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 15th. 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

Tanner Bonjernoor and the Wausau Cyclones had a spectacular weekend, sweeping their series against the top-ranked West Bend Power. The 6'0" goaltender was outstanding in both games, standing strong in net. On Friday, the Muskegon, MI native recorded his second shutout of the season, stopping all 44 shots for his best performance yet. In Saturday’s game, which was decided in a shootout, Bonjernoor continued to shine. He and his defense were exceptional on the penalty kill, as they held the Power to an 0/7 record on the power play. Bonjernoor faced 33 shots during the game, stopping 31 to improve his season record to 19-5-0-2. 

2nd Star: Viktor Budik, Wisconsin Woodsmen

3rd Star: Tyler Steuck, Rochester Grizzlies 

East Division Star of the Week: Daniel Tirendi, Forward, Binghamton Buzz

One of Binghamton’s newest acquisitions, Daniel Tirendi, has already proved a high impact player for the Buzz as we round out the regular season. Over the course of their two game series with Long Beach, the ‘05 forward lit up the scoresheet. He kicked things off on Friday with his first hat trick with the Buzz, scoring one goal per period, including one on the powerplay in addition to dishing out on assist. He followed things up scoring one more goal and tacked on two assists. With a total of seven points over the weekend, the Exton, PA native has now recorded a point in each of his five games with the Buzz, averaging 2.4 points per game.

“Daniel is one of the newest additions to the Buzz and has been electric from day one. His agility, puck handling skills, and awareness make him extremely hard to defend against. We are very happy to have him, and watch him contribute every night,” stated Buzz Head Coach Gaetano Moirano. 

2nd Star: Aidan Palmeter, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Cam Fanfa, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings 

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Reid Wilkinson, Forward, Bozeman Icedogs

Reid Wilkinson and the Bozeman Icedogs have been on a hot streak, going 8-2 in their last 10 games after victories over the Butte Irish and Great Falls Americans. The Bozeman rookie made his presence felt throughout the weekend, scoring the Icedogs' second goal in game one against Butte, tying the game in the final minutes of the second period. In game two, he was instrumental in the team's hard-fought win over Great Falls, scoring another goal and adding an assist on his team’s second goal. As the youngest player on the roster, Wilkinson has proven that, despite his age, he can make an impact and compete at a high level.

“Reid has really earned his opportunities this season,” said Icedogs’ Head Coach Mike Perkins. “It's easy to forget that he's only 17. Over the past few months, Reid has made significant strides in his development as a complete, 200-foot player. He’s going to be a key contributor in our final six games.”

2nd Star: Easton Langemo, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Hunter Coulombe, Helena Bighorns 

South Division Star of the Week: Henry Griffin, Forward, Texas Brahmas

Henry Griffin was on fire this weekend for the Brahmas as they faced off against their in-state rivals, the Texas RoadRunners, sweeping the series. The third-year NA3HL forward was a constant presence on the scoresheet, registering 5 points over the weekend. After scoring the insurance goal on day one as the Brahmas’ defeated the RoadRunners 3-0, Griffin then went on to tally another goal to tie things up during game two’s back and forth battle.  He then completed his big weekend by netting his first hat trick of the season. He scored two goals in the second period, one on the power play, and capped it off with his third goal in the final frame, which was the Brahmas’ sixth goal of the contest.

2nd Star: Connor Broderick, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: Issa Murakami, New Mexico Ice Wolves

West Division Star of the Week: Stratton Maas, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness

Stratton Maas and the Minnesota Wilderness had an impressive weekend, sweeping the Mason City Toros. The ‘06 forward delivered his best performance of the season, starting with a two-goal outing in the first game. He netted the final goal of the second period and carried that momentum into the third, scoring the game’s last goal. In the second game, which went into overtime, the Duluth, MN native added to his strong showing by scoring the second goal, increasing the Wilderness’ lead to 2-0 at the 12:39 mark of the second period.

“Strat has been improving every week, working on his physical play and using his size to his advantage. This weekend he was rewarded for taking the puck to the net and playing the right way.  We’re looking forward to seeing him continue to grow his game,” stated Wilderness’ Head Coach Chris Ratzloff. 

2nd Star: Reid Watson, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Jake Hodd-Chlebeck, Minnesota Wilderness