NA3HL Announces Bethel University 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 14, 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 the East Division has yet to begin play. 

Central Division Star of the Week: Jace Fitzgerald, Forward, West Bend Power

Veteran forward Jace Fitzgerald wasted no time making an impact, picking up right where he left off last season as the West Bend Power opened the year with a sweep over the Peoria Mustangs.

Fitzgerald started things off on Friday, finding the back of the net on the power play to seal West Bend’s 4-1 victory. He cranked it up a notch on Saturday night, powering the offense with a four-point effort. Carrying momentum from the night before, he posted two points in the opening period, assisting on the first goal before scoring shorthanded to put the Power up 2-1. The second period was more of the same, setting up the team’s fourth goal and then burying his second of the night, which stood as the eventual game-winner in a 5-3 victory.

Power Head Coach Jason Woods credited Fitzgerald’s leadership and impact, saying, “Jace started the year off with a bang. To be able to score in all three phases of the game, on the penalty kill, power play, and five-on-five, really shows his ability to dominate in multiple ways. The tenacity he attacks practice and games with is a great opportunity and example for our younger guys to see how it’s done each and every day!”

2nd Star: Danny Jurcich, F, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Josh Kauppinen, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Lex Steckelberg, Forward, Bozeman Icedogs

The Bozeman Icedogs continue to dominate, standing as the only undefeated team in the Frontier Division. After leading the way offensively in week one, second-year forward Lex Steckelberg kept his foot on the gas, shining once again during the weekend series against the Yellowstone Quake.

In Friday’s tight, low-scoring battle, the hometown standout delivered exactly what fans came to see, opening the scoring in the second period and igniting momentum for Bozeman’s 2-1 victory. Saturday, however, was Steckelberg’s night to shine. He filled the scoresheet with four points, starting with an assist on the first goal before turning into a special teams dynamo. He netted two power-play goals, including the game-winner, and added a shorthanded tally to mark his second hat trick of the season, leading Bozeman to a 4-1 win.

When reflecting on Lex Steckelberg’s strong showing, Bozeman Head Coach Mike Perkins said, "Seeing Lex continue to shine as a veteran player in our program is what it’s all about. He’s put in the work and delivered a huge performance yet again this weekend. We’re excited to watch him continue to grow, and we’re thrilled for him to earn these honors."

2nd Star: Easton Langemo, F, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Dominic Arndt, F, Gillette Wild 
 

South Division Star of the Week: Josh Middleton, Goaltender, New Mexico Ice Wolves

The New Mexico Ice Wolves kicked off the 2025-26 season with a strong showing, collecting five points over three games, falling just short in Friday’s overtime opener before dominating in games two and three with regulation wins, both by shutout. Rookie goaltender Josh Middleton was a wall in net all weekend, proving he is a force to be reckoned with even in his first season of junior hockey.

After a tough overtime loss on Friday, Middleton bounced back in spectacular fashion, posting back-to-back shutouts, an impressive accomplishment in the South Division. Over the course of the weekend, the St. Louis Park, MN native faced 102 shots, allowing just six goals for a .941 save percentage. The highlight of his weekend came Sunday, when he stopped 35 shots for a commanding shutout to close out the series. 

When reflecting on Josh Middleton’s strong showing, Head Coach Isaac Washburn shared, “We're extremely proud of Josh and the way he showcased his ability to compete relentlessly all weekend.  His steady and calm presence was a big asset for our group throughout the weekend.  I'm happy to see him recognized and honored as he continuously works hard to lead by example in the way he prepares each day and stays focused through the highs and lows of each game.  We're really excited to work with Josh and watch him continue to develop his game.”

2nd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Liam Cardona, F,  Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Lucas Dyer, Forward, Texas RoadRunners

The Texas RoadRunners continue to light up the scoreboard, improving to 6-0 with a clean sweep of the Carolina Rage. Leading the charge for the offense is second-year forward Lucas Dyer, who currently sits atop the league scoring leaderboard thanks to an incredible weekend.

The Houston, TX native exploded for 19 points over three games, tallying nine goals and 10 assists. Not only did he record a hat trick in all three contests, including his first of the season, but this performance also pushes his season total to 24 points, already surpassing his entire 2024-25 campaign.

RoadRunners Head Coach Mike Beavis praised Dyer’s hot start, saying, “ Lucas has been on a tear over the first two weeks of the season. He’s determined to help his team make a statement. He should have some opportunities at the NAHL level during the season and will most likely have some choices to make for college. His high GPA coupled with his skill should create some interesting offers."

2nd Star: Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Dayton Ruppel, D, Louisiana Drillers

West Division Star of the Week: Jason Williams, Forward, Mason City Toros

The Mason City Toros picked up three out of four points in their opening series against the Minnesota Wilderness, and rookie forward Jason Williams made a strong impression in his first taste of junior hockey. Despite a 2-1 overtime loss in game one, Williams scored his first-ever junior goal, opening the scoring for Mason City.

Williams truly made his mark on Saturday, helping propel the Toros to an 8-3 victory. The St. Louis, MO native was unstoppable, scoring one even-strength goal in each period to record a hat trick. At just an ‘07 birthyear, he is currently the youngest player in the league to achieve a hat trick this season.

Toros Head Coach Alex North applauded Williams’ weekend efforts, saying, “I couldn’t be happier for Jason earning this honor. He comes to the rink every day with the right attitude and work ethic, and it showed in both games. Jason plays the game the right way, and this recognition is a well-deserved reward for his efforts.”

2nd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Max Jackson, F, Willmar WarHawks