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 in October 20th. The Divisional Stars of the Week is an award given each week of the regular season to the top performing players in each of the five divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Eric Denny, Defense, St. Louis Jr. Blues
Eric Denny and the St. Louis Jr. Blues had a dominant weekend as they swept their three game series with the Peoria Mustangs. The ‘06 blueliner was a huge contributor offensively, recording a total of 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) and is now the team’s leading scorer with a season total of 13 points. Denny began the weekend with a two goal game, one of which was scored on the powerplay. The Collinsville, IL native was an assist machine during the following two games with three helpers in game two, followed by four more during the final game of the weekend.
“Eric had a very solid weekend for the Jr. Blues. He continues to work hard and improve every day. He can play in all situations during a game which allows him to get additional experience by logging special team’s minutes during games,” stated Jr. Blues Head Coach Matt Ocello. “He prides himself on focusing on playing to the best of his ability every time he steps on the ice during a game or practice. We are looking forward to watching Eric’s continued improvement as the season progresses.”
2nd Star: John Kriz, Wausau Cyclones
3rd Star: Maxim Lazo, Wisconsin Woodsmen
East Division Star of the Week: Jake Wilkerson, Defense, Norwich Sea Captains
Jake Wilkerson and the Norwich Sea Captains split their thrilling series with the Binghamton Buzz as Norwich came away victorious during game one. Wilkerson undoubtedly played an enormous role in the team’s victory as the 6’1” blueliner scored the game-tying goal on the powerplay before scoring the eventual game winner. Not only did he find the back of the net, Wilkerson also dished out an assist on the fifth and final goal of the contest. With these three vital points on the weekend, Wilkerson leads his team in scoring for defenseman with 10 points in 13 games.
"Jake was awesome Friday night to help us pull out a come from behind victory against a very good Binghamton Buzz team! His two goals in the second period flipped the game and energized our building in a big way. He has played a dynamic two-way game all year so far and it is great to see him get this recognition for his play,” stated Sea Captains Head Coach Kevin Cunningham.
2nd Sar: Jacob Landry, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings
3rd Star: Joey Roselli, Binghamton Buzz
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Loghan Weber , Forward, Butte Irish
Loghan Weber split their weekend series with the Great Falls Americans, the Irish coming away with two points after their 5-4 victory on Saturday evening. Weber had his fifth multi-point night of the season as he potted two goals (one being short handed) and recorded one assist on the first goal of the contest. Despite coming up short on Friday, the Beaverton, OR native was able to score one goal, bringing his season point total to 20 (11 goals, 9 assists), tied for second in scoring for the Irish.
“Loghan is a great two way player that when he is on the ice, I never have to worry about whether or not he is in the right place or position,” stated Irish Head Coach Marc Brodeur. “He has a high level hockey IQ and is a leader both on and off the ice!”
2nd Star: Ty O’Bey, Great Falls Americans
3rd Star: Tai Kontrac, Gillette Wild
South Division Star of the Week: Robert Pogosyan, Goaltender, Atlanta Capitals
The Atlanta Capitals swept their three game set on the road against the Tulsa Jr. Oilers with Robert Pogosyan standing tall between the pipes for games one and two of the series. The Kurgan, Russia native was faced with a total of 70 shots, making 68 saves, only allowing one goal per game, bringing his weekend number to a .971 save percentage and goals against average of one. With this being the Capitals best weekend to date, it is only right to credit Pogosyan for holding things down defensively for his squad.
“It is awesome to see Robert get recognition. He has played some good hockey the past couple of weeks with no wins to show for it. We are happy that we were able to rally as a team to get him a couple of wins to go with his stellar play,” stated Capitals Head Coach John Bowkus.
2nd Star: Joseph Crowley, Texas Brahmas
3rd Star: Kyle Mackintosh, Texas RoadRunners
West Division Star of the Week: Kellen Kantaris, Forward, Mason City Toros
Kellen Kantaris and the Mason City Toros split their weekend series, picking up a victory over the Willmar WarHawks before falling to the Minnesota Moose, Kantaris being an offensive producer during both contests. As the second leading scorer for the Toros, the 6’2” forward recorded six points over the weekend, including his best game of the season on Saturday. During the 8-1 win over Willmar, Kantaris tallied two goals and two assists, both goals coming on special teams with one being netted shorthanded and the other coming on the man advantage. Against the Moose, Kantaris recorded one goal and one assist, bringing his season point total to 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists).
“Kellen has really stepped up as of late. He is working hard in practice to improve everyday and it is paying off in games,” stated Toros Head Coach Mark Hicks.
2nd Star: Kyle Abrahamson, Alexandria Blizzard
3rd Star: Dylan Posch, Minnesota Moose
