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 February 1st, 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: Danny Jurcich, Forward, West Bend Power

Second-year power forward Danny Jurcich earns Star of the Week honors for the second time this season after West Bend stayed perfect on home ice with a weekend sweep over St. Louis. Jurcich was electric in game one of the two-game set, recording his fourth four-point performance of the season, his highest point total in a single game this year.

After the Power fell behind 2-0 midway through the first period, the Columbus, Ohio native sparked the comeback with back-to-back goals, scoring late in the first and early in the second to put West Bend ahead 4-2. He went on to add a pair of assists in the third as the Power skated away with an 8-5 victory.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, ending in a 5-3 win, but Jurcich found the scoresheet again with the team’s fifth goal, capping off a five-point weekend. He now sits at 50 points on the season, an impressive jump from last year’s 20 points, and has extended his scoring streak to 12 straight games.

On Danny’s hot streak and impact, Head Coach Jason Woods said: “It’s awesome to see Danny pick up Star of the Week honors again. That series was a big one for us, and he flat-out raised his game to help us get the sweep. He’s been trending up all season and finds ways to make an impact every time he’s on the ice. This is exactly why he’s a Top Prospect…he’s a difference-maker and a guy we lean on when it matters.”

2nd Star: Julian Mollerstrandh, D, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Lleyton Jaschke, G, Wisconsin Woodsmen

East Division Star of the Week: Jaxson Sardinha, Forward, Maine Nordiques

The Nordiques bounced back in a big way to split their series with the Buzz, and one player was at the center of it all. Jaxson Sardinha stole the show in a thrilling 3-2 overtime win, accounting for all three of Maine’s points. Sardinha first set up Captain Peyton Dyer to tie the game, then scored just two minutes later to give the Nordiques a 2-1 lead. The Buzz answered back, sending the game to overtime, but Sardinha wasn’t done. With just eight seconds left on the clock, the second-year Nordique found the back of the net, scoring his third game winner of the season.

With these three points, Sardinha now sits at 54 on the season, second on Maine’s scoring leaderboard, and has made huge strides from his rookie year in the NA3HL as he’s on pace to nearly double his point total from last season.

2nd Star: Jackson Dougherty, F, New Jersey Titans

3rd Star: Kolin Krizan, F, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Riley Schmidt, Forward, Gillette Wild

Riley Schmidt was on fire for the Wild this weekend, helping lead Gillette to a big 6-2 win over the Butte Irish. The victory was huge for the team, and for Schmidt personally, as he delivered his best performance of the season. The ‘05 forward notched his first hat trick of the year, scoring once in each period, including a shorthanded goal, and added two assists for an impressive five-point outing.

Although the Wild fell to Bozeman in game two, Schmidt kept his point streak alive with a power play assist. The Kintnersville, Pennsylvania native has now recorded a point in eight consecutive games, continuing his hot streak and proving to be a consistent offensive force in his age-out season.

When asked about Riley’s weekend performance, Head Coach Wilson Anderle shared: “Riley has been a great person to work with this season. His energy and passion for the game helps raise the intensity level at our practices and in our games. When his motor is running he can take over games with his high hockey IQ and skill level.”

2nd Star: Cameron Kimmerly, F, Helena Bighorns

3rd Star: Carter Kilen, F, Badlands Sabres

South Division Star of the Week: Luke Romney, Goaltender, Texas Brahmas

The Brahmas swept a cross-divisional series with the RoadRunners on home ice, and third-year netminder Luke Romney was the backbone of both wins. Romney was rock solid throughout the series, standing tall between the pipes and keeping the Brahmas in control.

Thursday’s 7-1 victory saw the RoadRunners fire 32 shots on goal, seven in the first, 18 in the second, and seven in the third, but Romney was nearly untouchable, turning aside all but one for an afternoon save percentage of .969. Saturday’s matchup was tighter, with only two goals scored, both by the Brahmas. Romney once again rose to the occasion, stopping all 29 shots for his first shutout of the season.

With three straight wins this weekend, Romney is hitting his stride at the perfect time as the postseason nears.

When talking about Luke’s impact between the pipes, Head Coach Michael Rooney exclaimed: “It’s awesome to see Luke get this honor. To him it means so much more. He’s worked extremely hard this year. He had some early adversity this season, but watching play his way back into form this month and been special. He’s a top goalie in this league and has been proving it everyday.”

2nd Star: Marek Gallenberger, F, El Paso Rhinos

3rd Star: Jayani Benson, F, Texas Brahmas 

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Brody Neish, Forward, Louisiana Drillers 

Louisiana continued its dominance in the Southeast Division with a three game sweep on the road against Bayou State, and Drillers Captain Brody Neish was a driving force behind the success. Neish, already the NA3HL’s all-time leading scorer, hasn’t slowed down since claiming the record in November.

He kicked off the series with a pair of goals and an assist, including two points in the final period, as the Drillers rolled to a 9-0 victory in game one. Game two was a bit quieter for Neish, but he still contributed with a power play assist in the 7-2 win. He wrapped up the weekend with another two-goal performance, one in the first and one in the second, to cap off a six-point weekend.

With points in every game but one this season, Neish now sits at 121 points and averages 3.46 points per game, continuing his historic pace and proving he’s still firing on all cylinders as the season moves forward.

When asked about Brody’s weekend performance, Head Coach Chris Francis shared: "It's no secret that Brody is a special player. His point totals speak for themselves, and he has a unique ability to create offense in every situation. He’s already had a historic year, and we’re excited to see what he can do down the stretch in his final season as a Driller.”

2nd Star: Matthew Killen, F, Louisiana Drillers

West Division Star of the Week: Caleb Waller, Forward, Alexandria Blizzard

The Blizzard split their weekend series, but Caleb Waller was a difference-maker throughout both games. Alexandria dropped game one in a wild 6-5 battle to Willmar, but not without a fight, as Waller led the charge with two goals and an assist.

The Blizzard used that performance as fuel heading into game two, responding with a dominant 5-0 shutout win over the Moose. Waller was once again all over the scoresheet, proving to be a special teams weapon as he dished out two shorthanded assists to Grady Stallman before adding a goal of his own to finish the night with three more points.

The weekend marked Waller’s 20th and 21st multi-point games of the season, highlighting just how consistent he’s been offensively. His ability to produce in all situations continues to stand out and shows why he was selected to represent the Blizzard at the 2026 Top Prospects Tournament.

On Caleb’s consistent play and leadership, Head Coach Jeff Crouse said: “Caleb shows night in and night out why he’s one of the top players in this league. The work he puts in away from the rink is just as impressive, and he’s been a big-time leader for us.”

2nd Star: Jayden Serene, G, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Max Jackson, F, Willmar WarHawks