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 December 17th, 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: Adam Sexton, Forward, West Bend Power

Adam Sexton and the West Bend Power put on a dominant showing at the NA3HL Showcase, winning all three games and helping the Central Division finish with the best overall performance at the event.

Sexton has been in the midst of his best stretch of the season, riding a six-game point streak, with his three strongest showings all coming in Blaine. He opened the Showcase by making an immediate impact against the Brahmas, scoring the first goal of the game and assisting on the tying goal to force overtime, where the Power skated away with a 5–4 victory.

Game two saw more of the same against Helena, as Sexton once again opened the scoring and went on to dish out two assists for a three point night in a 7–1 win. To cap off the Showcase, West Bend delivered a statement 4–2 victory over Granite City. Sexton made his mark yet again, scoring the eventual game-winner and adding an assist on the insurance goal, finishing the event with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists).

Head Coach Jason Woods praised Sexton’s standout performance at the Showcase, saying: “Adam played a huge role in our success at the Showcase. He stepped up when it mattered most and was a big reason we were able to complete the sweep. His ability to consistently find the back of the net made a difference every game. We’re excited to see him keep building off that performance moving forward.”

2nd Star: Baylor Stebbins, F, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Owen Gruden, F, Peoria Mustangs

East Division Star of the Week: Jackson Dougherty, Forward, New Jersey Titans

As the Titans’ leading scorer, ’06 forward Jackson Dougherty has found early success in his first season of junior hockey. Prior to the Showcase, New Jersey picked up a key East Division win, knocking off first-place Long Beach by a 5–3 score. In that victory, Dougherty recorded his third multi-goal performance of the season, standing as the only player in the game to score twice. After assisting on the Titans’ second goal, he buried a power-play marker to tie the game at three before adding the insurance goal late.

Dougherty continued to make an impact at the Showcase, finding his way onto the scoresheet in the final game of the event as the Titans earned a 5–2 win over the Rougarou. The Brentwood, California native picked up a pair of assists, including one while shorthanded, to finish off the week. 

2nd Star: Jack Plummer, D, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Yosef Pievsky, F, New Jersey Titans

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Vincent Leaf, Forward, Sheridan Hawks

In his second season with the Hawks, ’05 forward Vincent Leaf has picked up right where he left off last year and currently sits as Sheridan’s leading point producer. Even in a 1–2 Showcase showing, he remained a constant presence offensively, finding the scoresheet in all three contests.

Leaf was at his best on the man advantage throughout the week. Against Louisiana, the Des Moines, Iowa native buried his seventh powerplay goal of the season. In game two’s thrilling shootout win over Long Beach, he continued to drive the power play, recording two man-advantage assists to help spark a comeback after Sheridan trailed 3–1. He then capped the night by converting in the shootout, scoring one of the Hawks’ three goals.

In the final game of the Showcase, he once again contributed on the power play, picking up an assist on Sheridan’s only goal.

Head Coach JJ Santagata highlighted Leaf’s consistent impact, both at the Showcase and throughout the season: “Vince has been the backbone of our offense all season. He’s been finding ways to contribute 5 on 5, on the power play and chips in defensively as well. His overall game has rounded out very nicely this season and each game, no matter the opponent he finds a way on the scoresheet. He’s been consistent and reliable for us all season and will continue to play a big part for our team come the second half.”

2nd Star: Maddox Harn, D, Badlands Sabres

3rd Star: Dylan Peterson, F, Gillette Wild 

South Division Star of the Week: Nathan McFall, Goaltender, New Mexico Ice Wolves

The Ice Wolves had a strong showing in Blaine, going 2–1 with Nathan McFall between the pipes for both wins. In their first matchup of the event, New Mexico squared off against Mason City in a South vs. West showdown, earning a 5–3 victory. McFall was tested with 25 shots, turning aside 22 to help secure the win.

After taking a day off on day two, the second-year NA3HL netminder continued his momentum against Long Beach, delivering a performance to remember. McFall earned his first shutout of the season, stopping all 19 shots he faced, helping New Mexico claim a decisive 4–0 win. With these two strong outings, his season record now sits at 6–5, solidifying his role as a key piece for the Ice Wolves.

Reflecting on McFall’s weekend in Minnesota, Head Coach Isaac Washburn emphasized both his on-ice impact and leadership: "It's great to see Nate be recognized for his strong play at the showcase in Minnesota. He was instrumental in holding us in the first game while we found our footing during a slower start. In our last game he was calm and composed from start to finish and our guys gained confidence and fed off his steadiness.

He is very professional in the way he goes about his business every day; focusing on preparation and recovery to make sure he's always ready to compete at his highest level. Beyond his athletic ability, he's a better human and truly embodies what our culture is all about. We're really fortunate to have such a solid group of goaltenders; no matter which one is in net, our guys can play with confidence and know they all give us an equally good chance to win."

2nd Star: Garrett Lant, G, West Texas Wranglers

3rd Star: Jacob Wenner, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Carter Gnau, Forward, Louisiana Drillers 

As an ’06, Carter Gnau has been having an outstanding rookie season with Louisiana, and the Showcase was no different as he continues to be a key offensive presence for the Drillers. In their 6–4 win over the Hawks, the Fort Wayne, Indiana native recorded a point in every period,  scoring the team’s second goal on the power play, assisting Skyler Tompkin’s tally to tie it 4–4, and capping the game with an empty-net goal.

Even in a 2–1 overtime loss to New Hampshire, Louisiana still earned a point in the standings, with Gnau picking up an assist in the tightly contested game. The Drillers closed out their weekend in Minnesota with a 3–2 victory over the Brahmas, and Gnau again made his mark, opening the scoring and assisting on the game-winning goal. 

With six points at the event, he now has 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 25 games, averaging just over two points per game.

Head Coach Chris Francis praised Gnau not just for his skills, but for the impact he has on the entire team: “Carter earns his ice everyday. His quiet confidence, relentless effort, and doing the little things right is why he continues to be successful. Having Carter on this team has been amazing as he is the ultimate team guy.”

2nd Star: Skyler Tompkins, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Division Star of the Week: Jayden Serene, Goaltender, Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard have been rolling, currently riding a six-game win streak, and third year goaltender Jayden Serene has been a key reason why. The River Falls, Wisconsin native has been lights out between the pipes, starting in four of those six wins and allowing just one goal in each outing.

Serene kicked off this stretch with arguably his best game of the season in a pre-Showcase showdown against longtime rivals Granite City. The ’05 netminder was heavily tested, facing 40 shots and turning aside 39 for a .975 save percentage, helping swing momentum in Alexandria’s favor.

He carried that dominance into the Showcase, starting in wins over Badlands, Great Falls, and Wausau. Across the event, Serene faced 89 shots on goal, making 85 saves for an impressive .955 save percentage. His strong play has helped Alexandria sweep the Showcase and push the team’s momentum forward, with his season record now at 13–8 and trending upward.

Head Coach Jeff Crouse highlighted Serene’s role as a cornerstone for the Blizzard this season: “Jayden had a great week for us, and we are extremely proud of the way he represented himself and the team during the showcase. He brought consistent effort and leadership every time he stepped on the ice, and his performance was a big reason for our success. Jayden has truly been the backbone of this team all year, and it shows in his work ethic, reliability, and willingness to compete every day. He continues to improve with each game, and we’re excited to see him build on that momentum in the second half of the season.”

2nd Star: Levi Flatley, F, Minnesota Wilderness

3rd Star: Mason Ray, D, Granite City Lumberjacks