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 19th. 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: Tanner Bonjernoor, Goaltender, Wausau Cyclones
Goaltender Tanner Bonjernoor had an outstanding weekend, securing two crucial wins that boosted his team to second place in the division. The second year Cyclones netminder was faced with a total of 72 shots from the Woodsmen, turning away 69 shots for a weekend save percentage of .958. Bonjernoor not only allowed just three goals against a tough Wisconsin squad, but also shut down their power play, as the Woodsmen went 0-7 on the man advantage. With these two victories,his record now stands at an impressive 16-4-0-1 on the year, placing him third overall in the NA3HL for wins among goaltenders.
“Tanner had a fantastic weekend and is a big reason we were able to win two games. He was calm and controlled his rebounds while competing his butt off making the saves he needed to make and some that he needed to work for. He stepped up in a big way for our team and we are very proud of him,” stated Cyclones’ Head Coach Nathan Oystrick.
2nd Star: Tyler Steuck, Rochester Grizzlies
3rd Star: Lucca Weinkauf, West Bend Power
East Division Star of the Week: Preston Peterson, Forward, Binghamton Buzz
Preston Peterson and the Binghamton Buzz continued their dominant run, extending their win streak to six with a weekend sweep over the Norwich Sea Captains. During Friday's 5-4 thriller, Peterson put his team on the board with a stunning goal just one second before the first period buzzer. He then narrowed Norwich's lead to 3-2, finding the back of the net again at the 6:21 mark of the second and followed up by dishing out an assist on the game tying goal. On Saturday, the Lakeland, FL native scored his ninth goal of the season, opening the scoring as the Buzz went on to defeat the Sea Captains 2-1, a great ending to his birthday weekend.
“Preston has been a dominant offensive force for us, allowing us to go 6-0 in this second half of the stretch. On and off the ice, he is dedicated to getting better every day by putting in the extra work during open ice and at the gym,” stated Binghamton’s Head Coach Gaetano Moirano. “His positive outlook, determination, and poise with the puck show when it comes to game time. He does this all with a smile on his face, day in and day out.”
2nd Star: Cannon Gough, Maine Nordiques
3rd Star: Michael McLaughlin, Northeast Generals
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Brett DeVincent, Goaltender, Bozeman Icedogs
Brett DeVincent was exceptional for the Icedogs over the weekend, leading the fifth place team to a sweep over the second place Sheridan Hawks. During Friday’s 4-2 victory, the San Jose, CA native was heavily tested as the Hawks fired 52 shots on goal. DeVincent allowed just two goals, marking his second best game in terms of save percentage so far this season with a .962. Saturday’s contest was another great showing for DeVincent and the Icedogs, picking up a 5-2 victory as the netminder made 35 of 37 saves. Similar to Bonjernoor, the Bozeman netminder was able to limit Sheridan on the powerplay as the Hawks went 0/5 throughout the course of the weekend on the man advantage.
“Brett has been very solid in his progression as a junior hockey player,” said Bozeman Head Coach Mike Perkins. “He gives us a chance to win every time he is in net.”
2nd Star: Dawson Wirth, Badlands Sabres
3rd Star: Max Arlt, Gillette Wild
South Division Star of the Week: Johnny Berndt, Defenseman, Louisiana Drillers
Drillers defenseman Johnny Berndt was a playmaking machine over the weekend, racking up one goal and six assists across their three-game set with New Mexico. After collecting two assists in game one, the Wheaton, IL native went on to have his best performance of the season, notching his first four-point game of the year. During his squad’s 5-2 victory, Berndt capitalized on the power play, scoring his fifth tally on the man advantage and would be tabbed as the eventual game winner. He also dished out three assists, picking up four out of five possible points on the day. With six points over the series, Berndt now has 46 points in 35 games, further solidifying his place among the top elite defensemen in the NA3HL.
“Johnny and his team mates have been finding a way all season to step up in big games and help our team have success. Johnny is such a talented hockey player! From his skating, hockey IQ, Skill and just his will to compete,” stated Drillers’ Head Coach Chris Francis. “He is unselfish and understands that if he didn’t use his team mates he wouldn’t have the same amount of success. Johnny has great things ahead of him!”
2nd Star: Donovan Bradford, El Paso Rhinos
3rd Star: Connor Broderick, Texas Brahmas
West Division Star of the Week: Reid Watson, Forward, Minnesota Moose
Reid Watson and the Minnesota Moose remain one of the hottest teams in the league, extending their win streak to an impressive nine games, Watson being able to record at least one point or more in 10 consecutive contests. During Friday’s 8-2 victory over the Wilderness, the Highlands Ranch, CO native put on a stellar performance, recording five points, his best game of the season. Watson scored the fourth goal for his team while dishing out four assists, picking up five out of eight possible points on the day. He would follow things up by recording one more assist on the first goal of the game as his team completed the weekend sweep with a final score of 3-2.
"Reid has led the turnaround for the Minnesota Moose. He is a consistent, 200 foot center. He has a stable presence in the defensive zone, is a reliable pointer, and a leader both on and off the ice,” stated Moose Head Coach Todd Sanden. “His work ethic off the ice has increased his strength, stamina, and confidence. We will need Reid to continue his solid play for our team to continue rising in the West Division standings."
2nd Star: Nick Hansen, Granite City Lumberjacks
3rd Star: Jordan Fanti, Minnesota Wilderness