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 21, 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. 

Central Division Star of the Week: Mason Decker, Forward, Rochester Grizzlies

Second-year forward Mason Decker put on a show this past weekend as the Rochester Grizzlies swept their two-game series against the Peoria Mustangs.

Friday’s opener was a scoring frenzy, with 11 goals total, five of them coming off Decker’s stick. He netted back-to-back goals in the first period (including a power-play tally), added another in the second, and capped it off with two more in the third for an unforgettable five-goal performance.

While he didn’t match that output in game two, Decker still played a major role in Rochester’s 4-0 shutout. He picked up three points, assisting on the first and fourth goals while burying the team’s third.

With eight points on the weekend, Decker now leads the Grizzlies in scoring through two weeks of play.

Head Coach Marty Raymond said the following when asked about Decker earning league honors: “Mason, a true veteran, dominated both ends of the ice this weekend while leading our team on and off it. Spectacular play and a truly well-deserved honor.”

2nd Star: Eiji Hofmann, F, Wausau Cyclones

3rd Star: Brody Josselyn, D, West Bend Power

East Division Star of the Week: Brendan Dalton, Forward, Long Beach Sharks 

The Long Beach Sharks opened the 2025-26 season strong, winning two of three, topping New Jersey on Wednesday before splitting a weekend series with Maine.

Rookie forward Brendan Dalton wasted no time making an impact, leading the team in scoring after the first weekend with six points (2 goals, 4 assists). In Wednesday’s opener, he recorded a pair of points, setting up the Sharks’ second goal to give them a 2-1 lead before adding one of his own to cap off a four-goal first period.

Dalton continued to shine on Saturday, quarterbacking the power play with two assists on the man advantage. He capped off his breakout weekend on Sunday, carrying that momentum into a tight matchup with the Nordiques by netting a shorthanded goal and adding another power play assist.

Sharks head coach Jeff Tory praised Dalton’s early impact, pointing to his composure and playmaking ability as keys to the rookie’s strong start: “Brendan has tremendous poise with the puck and a knack for making high-level plays under pressure. He not only creates scoring opportunities for himself, but he also elevates the players around him.”

2nd Star: Jacob Landry, F, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Jace Tourillot, F, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Chase Berg, Forward, Helena Bighorns

The Helena Bighorns enjoyed a big weekend, with wins over the Great Falls Americans and the Bozeman Ice Dogs.

Friday’s contest with Great Falls went back and forth before ultimately being settled in a shootout. While he didn’t record a point in regulation, second-year forward Chase Berg stepped up when it mattered most, burying the lone goal of the shootout to lift the Bighorns to victory and send Steed Arena into celebration.

On Saturday, Helena handed Bozeman their first loss of the season with a 4-1 win. Berg made his mark early with an assist on the opening goal, then followed it up with back-to-back tallies, including the eventual game-winner, for a three-point night that powered his team to the sweep.

Head Coach Damon Hanson spoke about Chase Berg’s strong start to the season and his role as a leader on the ice: “Chase Berg has started the season off very well and is looking to continue the little success he has had in the last few games offensively. While Chase also focuses on leading our group weekend after weekend in the right direction.”

2nd Star: Vincent Leaf, F, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Carter Kilen, F, Badlands Sabres 

South Division Star of the Week: Josh Reaska, Forward, Texas Brahmas

Under new head coach Mike Rooney, the Texas Brahmas made a statement in the South Division, knocking off the previously undefeated Texas RoadRunners before sweeping a two-game set with the El Paso Rhinos.

Newcomer Josh Reaska wasted no time making his presence felt, racking up seven points in his first week with the team. In a 6-1 road win down in College Station, he picked up two assists on Xavier Othon’s goals for two points on the day. 

Against El Paso, Reaska kept rolling. In game one, he opened the scoring on the power play and later sealed the 3-1 win with his second goal of the night. On Sunday, he added two more power-play assists and, once again, scored the Brahmas’ final goal to cap a 6-4 victory and the weekend sweep.

Head Coach Michael Rooney exclaims his excitement on Reaska earning weekly honors and his contributions to the team: “Josh is a really talented player, he’s humble, and lets his play do his talking. It’s not just his abilities on the ice that make him one of the best players in the league, but his ability to absorb information and translate it to his play. Seeing him get this notoriety is something special. We’re certain there are more great moments to come from him and the team this season.”

2nd Star: Ryan Hoogsteen, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Isaac Emrich, Forward, Carolina Rage

The Carolina Rage broke through in a big way, earning a road sweep over the Atlanta Capitals. Isaac Emmrich was a steady force all weekend, finishing with five points in the three-game set.

The 2007 forward kicked off his junior career in style on Friday, scoring Carolina’s first goal of the night and adding an assist during their 4-2 win. He delivered a near repeat on Saturday, tallying another goal and assist in the Rage’s second straight 4-2 victory.

Emmrich capped off his standout weekend on Sunday by sparking the offense once again, netting Carolina’s opening goal on the way to a 2-1 win and the sweep.

Head Coach Mike DeCarle highlighted Emmerich’s style of play and the keys to his success:

"Isaac Emmerich is a versatile, all-around player who combines physicality with smart, disciplined play. He also brings strong offensive skills, as shown last weekend in Atalanta, where he tallied 3 goals and 2 assists across 3 games.”

2nd Star: Jaylen Fluhr, F, Atlanta Capitals

West Division Star of the Week: Gabe Otis, Goaltender, Minnesota Moose

After joining the Moose late last season, 2006-born goaltender Gabe Otis returned for year two in Minnesota and opened the 2025-26 campaign on a high note. Starting Saturday against the Minnesota Wilderness, Otis was unbeatable, stopping all 26 shots he faced for his first shutout of the year. He was especially sharp on the penalty kill, denying the Wilderness on all four of their power-play opportunities.

Head Coach Todd Sanden reflected on “Gabe has a competitive nature and work ethic that drives his success. He works hard on and off the ice and is a great teammate.”

2nd Star: Luke Gustafson, F, Mason City Toros

3rd Star: Blake Breiland, F, Alexandria Blizzard