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 March 2nd. 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: Steven Kelley, Goaltender, Wisconsin Woodsmen
The Wisconsin Woodsmen secured a crucial four points by sweeping their series against the St. Louis Jr. Blues. Veteran goaltender Steven Kelley was exceptional between the pipes, playing a key role in both victories. The St. Paul, MN native faced 93 shots over the weekend, making 91 saves and posting an impressive .978 save percentage. Sunday’s game stood out as Kelley’s best of the season, as he recorded his first shutout by stopping all 35 shots. Additionally, he helped limit St. Louis’s powerplay, which went 0-for-7 on the man advantage.
"Steven was excellent this weekend and continues to show why he is a key part of our program. We’ve depended highly on him since we acquired him last year in a trade. His high energy and athletic style will transition well to the college game," stated Head Coach Jon Vaillancourt.
2nd Star: Jace Fitzgerald, West Bend Power
3rd Star: Vincent Greene, Wisconsin Woodsmen
East Division Star of the Week: Brody Bess, Forward, Binghamton Buzz
Brody Bess continues to make a name for himself in the NA3HL, earning back-to-back Weekly honors. The 2005 forward extended his point streak to 12 games, racking up an impressive six points over the weekend. In the first game against New Jersey, the Hershey, PA native ignited his team with two quick goals in the second period, helping secure a dominant 7-0 victory. During game two’s battle of New York against Long Beach, Bess kept contributing, scoring a powerplay goal in the first period and adding three assists. He wrapped up the weekend with a +7 plus-minus over the two games.
“What Brody has accomplished during his time here in Binghamton has been nothing short of outstanding. He has been a consistent presence and has contributed to our team night after night. We’re fortunate to have him on our roster and look forward to seeing his continued success as we head into the postseason,” stated Head Coach Gaetano Moirano.
2nd Star: Samuel Gusty, Northeast Generals
3rd Star: Carson Curry, Binghamton Buzz
Frontier Division Star of the Week: TJ Wonnacott, Goaltender, Sheridan Hawks
TJ Wonnacott stole the spotlight for the Sheridan Hawks as he and his squad picked up a huge 2-1 victory over the Helena Bighorns during game two of their series. Saturday’s contest was filled with intensity as the 2005 netminder was faced with a total of 39 shots from the first place Bighorns. Wonnacott was outstanding, turning away 38 shots, only allowing one goal for a game save percentage of .974, his second best of the 2024-25 campaign. This momentum will be huge for the Hawks as they head into the final weekend of the regular season, traveling to Rapid City, SD, for a two game series against Badlands.
“TJ has been an extremely reliable and component goalie for us. A guy we’ve been able to rely on to make the saves we need and give us that confidence when he’s in net. He’s an extremely hard working, detailed goalie and we’re excited to see him earn an honor for his play this weekend,” stated Head Coach JJ Santagata.
2nd Star: Marcus Fritel, Helena Bighorns
3rd Star: Spencer Wilkinson, Bozeman Icedogs
South Division Star of the Week: Jake Wenner, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Jake Wenner and the New Mexico Ice Wolves wrapped up the regular season with a commanding three-game sweep over the El Paso Rhinos, extending their win streak to seven games. The hometown forward has been a key contributor all season, averaging over a point per game. In the final series of the year against the Rhinos, Wenner continued to shine offensively, racking up seven points in three games. After scoring two goals on Tuesday, he followed up with another multi-goal performance on Saturday, netting two quick goals in the Ice Wolves’ 8-1 victory. Along with the pair of goals, Wenner also registered two assists, helping on the first and fifth goals. He capped off the weekend by adding another assist on the opening goal of the final game.
2nd Star: Brett Phillips, Atlanta Capitals
3rd Star: Charlie Blake, Texas RoadRunners
West Division Star of the Week: Patty Dunaiski, Forward, Granite City Lumberjacks
Patty Dunaiski had an explosive performance for the Lumberjacks, posting his best three-game stretch of the season with an impressive 12 points, four in each game, while finishing with a plus-minus of +8. In game one against the Moose, the Cloquet, MN native notched two assists, one on the first goal, fourth and fifth goals before finding the back of the net himself, scoring the eighth tally of the night. During their two game set with Willmar, Dunaiski continued to dominate, excelling especially on special teams. The second-year NA3HL forward netted two powerplay goals and one shorthanded goal, while also adding five more assists to the statsheet.
“Every game this time of year is crucial and it is even more important to have your guys coming into top form. Patty had a phenomenal weekend and I’m happy to see him rewarded for the hard work he has put in. We will be leaning on guys like him to continue to do so for the rest of the year,” stated Head Coach DJ Vold.
2nd Star: Mark DeNoyer, Minnesota Wilderness
3rd Star: Dom Thomas, Granite City Lumberjacks
