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 December 1st. 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: Noah Gillette, Forward, Rochester Grizzlies

NA3HL rookie Noah Gillette had his best game to date as the Rochester Grizzlies defeated the West Bend Power on Friday evening by a final score of 5-2. The La Crosse, WI native began the game dishing out assists on the first two goals of the game, both being on the man advantage. Gillette would go on to score the game winning goal at the 5:29 mark in the second period before notching yet another assist on the last goal of the contest. 

“Noah has been great for us all year. Seeing him get rewarded by his hard work with a call up to the Mallards is what it is all about,” stated Grizzlies Head Coach Tyler Veen. “He followed up his call up with a strong 4 point night for us Friday at West Bend. We are confident he will continue to produce as we strive to get him to the next level.”

2nd Star: Mike Sobaski, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Adam Prokop, West Bend Power

East Division Star of the Week: Braeden Gagnon, Defense, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

Braeden Gagnon and the New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings got back in the win column with a 5-3 bounceback victory against the Binghamton Buzz. The Mountain Kings Captain had his best game to date tallying four points during Tuesday’s contest. Gagnon kicked off the second period by scoring his third power play goal of the season in addition to dishing out three assists, including a helper on the eventual game winning goal. With these four points, the Lewiston, ME native has 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists), just six points shy of his 20 season total from last season.

“Braeden is a leader on and off the ice. He brings intensity to the rink everyday and pushes his teammates to make them better everyday,” stated Jr. Mountain Kings Head Coach Clint Cassavaugh. “Picking up the win on Tuesday was huge for our team and it was great to see Braeden contribute with four points.”  

2nd Sar: Noah Levesque, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Austin Uecker, Forward, Helena Bighorns

First year Helena Bighorns forward Austin Uecker had himself a fantastic weekend, his best two game stretch of the season after recording six points against the Gillette Wild, maintaining a plus-minus of +5. During Friday’s 5-2 victory, the Sleepy Eye, MN native scored his 13th goal of the season and the fourth goal of the contest. Uecker then followed up by having a standout game scoring two goals (one in the second period and one in the third), in addition to notching three assists, picking up a possible five out of eight points. With this fantastic weekend, Uecker has recorded at least one point or more in the last four consecutive games. 

“Austin has been a big part of our offence, especially this weekend. Although points didn't come at first, they are coming now and we are happy to have him on our side,” stated Helena Head Coach Damon Hanson.

2nd Star: Easton Langemo, Butte Irish

3rd Star: TJ Wonnacott, Sheridan Hawks

South Division Star of the Week: Dantae Hunziker, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Dantae Hunziker was lights out for the New Mexico Ice Wolves on Saturday, having his best game of the season with a total of five points during the team’s 9-4 victory. The Fairbanks, AK native scored a pair of goals, both coming in the second period, one being the game winner that was scored on the powerplay. In addition to his two goals, Hunziker also recorded three assists. It is also worth noting that ‘05 forward tallied an additional assist during the first game of the series. With these six points on the weekend, Hunziker now has 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) and is New Mexico’s leading scorer as an over a point per game player. 

“Dantae has made great progress this season and is an offensive threat. He is a hard worker and brings a great attitude to the rink every day,” stated New Mexico Head Coach Darren Banks.

2nd Star: Issa Murakami, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Derrick Pedersen, El Paso Rhinos

West Division Star of the Week: Marcus Fritel, Forward, Mason City Toros

Mason City veteran forward Marcus Fritel was absolutely dominant on Saturday evening as the Toros defeated the first place Lumberjacks by a score of 5-3. As the team’s leading scorer, the Elk River, MN native recorded his second hat trick of the 2024-25 campaign to propel his team to victory. Things were all tied up heading into the third period and it would of course be Fritel to find the back of the net not once but twice during the final frame (in addition to Mason City’s first goal of the contest) to score the game winner as well as the insurance goal. With four points this weekend and 29 points so far this season, Fritel is likely to surpass his previous season point total of 45. 

“Frits has been an amazing leader all year. His work ethic and attitude is contagious,” stated Mason City Head Coach Mark Hicks. “Everyone here was excited to see him produce and put us over the top for a much needed win. Any college that gets him is getting a great 200 foot player and even a better person.” 

2nd Star: Reid Watson, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Thomas Gerum, Granite City Lumberjacks