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 January 12th. 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: Wyatt Duke, Forward, Peoria Mustangs
It is no secret that Mustangs’ forward Wyatt Duke has been absolutely stellar since joining Peoria, playing a vital role within their lineup. Since joining the Mustangs in mid November, the Dunlap, IL is well over a point per game player, averaging 2.12 points per game and his production certainly did not slow down this weekend. Duke contributed to one of Peoria's three goals on Friday night and then delivered a standout performance with four points during Saturday's 5-3 victory over the Woodsmen. He picked up four out of five possible points as he netted his first hat trick of the season, one of which was the game winner and also dished out one assist.
“Wyatt is a very skilled offensive player that makes everyone around him better. He also brings great leadership to the locker room,” stated Peoria Head Coach Luke Gruden.
2nd Star: Mason Decker, Rochester Grizzlies
3rd Star: Tristen May-Robinson, Wisconsin Woodsmen
East Division Star of the Week: Jaxson Sardinha, Forward, Maine Nordiques
Nordiques rookie Jaxson Sardinha had his best weekend yet, helping Maine sweep their two-game series against Long Beach. The 2006 forward posted back to back two-point games, his first two multi-point showings of the 2024-25 campaign. Sardinha began the weekend scoring a pair of goals during his team’s 4-0 victory, scoring not only the first goal of the game (the eventual game winner) but the 2nd period as well. Saturday’s tilt was a come from behind victory for Maine as they were down 2-0 entering the final frame and it would be Sardinha who would score the game winner for the second night in a row at the 17:05 mark in the third period.
“Jaxson has been one of our leaders all year as he continues to set the bar high. His work ethic and dedication to the team is remarkable,” stated Nordiques’ Head Coach Chris Pomerleau. “He’s the kind of player every coach wants both on and off the ice.”
2nd Star: Jacob Landry, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings
3rd Star: Mathieu Chernauckas, Binghamton Buzz
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Vincent Leaf, Forward, Sheridan Hawks
Vincent Leaf, the second-leading scorer for the Sheridan Hawks and the third-highest scorer in the NA3HL, continued to demonstrate his offensive dominance with a six-point weekend against the Gillette Wild. During Friday’s 7-4 victory, Leaf recorded a natural hat trick, scoring the last three goals of the contest including the game winner on the power play. He would follow up by posting yet another three point game as he scored the sixth and final goal during his squad’s 6-4 victory while also dishing out a pair of assists. With a total of 62 points on the season, Leaf has firmly established himself as one of the league's top power forwards, averaging more than 2 points per game.
“Vince had a great weekend as he stepped up big time for us Friday night and played a well rounded, 200 foot game Saturday. He’s been improving in all areas of his game this year and we are to see him continue to grow as the season progresses,” stated Hawks’ Head Coach JJ Santagata.
2nd Star: Colin Becker, Helena Bighorns
3rd Star: Daniel Shelden, Sheridan Hawks
South Division Star of the Week: Brody Neish, Forward, Louisiana Drillers
Veteran Louisiana forward Brody Neish continues to be a star for the Drillers, recording at least one point in more in 14 of out his last 15 games played, including a stellar performance against the Texas Brahmas. During game one of their three game set, the Wichita, KS native tallied his fifth multi-goal contest of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring two goals, including the game winner on the man advantage. During Saturday’s nailbiter of a game, Neish potted the game winner yet again and notched one assist as the Drillers took game two by a final score of 6-5. To cap off their last home series of the regular season, Neish picked up his 30th assist of the year as he dished out a pass to Jake Bergstrom at the 7:23 mark of the third period.
“Brody is not only delivering an incredible season on the ice, but his leadership has elevated the entire team. He along with every single member of this team has bought in and it takes a team to have success,” stated Drillers’ Head Coach Chris Francis. “Brody is a special player for our organization but he understands he wouldn’t have this success if it wasn’t for the group around him.”
2nd Star: Carson Gotelaere, New Mexico Ice Wolves
3rd Star: Tommy Forgrave, Austin Ice Bats
West Division Star of the Week: Kai Girard, Goaltender, Willmar WarHawks
The Willmar WarHawks delivered a stellar performance against the second-place Alexandria Blizzard, thanks in large part to the heroic efforts of netminder Kai Girard. The second-year WarHawks goaltender delivered his best performance of the season, posting his first shutout of the year in a 2-0 victory over the Blizzard. The tough Alexandria squad fired 30 shots at Girard, but the Chaska, MN native turned away all 30, securing a perfect game. With this impressive win, Girard's season record now stands at 8-7, and the victory earned his team two crucial points in the West Division standings.
“Kai really stepped up this weekend. He had a big bounce back game and proved why he’s a true competitor,” stated WarHawks’ Head Coach Payton Ruter. “Kai’s big saves and calm demeanor helped the WarHawks rally around him, earning a well deserved shutout.”
2nd Star: Jordan Fanti, Minnesota Wilderness
3rd Star: Dylan Posch, Minnesota Moose
