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 December 17th. 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: Maxim Lazo, Forward, Wisconsin Woodsmen

First-year Woodsmen forward Maxim Lazo has been hot as of late, having himself his best stretch of games so far this season. Prior to the NA3HL Showcase, the Woodsmen took part in a fierce battle against the Rochester Grizzlies where the Slovakia native dished out two assists, one on the game tying goal. While in Blaine, Lazo kicked off the Showcase finding the back of the net one in addition to tallying one assist against Mason City. He would then go on to have his best game of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring an impressive four goals against the Minnesota Wilderness, including the game winner.   

“We are very excited for Maxim to be recognized for the outstanding player and young man he is. When Maxim is playing heavy and hard he is a game changing forward and we are looking forward to him continuing to develop and having a fantastic back half to our season,” Stated Woodsmen Head Coach Jon Vaillancourt.

2nd Star: Teagan Scheurer, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Wyatt Duke, Peoria Mustangs

East Division Star of the Week: Michal Stojka, Forward, Long Beach Sharks

The Long Beach Sharks leading scorer Michal Stojka continues to be the most dominant player for Jeff Tory’s squad, putting up a total of five points over the last four contests. Before heading out to Minnesota, the Sharks faced off with the Titans where the ‘06 forward scored one of two goals for Long Beach. Whilst at the Showcase, Stojka found the back of the net on three occasions, starting off by scoring the Sharks’ first goal of the event against Atlanta. He would then follow up by having his first two-goal contest of the season where he tallied a pair of goals against Bozeman, including the game winning goal with under five minutes remaining in regulation.

2nd Star: Jason Dimatteo, Binghamton Buzz

3rd Star: Sam O’Neil, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Max Arlt , Forward, Gillette Wild

NA3HL rookie Max Arlt has asserted his dominance as an offensive powerhouse and has continued to do so throughout the Showcase, recording seven points in three games. The Thief River Falls, MN native had back to back games where he was able to register three points, these contests being against the New Jersey Titans and Long Beach Sharks. During game one against the Titans, Arlt netted two goals, one being the game winner and also dished out an assist. For his second three-point game of the event, he scored the game winner yet again, his fourth of the year while assisting on two others. To round the trip to Blaine, Arlt scored one more goal, bringing his season point total to 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) in 28 games.

“Max has been great for us so far this season. He has been a key player for us in all situations and has delivered when we have asked him to do so,” stated Wild Head Coach Erick Bromberg. “It is awesome to see him be recognized for the hard work he puts in. We hope he keeps trending in the right direction in the second half of the year and continues to find success.”

2nd Star: Easton Langemo, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Kaden Rhyder, Great Falls Americans

South Division Star of the Week: Jake Malzone, Forward, Texas Brahmas

While the Texas Brahmas posted a perfect 3-0 record at the Showcase, forward Jake Malzone had his best three-game set to date, recording 6 points in addition to maintaining a plus-minus of +4. During the Brahmas 4-3 victory over Seridan, the second-year Brahmas forward assisted the first goal of the contest in addition to scoring the second tally for Texas. During their second tilt with Wausau, Malzone continued to dish out assists, picking up two more apples. Before the boys went off for the holiday break, they took part in their most intense battle of the Showcase, an overtime victory over the Buzz. The Chicago, IL native played a huge role in this victory, netting two of the four goals for the Brahmas.

“Jake had an awesome weekend for us and really stepped up when we needed some big time plays. What better time to do that than at the Showcase,” stated Brahmas Head Coach Chad Bailey. “After getting his season cut short last year, I’m proud of him for sticking with the process and continuing to want himself and his team to get better everyday. I hope the hot streak continues in the 2nd half as he helps us accomplish our goals.”

2nd Star: Ryan Wallin, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Dayton Ruppel, Louisiana Drillers

West Division Star of the Week: Zane Irion, Forward, Willmar WarHawks

The Willmar WarHawks and Zane Irion had a great performance at the Showcase, winning all three games against El Paso, Maine and Gillette. The second year forward for the WarHawks began their short trip across Minnesota by scoring a shorthanded goal and tallying one assist against the Rhinos, his first shorthanded tally of the year. The Rio Rancho, NM native followed things up by having his most impactful game to date, scoring the game winning goal at the 14:56 mark of the final frame against the Nordiques. Wrapping things up, Irion tallied his final goal of the weekend against the Wild, the team’s second goal of the game. 

“Zane had a big weekend at the Showcase and turned some heads. His speedy play, relentless work ethic and offensive touch helped us in all 3 games to get much needed 6 points for the Showcase sweep,” stated Willmar Head Coach Payton Ruter. 

2nd Star: Mason Wanka, Willmar WarHawks

3rd Star: Marcus Fritel, Mason City Toros