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 September 7, sponsored by Bethel University. This weekly award recognizes the top-performing players from each of the league’s six divisions, as nominated by their head coaches, for their outstanding contributions on the ice.
Please note that the East and West Divisions did not take the ice during opening weekend.
Central Division Star of the Week: Caden Lindley, Forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues
The St. Louis Jr. Blues opened their season in dominant fashion, sweeping the Peoria Mustangs in front of their home crowd. Rookie forward Caden Lindley made an immediate impact in his NA3HL debut, collecting five points across the two-game set. In Saturday’s 8-2 win, Lindley started quietly before erupting in the final two periods, notching two goals (including a power-play tally) and adding two assists. He followed up on Sunday by sealing the 6-2 victory with the game’s final goal, bringing his weekend total to five points in two games.
When asked about his week one performance and earning Weekly Honors Head Coach Matt Ocello said the following:
“Caden had a great opening weekend for being a newcomer into the league. Putting up 5 points on the weekend including 3 goals and 2 assists he contributed immensely. Caden is a player that we have been watching for a few seasons in our Midget program and was a target this past summer to lock in for this season. He brings good vision and skill assets to the team that are very beneficial to putting points on the scoresheet. We are looking forward to continuing to see great things from Caden this season.”
2nd Star: Joseph Lopiccolo, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Jack Ryan, Goaltender, Bozeman Icedogs
2006 netminder Jack Ryan wasted no time making his mark in year two with the Bozeman Icedogs, earning back-to-back wins to start the 2025-26 campaign against the Butte Irish and Great Falls Americans. Starting both games, the Denver, CO native turned aside 75 of the 78 shots he faced, 33 from Butte and 45 from Great Falls. Despite numerous penalty minutes across the weekend, Ryan stood tall on the penalty kill, denying both opponents on the power play. In total, he allowed just one goal against the Irish and two against the Americans, finishing the weekend with a stellar .962 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average.
When asked about Ryan’s dominant performance between the pipes, Head Coach Mike Perkins said the following:
“We’re excited to see Jack’s growth and development from last year to this year. His play over the weekend not only gave us a chance to win both games, but also set the tone for our team to keep improving.”
2nd Star: Jackson Roethler, G, Badlands Sabres
3rd Star: Chase Berg, F, Helena Bighorns
South Division Star of the Week: Gavin Brown, Forward, West Texas Wranglers
The West Texas Wranglers made a strong first impression in their NA3HL debut, earning three of a possible four points on opening weekend. Friday’s matchup with the Austin Ice Bats was a thriller, with forward Gavin Brown leading the way. Brown assisted on the first goal in Wranglers’ program history and scored twice, including the game-tying goal that sent the contest to overtime before Austin ultimately prevailed in a shootout. On Saturday, West Texas captured its first-ever victory with a 4-2 win over Austin, as Brown once again made his mark by adding two assists, including one on the game-winning goal, to finish the weekend with five points.
When asked about the 07’s contributions on opening weekend Head Coach Austin Sutter said the following:
“We’re proud of Gavin for being named South Division Star of the Week. He and his teammates have fully embraced the standard we’re building in Amarillo, and his hockey IQ and relentless work ethic stood out in Austin. At just an ’07 birth year, Gavin has tremendous upside, and with continued development, we are confident he has the ability to play college hockey.”
2nd Star: Matthieu Leblanc, F, Austin Ice Bars
Southeast Division Star of the Week: Michael Garrett, Forward, Texas RoadRunners
RoadRunners newcomer Michael Garrett made an immediate impact on opening weekend, leading Texas’ offense in a three-game sweep of the Pelham Prowlers. The Woodbury, MN native was all over the scoresheet, tallying an impressive nine points across the series. He kicked off the weekend with a hat trick on night one, scoring once in each period. Garrett kept the momentum rolling in game two, netting four more goals, two shorthanded and two on the power play, while adding an assist. He finished the weekend strong with another goal in the finale, closing out a dominant debut with nine points.
When asked about his lights out performance and joining the team Head Coach Mike Beavis said the following:
"Michael has been a tremendous addition to our program, and we are extremely pleased with his work ethic. His play has already helped elevate the team, and as a two-way, 200-foot player who gives his all every shift, he’s the kind of talented, dedicated kid who is sure to catch the attention of several NCAA teams right away."
2nd Star: Wyatt Mineheine, F, Texas RoadRunners
Photo Credits:
Central: Hayley Schlereth
Frontier: Michelle Kase
South: Lyca Williams
Southeast: Lola Wade
