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 February 9th. 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: Landon Bechtolt, Forward, Wausau Cyclones
First-year Cyclones forward Landon Bechtolt has officially surpassed a point-per-game pace, recording four points over the course of his team's two-game series against the Jr. Blues. During Friday’s 5-2 victory, the Centerville, OH native tallied his 17th and 18th goals of the season during the second period, including his first shorthanded goal of the season which would go on to be the game winner. Bechtolt then extended his streak to three consecutive games with a pair of goals, with both tallies once again coming in the second period, including one on the man advantage. He capped off his standout weekend by registering an assist on the final goal of the contest, helping secure a spot in the 2025 Fraser Cup Playoffs for both himself and his team.
“Landon had a phenomenal weekend and has come up big for us all season. He is a leader on and off the ice and certainly led the way this past weekend with his incredible performances,” stated Cyclones’ Head Coach Nathan Oystrick. “He scored timely goals and played great at both ends of the rink, paving the way for our weekend series and playoff clinching wins.”
2nd Star: Thomas Gerum, Wausau Cyclones
3rd Star: Nolan Mix, Wisconsin Woodsmen
East Division Star of the Week: Ryan Bernard, Forward, Norwich Sea Captains
As the Sea Captains' leading scorer, Ryan Bernard has recorded at least one point in four of his last five games, highlighted by back-to-back two-goal performances against the Generals and Titans. Despite the shootout loss to Northeast, the Apex, NC native played a crucial role in securing a point for his team, scoring the first two goals of the contest in the opening period. During Saturday’s overtime thriller against New Jersey, Bernard once again played a key role in earning the Sea Captains a point. He put his team on the board with a pair of goals in the second period, then stepped up big by providing the primary assist on the game-tying goal that ultimately sent the contest into overtime late in regulation.
“Ryan was a major catalyst for our offense in both games last weekend, scoring our first two goals in each game before adding the primary assist on our tying goal in the third period Saturday evening. He is a dynamic offensive threat whenever he is on the ice with his speed, skill and desire to help our team win,” stated Sea Captains’ Head Coach Kevin Cunningham.
2nd Star: Brody Bess, Binghamton Buzz
3rd Star: Ethan Miller, Binghamton Buzz
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Marcus Fritel, Forward, Helena Bighorns
Since joining the Bighorns at the trade deadline, powerhouse forward Marcus Fritel has effortlessly maintained his offensive dominance, putting together an exceptional performance in his first weekend in the Frontier Division. Over the course of Helena’s two game set with Gillette, the Elk River, MN native recorded five points, including four goals and one assist. Fritel made an immediate impact on the Bighorns' power play, scoring an impressive three goals on the man advantage, including one that was labeled the game winner in Sunday’s intense, nail-biting contest, which ended 3-2 in favor of the now Frontier Division Champions. When taking a deeper look at his four goals, Fritel played a crucial role for his new team, as he got the Bighorns on the board first in each, establishing an early lead and setting the tone for the rest of both contests.
“Marcus has established himself as one of the top goal scorers in the league for several years, and beyond that, he’s a natural leader, someone who speaks, and everyone listens. We were thrilled to add a player of his caliber at the deadline,” stated Bighorns’ Head Coach Damon Hanson.
2nd Star: Francesco Sciabarrassi, Sheridan Hawks
3rd Star: Bobby Anselmo, Butte Irish
South Division Star of the Week: Tristan Ward, Forward, Atlanta Capitals
As a new member of the Capitals, '05 forward Tristan Ward had an impressive debut weekend with his new team, racking up an outstanding nine points in three games while boasting a +8 plus-minus rating for the series. After a quiet game one, where he recorded an assist, the Colorado Springs, CO native turned up the heat in game two, scoring two goals, one in the second period and another in the third, while also adding an assist as the Capitals defeated the RoadRunners 5-2. He then delivered his best game of the season to date, scoring four of Atlanta's five goals, including a shorthanded tally, and adding his third assist of the weekend.
“We're thrilled with our acquisition of Tristan in a year-end trade. His work ethic and hockey sense have already made a strong impression on his teammates,” stated Capitals’ Head Coach John Bowkus.
2nd Star: Skylar Bawcom, Louisiana Drillers
3rd Star: Kaiden Gordon, Austin Ice Bats
West Division Star of the Week: Ashton Collings, Forward, Alexandria Blizzard
Longtime Blizzard forward Ashton Collings, the team’s leading scorer, continues to make an impact on the scoresheet as Alexandria split their series with Mason City. In Game one’s 5-2 victory, all of the Blizzard's scoring came in the final period after trailing 2-0. The Williston, ND native played a pivotal role, assisting on his team’s second and fourth goals before netting the final goal of the game himself on the powerplay. Although his team fell short in game two Collings still made his mark on the scoresheet, scoring the only goal of the contest for the Blizzard.
“Ashton fought hard all weekend, and his effort paid off. He was exceptional on the power play and consistently generated offensive pressure for us throughout the series,” stated Blizzard Head Coach Jeff Crouse.
2nd Star: TJ Lepisto, Granite City Lumberjacks
3rd Star: Brady Johnson, Minnesota Moose
