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 23rd. 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: Jackson Hoem, Forward, West Bend Power
Jackson Hoem and the West Bend Power remain at the top of the division standings after completing a weekend sweep of the Wisconsin Woodsmen, with both games ending 8-3. The first-year forward has been a key player for West Bend this season, averaging over a point per game, and continued his strong performance this weekend. In game one, Hoem netted back-to-back goals in the third period, including the game-winner, and added an assist later on. On Saturday, the Chippewa Falls, WI native scored his team’s first goal in the opening period to even the score at 1-1 and later assisted on the final goal of the game.
“Jackson had a fantastic weekend against Wisconsin. He scored, moved the puck well, and played with physicality and speed,” stated Head Coach Jason Woods. “It’s no surprise coming off the Top Prospects, that experience served him well!”
2nd Star: Thomas Gerum, Wausau Cyclones
3rd Star: Noah Gillette, Rochester Grizzlies
East Division Star of the Week: Brody Bess, Forward, Binghamton Buzz
Brody Bess, despite being a recent addition to the Buzz, has quickly established himself as a premier player on the roster, helping Binghamton secure the East Division title. Now averaging over 2 points per game, the Hershey, PA native accumulated seven points in their three-game series against New Hampshire, extending his personal point streak to 10 games. In game one, Bess recorded his first hat trick with the Buzz, scoring one goal in the second period and two in the third. In game two, he assisted on the first goal before scoring two more, including a shorthanded goal. To wrap up the weekend, he added another goal, capping off an impressive three-game performance, posting a plus-minus of +12.
"Brody has been outstanding since we brought him in, and his presence has made a big difference for us. Being named Star of the Week is a well-deserved recognition for all his hard work. As we head into the playoffs, we'll be counting on his scoring ability to help us maintain our dominant play and continue pushing for success," stated Head Coach Gaetano Moirano.
2nd Star: Daniel Tirendi, Binghamton Buzz
3rd Star: Tony Morran, Norwich Sea Captains
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Bobby Anselmo, Forward, Butte Irish
Bobby Anselmo and the Butte Irish had a great series with the Wild, sweeping their in division rivals by scores of 4-3 and 7-4. In Friday's close matchup, the Spokane, WA native ignited the offense by scoring back-to-back goals in the second period, just twenty seconds apart, helping spark a dominant period for Butte. Following up on his two goal performance, Anselmo went on to tally his first hat trick of the season during Saturday’s high scoring affair. Of his three goals, the '04 forward excelled on special teams, scoring two powerplay goals and increasing his powerplay total to 11 for the year.
“Bobby is a hockey coach’s dream when it comes to effort, loyalty, discipline and leadership. I am excited to see where he ends up playing next season and wherever that may be, they are getting one heck of a hockey player,” stated Head Coach Marc Brodeur.
2nd Star: Kaden Rhyder, Great Falls Americans
3rd Star: Loghan Weber, Butte Irish
South Division Star of the Week: Joey Crowley, Forward, Texas Brahmas
Brahmas’ Captain Joey Crowley extended his point streak to five games, racking up six points in the two-game series against the Tulsa Jr. Oilers. Friday saw a quieter outing for Crowley, where he provided assists on the Brahmas’ second and fifth goals. However, Saturday was when he truly made his mark, recording his fifth multi-goal performance of the season. The Romeoville, NY native was exceptional on the penalty kill, netting two shorthanded goals, bringing his total to six shorthanded goals for the 2024-25 campaign. With these five points, Crowley continues to show consistency, averaging 1.86 points per game and now has 82 points in 44 games this season.
“Crow has continued to dominate and add to his unbelievable year. Night in and night out, we know we can count on him to produce,” stated Head Coach Chad Bailey. “As our team’s captain, he has embodied what it means to be a Brahma and we look forward to seeing him carry this success into the postseason.”
2nd Star: Georgii Tokarskii, Austin Ice Bats
3rd Star: Zane Mazzola, Texas Brahmas
West Division Star of the Week: Eli Fletcher, Forward, Alexandria Blizzard
Eli Fletcher and the Alexandria Blizzard secured a spot in the 2025 Fraser Cup Playoffs after earning two wins over the Willmar WarHawks and Minnesota Wilderness. The Sauk Centre, MN native recorded a point in the 5-4 win against the WarHawks, providing the primary assist on his team’s second goal. In Saturday’s 5-3 victory, Fletcher had an outstanding performance, totaling four points, including three in the second period. He scored two quick goals just three minutes apart and capped off the period with an assist on his team’s fourth goal. Fletcher finished the game by scoring the final goal at the 18:46 mark of the third period, completing his third hat trick of the year.
“Eli really picked up his hard work and intensity this weekend and it paid off in a big way. He used his size and strength all weekend and was able to capitalize on his chances. We look forward to seeing Eli continue his leadership into the playoffs,” stated Head Coach Jeff Crouse.
2nd Star: Dylan Posch, Minnesota Moose
3rd Star: Ashton Collings, Alexandria Blizzard
