.”

2nd Star: Thomas Forgrave, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Arys Perardi, Austin Ice Bats

West Division Star of the Week: Eli Fletcher, Forward, Alexandria Blizzard

Eli Fletcher and the Alexandria Blizzard swept their series with the Willmar WarHawks, the Sauk Centre, MN native being a large offensive contributor for his team. A second year forward for Alexandria, Fletcher scored a hattrick during Friday’s 8-3 victory and dished out another three assists during Saturday’s contest. 

“Eli had a great offensive weekend recording a Hat Trick on Friday and making great plays as well picking up 3 assists on Saturday,” stated Blizzard Head Coach Jeff Crouse. “He showed his leadership on the ice as well all weekend. We look for Eli to continue his hot start and keep leading our team on and off the ice.”

2nd Star: TJ Gibson, Mason City Toros 

3rd Star: Caleb Alderson, Granite City Lumberjack