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 November 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: Connor Dvorak, Forward, Wausau Cyclones

Connor Dvorak and the Wausau Cyclones picked up three out of four possible points in the standings after splitting their series with the Rochester Grizzlies, both games ending in overtime. During game one, both teams scored one goal a piece during the first two periods before Dvorak would seal the deal for the Cyclones just under three minutes into extra innings, his third game winning goal this season. Despite coming up just short in game two, the Freeland, MI native was still able to get on the scoresheet scoring Wasau’s second and fourth goal of the game, bringing his point total to 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) for the 2024-25 campaign. 

“Connor had another great weekend on the scoresheet, with timely goals and continues to be a great leader on and off the ice,” stated Cyclones Head Coach Nathan Oystrick. 

2nd Star: Hugh Deinema, Wisconsin Woodsmen

3rd Star: William McDonald, West Bend Power

East Division Star of the Week: Jascha Grossenbacher, Goaltender, Northeast Generals

Jascha Grossenbacher and the Northeast Generals picked up an enormous 4-1 victory over the Norwich Sea Captains on Sunday to close out the weekend. The ‘06 netminder had his best game to date as he was faced with a whopping 50 shots through 60 minutes, turning away all but one for an impressive GAA of 1 and a save percentage of .980. Playing in his first year of junior hockey, Grossenbacher has appeared in 11 games between the pipes for Northeast, posting an overall record of 6-3-1-0 with his yearly save percentage sitting at .942 after this weekend’s win. 

“Jascha has been outstanding over the last several weeks. We have had a ton of injuries and he has bailed us out and kept us in games time after time,” stated Generals General Manager Bryan Erikson. “His compete level is off the charts and he never gives up on a puck in practice or a game.  Although he is not the tallest goalie, Jascha makes up for it with his athleticism. He just gets better and better every day.  We are proud of Jascha and the improvement he has made this season.”

2nd Sar: Gabe Pomerleau, Maine Nordiques

3rd Star: Ryan Bernard, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Ryan Jordan , Forward, Badlands Sabres

Ryan Jordan and the Badlands Sabres split their weekend series with the Bozeman Ice Dogs. The Gillette, WY native played a huge role for his squad as the leading scorer (tied with Zach Vockler), scoring a vital three goals over the course of two games. Although the Sabres came up short on Friday, Jordan was still able to find his way onto the scoresheet scoring one of two goals for Badlands. Saturday night is where Jordan was the star of the show scoring two goals, including the eventual game winner for Badlands on the powerplay in the second period. 

"I'm extremely excited for Ryan. With Ryan being a returning player from last year, he has hit the ground running this season,” stated Badlands Head Coach Brooks Mitzel. “He's got great size and skates really well. He's a player that we use in every situation, and is well liked by his teammates. It was great to see him have the weekend he had, and it will be exciting to see what he can accomplish throughout the remainder of the season."

2nd Star: Tristan Ward, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Lochlin Jackson, Badlands Sabres

South Division Star of the Week: Johnathon Berndt, Defenseman, Louisiana Drillers

Johnathon Berndt and the Louisiana Drillers were back in action as they came out victorious in two of their three games with the El Paso Rhinos. As a second year defenseman for the Drillers, Berndt continues to be reliable on the blueline while also making offensive contributions for his squad. Over the course of the three-game set, the Wheaton, IL native recorded seven points, including his second three-point game of the season. After dishing out two assists during game one, Berndt found the back of the net on the powerplay and recorded two more assists during game two before closing out the series scoring another goal and tallying one final assist, maintaining a plus-minus of +4. Berndt’s season point total currently sits at 18 points (5 goals, 13 assists) and is the leading scorer for defensemen on the Drillers.

“Johnny, was outstanding this past weekend for us and keeps proving why he is a top defenseman in this league. Johnny is an important part to this team and has the ability to take a game over with his skating, skill, and hockey IQ. We can’t wait to see him continue to grow and watch his skill set translate to the next level,” stated Drillers Head Coach Chris Franics. 

2nd Star: Gavin Morris, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Jaxon Washburn, New Mexico Ice Wolves

West Division Star of the Week: Ty Smith, Forward, Granite City Lumberjacks

Ty Smith and the Granite City Lumberjacks split their weekend series, battling in their most intense two games so far this season. The Victoria, MN native is playing his first season of junior hockey with the Lumberjacks and has found early success as an over a point per game player. During Friday’s heartbreaking loss to Alexandria, Smith put Granite City on the board scoring the first two goals of the contest, the only two goals of the first period. On Saturday night, Granite City got back in the win column as they defeated the Wilderness 4-3 in overtime. Smith dished out two assists on the night including the Lumberjacks second and third goals, these goals tying things up for Granite to send things into overtime.  

“On a weekend with two tough opponents and us dropping our first game, Ty was a bright spot both nights. As a kid who is balancing school, hockey, and living away from home for the first time, it has been impressive watching him go to work and get better every day,” stated Lumberjacks Head Coach DJ Vold. “We hope he continues trending in the right direction and continues to have success for us.”

2nd Star: Ashton Collings, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Marcus Fritel, Mason City Toros