Combat Hockey's Three Stars of the Week

First Star of the Week: Tyler Zalecki - Toledo Cherokee

Toledo, who will be in the NA3HL Playoffs, wanted to be sure they went into the post-season on a high note and that’s what they got this past weekend with a home-and-home sweep of the Michigan Mountain Cats in their final regular season games of the year.  Leading scorer and forward Tyler Zalecki, 17, ended his regular season campaign on a high note with six points (5 goals, 1 assist) in the two wins, which included scoring the game-winning goal in both games.  On Friday, the native of Toledo, Ohio, had two goals (including the game-winner) and an assist in a 5-4 win.  On Saturday, Zalecki (5’10/185) recorded a hat-trick, which included the game-winning goal again in a 6-3 win at home.  He led the Cherokee in scoring this season with 52 points in 47 games played.  “Tyler was our most dominate forward all weekend, he is a threat to score every shift,” said Toledo head coach Kenny Miller.  “He is very worthy of this honor, I am very proud of his weekend and his season to be one the youngest players in the league and put up the numbers he has demonstrates how high his skill set is.”

Second Star of the Week: Matt Kroska - North Iowa Bulls

For being his team’s leading scorer this season with 74 points, North Iowa forward Matt Kroska, 20, had done it without much pomp and circumstance.  The name of the game for the native of Elko, Minnesota, has been consistency and the ability to produce, which is exactly what he did during his final weekend of the regular season.  Kroska (5’8/170) racked up eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in two wins as North Iowa finished with the league’s second-best record.  On Friday, Kroska recorded three assists (including one on the game-winning goal) in a 5-2 win against Breezy Point.  On Saturday, he recorded two goals and had three assists in a 14-1 win over the Twin City Steel.  He was also a +7 in the two wins.  “Matt was so consistent all season long, but has really been good down the stretch for us,” said North Iowa head coach Todd Sanden.  “He has great vision and can really distribute the puck.  He also is very good at creating with his skill.”

Third Star of the Week: Scott Cuthrell - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

First Star of the Week: Matt Stirling - Metro Jets

The Metro Jets are still clinging to the hopes of a playoff chance and thanks to the efforts of forward Matt Stirling, those playoff hopes remain alive heading into the final week of the regular season.  The 21-year-old forward from Dexter, Michigan, put up six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in a weekend home-and-home sweep of the Toledo Cherokee, the team they are chasing to catch in the standings.  On Saturday, Stirling (5’10/172) had four assists in a 6-0 shutout win over Toledo.  On Sunday, he had a goal and assisted on the game-winner in the 3^rd period in a 4-3 win.  He was also a +4 during the week.  To date, Stirling is 4^th in NA3HL scoring with 71 points.  “This is Matt’s last go around in junior hockey and he has stepped it up to another level,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone.  “He has taken it upon himself to lead by example and the rest of the team has followed suit.”

Second Star of the Week: Hunter Schneider - Granite City Lumberjacks

17-year-old Hunter Schneider is just trying to enjoy the ride.  Fresh off of finishing his high school hockey season in Minnesota, Schneider joined the Lumberjacks two weeks ago and has been on a tear ever since.  This past week was a perfect example that the transition for the native if Willmar, Minnesota to junior hockey has been a smooth one thus far.  In four games last week, Schneider (5’9/150) had seven points, including five goals.  He has scored at least a goal in all five games played to date with the Lumberjacks and has a total of eight points.  His best game of the week came last Tuesday, when he had two goals (including the game-winner) and an assist in a 3-1 win at Twin City.  “For a kid that is right out of high school, Hunter has really fit in well with our team and has a great skill set,” said Granite City head coach Brad Willner.  “He has brought a new, youthful energy back to the team, which is exactly what we needed at this time of year.  He is excited to be in the league and that rubs off on the other players.  He is a shifty forward, has a lot of quickness and has a lot of confidence for young kid.”

Third Star of the Week: Brennan Anderson - Peoria Mustangs

Peoria sent a big message to their first round playoff opponent, the Queen City Steam, that is it going to take something special to beat them in a five game series.  In a playoff preview, the Mustangs led by forward Brennan Anderson, 18, were able to sweep the Steam on the road by convincing scores of 5-1 and 8-4.  The native of St. Charles, Missouri, had five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the two wins and brought his season point total to 40.  On Saturday, Anderson (5’11/160) had two assists in a 5-1 win and on Sunday, he had a goal and two more assists in an 8-4 win.  Anderson is second on the Mustangs roster in scoring.  “I think for a younger player, Brennan plays well beyond his years and is very composed and mature,” said Peoria head coach Jean Guy Trudel.  “He has been consistent and we have leaned on him many times during the season.  I think in order for us to have success in the playoffs, Brennan is one of the guys we are going to look at to lead this team and have success.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Tyler Berry, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Riley Corbin, goaltender, Metro Jets – Cameron Dimmitt, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Ian Ecklund, forward, Alexandria Blizzard – Jeremy Edwards, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Matt Erlichman, goaltender, Three Rivers Vengeance – Anders Franke, goaltender, Flint Jr. Generals – Sam Goetsch, goaltender, Alexandria Blizzard – Will Helton, defenseman, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jonah Hoover, defenseman, Queen City Steam – Eric Jones, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Matt Kroska, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Jake Leon, goaltender, Quad City Jr. Flames – Adam Morrison, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Joe Moza, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – DJ Mussey, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Drew Otto, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Justin Rehrer, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Nikolas Sakellaropoulos, defenseman, Peoria Mustangs – Trevor Voelker, forward, Queen City Steam.

First Star of the Week: Scott Cuthrell - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

It was a statement weekend for Cleveland forward Scott Cuthrell and the Jr. Lumberjacks as they had their way with 2^nd place Three Rivers in a weekend road sweep.  Cleveland outscored the Vengeance 13-3 in the two games and Cuthrell, 19, racked up eight points (six goals, two assists) in the wins.  The native of Waterford, Michigan, who ranks 2^nd in the NA3HL in scoring 79 points, started the weekend with a bang as on Saturday, he tied an NA3HL season-high with five goals and added an assist in a 7-2 win.  On Sunday, he chimed in with another goal and another assist in a 6-1 win.  Both game-winning goals were scored by the 5’9/160 lbs. Cuthrell.  The two wins increased Cleveland’s division lead to 14 points over Three Rivers.  “I think it was a culmination of Scott playing really well and his line playing really well.  They moved their feet and kept working hard the entire weekend,” said Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson.  “It is a testimonial to all the hard work Scott has put in.  He has worked to get stronger and played really well in our recent six-games in eight days stretch, in which he played better as the games kept going.”

Second Star of the Week: Alec Rounds - Queen City Steam

If this past weekend is any indication, the Queen City Steam are going to give the Peoria Mustangs one heck of the run in the opening round of the NA3HL playoffs this season.  Steam goaltender Alec Rounds, 18, got the start in both games and earned Queen City three of a possible four points in a weekend series in Peoria.  He stopped 78 of a combined 81 shots and only allowed three goals in the two games.  On Saturday, the native of Rancho Margarita, California, made 30 saves in a 3-1 win against the Mustangs.  The next day, Rounds (6’2/195) may have been even better as he made 48 saves through regulation and overtime, but ultimately gave up just a single goal in the shootout to fall 3-2.  Even though Rounds has only won once in his six appearances with Queen City this season, his save percentage is a remarkable 93.2%.  “Alec stole the Saturday game for us.  The team wasn’t ready to play, but he was and it is the main reason we came away with a win,” said Steam head coach Lee Lansdowne.  “He is very athletic for his size and he makes the big saves that keep our team in the game.”

Third Star of the Week: Parker Butler - Twin City Steel

Although he played in just one game over the weekend, Twin City goaltender Parker Butler, 17, stood out as the Steel shocked the 1^st place North Iowa Bulls on Saturday with a 6-4 win.  The native of Summit, New Jersey, made an NA3HL season-high 70 saves in the win as he faced a whopping 74 shots.  It was Butler’s (6’1/185) third win of the season with Twin City.  Butler has spent the majority of the season with the NAHL’s Topeka RoadRunners.  In his six apperances with the Steel this season he has a goals against average of 4.02 and a save percentage of 91.1%.  “Parker has been outstanding in his brief time us and he was spectauclar in the game against North Iowa,” said Twin City’s Scott Wallin.  “I think we can look back on that game and say that everyone feels he played really inspired hockey.  His 70 saves weren’t of the easy variety.  The  team has a lot of confidence in him because they know he is an elite level goaltender with a lot of potential.  He brings a whole new level to the goaltending position.”  

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Tom Bartel, forward, Twin City Steel – Riley Corbin, goaltender, Metro Jets – Anders Franke, goaltender, Flint Jr. Generals – James Gleason, defenseman, Michigan Mountain Cats – Zach Hill, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Paul McAvoy, forward, Queen City Steam – Joe Moza, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Michael Parda, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Derek Ried, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Ricky Seidel, forward, Alexandria Blizzard – Kyle Shreve, forward, Metro Jets – Aaron Storch, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Tyler Zalecki, forward, Toledo Cherokee.

First Star of the Week: Nick Goettel - Flint Jr. Generals

It was quite the Showcase for Flint defenseman Nick Goettel and the Jr. Generals.  The 19-year-old native of Davison, Michigan, was right at home in Troy as he led the Jr. Generals to three wins at the Showcase.  He recorded at least a point in a four of the games and ended up with a total of seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) in the four-game stretch in Troy.  On Sunday, Goettel (5’9/165) had an assist in a 5-2 loss to Granite City.  On Monday, Goettel had a goal and two assists in a 7-2 win over Minnesota.  In the next game on Tuesday, Goettel scored the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win over Alexandria.  Finally on Wednesday, Goettel had two assists in a 5-4 win over Queen City.  He was also a +5 during the week.  “He has been a great leader as our captain and he has been a great mentor to the younger players on the team,” said Steve Howard.  “He leads by example and is part of the heart and soul of this team.”

Second Star of the Week: James Hughes - North Iowa Bulls

The North Iowa Bulls were the only team to go through both NA3HL Showcases with an undefeated record.  The latest success in Troy was bolstered by the play of 21-year-old forward James Hughes.  The veteran from Circle Pines, Minnesota, recorded eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) while in Troy, as the Bulls won all four of their games.  Even though Hughes (5’8/185) played in just three of the games, his impact was felt.  On Sunday, he had three assists in a 5-4 win against East Division champion Cleveland.  On Monday, he recorded two goals (including the game-winner) and an assist in a 6-1 win over the Three Rivers Vengeance.  On Tuesday, he assisted twice in a 3-0 win over Battle Creek.  Hughes is currently riding a 13-game point streak.  “James is a great kid and there is a reason he is our assistant captain,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “He is very skilled and has a great and positive attitude.  He is going to be a player we rely heavily on in the playoffs.” 

Third Star of the Week: Trevor Clark - Battle Creek Revolution

It was a successful week and Showcase for the Battle Creek Revolution.  The Revs won two games last week and forward Trevor Clark, 21, had a big hand in the team’s success.  In Battle Creek’s five games, Clark (5’11/180) scored five goals and added an assist for six points.  The native of Battle Creek, Michigan, played in five games in five straight days last week.  He began the week with a goal in a 6-1 loss against Three Rivers.  His goal scoring streak continued at the Showcase on Sunday as he had a goal in a 6-4 win against Twin City.  On Monday, Clark scored again in a 2-1 win over Peoria.  After going scoreless on Tuesday, he rebounded for a two goal, one assist effort in a 7-4 loss against Alexandria on Wednesday.  “Trevor has really made a lot of improvement this season. He has been a great addition to the team,” said Revolution head coach Rod Davidson.  “He has great chemistry with his linemates and that has really made a big impact on the team’s success.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Riley Corbin, goaltender, Metro Jets – Devin Fracassi, defenseman, Queen City Steam – Roy Grandov, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Isaac Hale, defenseman, Twin City Steel – Zach Hill, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Matt Hughes, goaltender, Battle Creek Revolution – Brycon Johnson, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Cory Kettler, forward, Peoria Mustangs – Jake Leon, goaltender, Quad City Jr. Flames – Paul McAvoy, forward, Queen City Steam – Jon Narverud, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Drew Otto, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Michael Parda, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Zach Randell, forward, Twin City Steel – Clint Steinmeyer, goaltender, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets – Tyler Zalecki, forward, Toledo Cherokee.

First Star of the Week: Anders Franke - Flint Jr. Generals

In the topsy-turvy world of the NA3HL East Division, the Flint Jr. Generals moved back into 3^rd place this past weekend thanks to a three-win week, in which the Jr. Generals beat Michigan twice and Metro once.  Backstopping the team in all three wins was 19-year-old goaltender Anders Franke.  The native of Zimmerman, Minnesota, allowed just three goals in the three wins and stopped a combined 73 of 76 shots in the three wins, good for a 96% save percentage.  On Thursday, Franke (5’7/165) made 16 saves in a 3-2 home win over Metro.  On Friday, Franke made 37 saves in a 3-1 win at Michigan.  On Sunday, he saved his best for last as he stopped all 20 shots that came his way in a 1-0 shutout of the Mountain Cats.  “Anders has been a great addition to the team and each point we get is crucial, so he play this weekend was just what we needed,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard.  “He is trying to prove that he is a goalie that can play at the next level.”

Second Star of the Week: Nick Gnagni - Flint Jr. Generals

It wasn’t just goaltending that netted the Jr. Generals three wins this past week.  Forward Nick Gnagni, 19, was a big part of the offense as out of the seven goals Flint scored in the three wins, Gnagni recorded a point in five of them.  The native of Bloomingdale, Illinois, had a total of five assists and was a +3 in the three victories.  On Thursday, Gnagni (5’8/180) set up the first two goals in Flint’s 3-2 win over the Metro Jets.  A night later, he assisted on all three Jr. Generals goals in a 3-1 win at Michigan.  On Saturday, he didn’t record a point, but played solid defensively in a 1-0 win over the Mountain Cats.  “Nick has been a guy that has flown under the radar, but he brings his lunch pail to the rink and works very hard every day,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard.  “He is a pure playmaker.  His assists this past week were all primary ones that directly set up our goals.”

Third Star of the Week: Doug Andrews - Metro Jets

It was a week, or game, to remember for Metro forward Doug Andrews, 20, who helped the Metro Jets win two of their three games this past week to keep their playoff chances alive.  The native of Macomb, Michigan, who is closing in on 100 points for the NA3HL career, had a career game in Metro’s 9-2 win in Quad City on Sunday.  Andrews (5’9/170) set an NA3HL season-high with five goals and eight points in a single game.  He also was a +5.  The five goals also included the game-winning goal, which came at the end of the 1^st period.  Of the nine goals scored in the game, Andrews recorded a point in eight of them.  “Doug had been a little funk, but the most important thing was he has never stopped working hard,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone.  “He finally put it all together and everything he touched seem to go in or produce offense.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Matt Bartels, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Mikael Broliden, goaltender, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Riley Corbin, goaltender, Metro Jets – Ian Dvorak, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Blayne Ellson, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Jason Hoehn, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Ron Lindgren, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Harley Manus, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Kerry McGlynn, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – AJ Merritt, defenseman, Twin City Steel – Scott Murray, goaltender, Granite City Lumberjacks – Brody Peterson, forward, Twin City Steel – Kyle Rojem, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Austin Turner, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Justin Von Spreecken, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Ian Wood, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance.

First Star of the Week: Tom Bartel - Twin City Steel

It was a big weekend for the Twin City Steel as they picked up two huge wins to move into the 4th and final playoff spot in the West Division.  Forward Tom Bartel, 19, led the way for the Steel as the native of Roseville, Minnesota, recorded six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in two road wins last week at Alexandria and at Granite City.  On Wednesday, Bartel (5’9/155) had a goal and assisted on the game-winner in a 3-1 win against the Blizzard.  On Saturday, Bartel was dominant in a 5-4 win in Granite City as he scored twice and assisted twice in the win.  Bartel was also a +5 during the two wins.  For the season, Bartel is second on the team in scoring with 38 points in 34 games played.  “I thought that Tom has really come on and played extremely well as of late,” said Steel coach Aaron Koosmann.  “He uses his speed, drives to the net, works hard and has really improved as a player.”

Second Star of the Week: Brandon Layman - Toledo Cherokee

Thanks to a weekend road sweep of Battle Creek, the Toledo Cherokee are holding down the 3^rd spot in the East Division and forward Brandon Layman, 18, was the big producer.  In the two wins, the Toledo, Ohio native had five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and was a +3 over the weekend with a game-winning goal.  On Friday, he picked up two assists, including one on the game-winning goal, in a 4-0 shutout win over the Revolution.  On Saturday, he had two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in a 5-3 win.  For the season, Layman is tied for 3^rd in team scoring with 27 points in 36 games played.  "Brandon was really good this past weekend, and he and his linemates carried the offense for us, and were a big part of our two game sweep,” said Toledo head coach Kenny Miller. 

Third Star of the Week: Ron Lindgren - North Iowa Bulls

Defenseman Ron Lindgren, 19, led the Bulls to two more wins last weekend as he and the Bulls are on the fast track to the West Division title thanks to a home sweep of Quad City.  The Janesville, Wisconsin native had five points (all assists) and was a +5 in the two wins.  On Friday, Lindgren (6’1/195) assisted on the game-winning goal in a 5-2 win over the Jr. Flames.  On Saturday, he recorded a season-high four assists (again including the game-winning goal) in a 12-1 win over Quad City.  For the season, Lindgren has 22 points in 34 games played and ranks 9^th in scoring of all NA3HL defensemen.  “Ron is a guy that is normally a shut-down defenseman, but things fell the right way for him this weekend and he really did a good job contributing offensively,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Aaron Azevedo, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Eric Behrend, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Ty Belmont, forward, Queen City Steam – Alex Berardinelli, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Anthony Caroselli, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Spencer Craig, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Brad Helper, defenseman, Metro Jets – Sawyer Marshall, goaltender, Twin City Steel – Alec Rounds, goaltender, Queen City Steam – Zac Sikich, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Guy Soulliere, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Tyler Stepke, goaltender, Three Rivers Vengeance – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets – Dallas Szustak, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

First Star of the Week: Michael Parda - Peoria Mustangs

Mustangs goaltender Michael Parda, 20, took his game to yet another level over the weekend as he shut the door against the Minnesota Flying Aces over the weekend.  The native of Waukesha, Wisconsin was perfect in both wins stopping all 66 shots that came his way for back-to-back shutouts.  On Saturday, Parda (6’0/145) made 27 saves in a 4-0 shutout and on Sunday he was even better as he stopped all 39 shots that came his way in a 2-0 win.  His four shutouts this season are tied for the NA3HL lead and his 94.6% save percentage is tops among all NA3HL netminders this season.  “Michael has been so consistent and has been as solid as ever,” said Mustangs head coach Jean-Guy Trudel.  “Off the ice, he is a totally different person than he was last year.  He has completely devoted himself to being in the best shape possible and he is focused on becoming better and wants to play NCAA hockey.” 

Second Star of the Week: James Hughes - North Iowa Bulls

North Iowa forward James Hughes, 21, racked up a whopping eight points as the Bulls posted a weekend sweep in Quad City against the Jr. Flames.  North Iowa clinched a playoff berth and in the process outscored the Flames, 25-2 in the two wins.  Hughes (5’8/185) scored in each of the wins and had six assists.  He was also a +7 during the weekend sweep.  The native of Circle Pines, Minnesota, had a goal and four assists in Saturday’s 11-1 win.  He had a goal and two assists in Sunday’s 14-1 win.  “James has become a real good leader for our team,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “His hockey ability makes us better, but his leadership qualities are really making the difference in the long run.”

Third Star of the Week: Scott Cuthrell - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

The Jr. Lumberjacks increased their winning streak to 10 straight games this past weekend with road wins in Metro and in Flint and forward Scott Cuthrell, 19, was front and center at the team’s production.  In the two wins, the native of Waterford, Michigan, had five points (4 goals, 1 assist) in the two wins.  On Saturday, Cuthrell (5’8/150) had two goals, including the overtime-winner in a 6-5 win at Metro against the Jets.  On Sunday, Cuthrell scored twice again and assisted on the game-winning goal in a 4-1 road win over the Jr. Generals.  His 56 points not only leads all Cleveland scorers, but also ranks him tied for 2^nd for all NA3HL scorers.  “Scott has taken his game to a new level after the holiday break,” said Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson.  “He has had great consistency.  We moved him to center and he has really has adapted to the all-around game, and as a result, is getting more chances.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Brennan Anderson, forward, Peoria Mustangs – John Arms, defenseman, Michigan Mountain Cats – Tom Diffendal, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – David Heflin, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Dominic Juncaj, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Zak Kemble, goaltender, Queen City – Simon Koscielski, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Chase Leonelli, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Drew Otto, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Mattheu Raiola, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Alec Rounds, goaltender, Queen City Steam – Clint Steinmeyer, goaltender, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets – Tyler Zalecki, forward, Toledo Cherokee.

First Star of the Week: Kade Morrison - Michigan Mountain Cats

The Michigan Mountain Cats winning streak hit three straight games this past weekend with a weekend road sweep of the Metro Jets.  Out of the seven total goals scored, forward Kade Morrison, 17, had points on six of them.  The native of Attica, Michigan, had a six-point weekend, which included four goals and two assists and was a +3 in the sweep.  On Saturday, Morrison (5’11/205) scored all of Michigan’s three goals in a 3-1 win.  On Sunday, he had another goal and chipped in two assists, which included assisting on the game-winning goal in a 4-1 win.  In 31 games this season, Morrison has 19 points.  “Kade has really played well as of late and is really starting to understand what it takes to be successful and consistent at the junior level,” said Mountain Cats head coach Chad Grills.  “He has a very bright future ahead of him because of his development and experience at this young at such a young age.”

Second Star of the Week: Spencer Craig - Michigan Mountain Cats

The other big piece to the puzzle of Michigan’s road sweep against the Metro Jets was the goaltending of Spencer Craig.  The 19-year-old from Canton, Michigan, was in goal for both wins over the weekend, helping Michigan to the road sweep.  On Saturday, Craig (6’2/190) was outstanding as he stopped 44 of 45 shots in a 3-1 win over the Jets.  He also shined on Sunday as he stopped 21 of 22 shots in a 4-1 win.  For the weekend, Craig stopped 65 of 67 shots for a 97% save percentage, allowing just a single goal each night.  Craig has won four out of his last five games and has two shutouts this season. “Spencer was the backbone of our success this past weekend,” said Mountain Cats head coach Chad Grills.  “If he doesn’t come up with save after save like he did, especially on Saturday, we wouldn’t have won the game.  His save allowed us to keep the momentum going and stay in the game and that is all you can ask of your goaltender.”

Third Star of the Week: Ian Ecklund - Alexandria Blizzard

To say that Alexandria Blizzard forward Ian Ecklund is on fire right now would be an understatment.  The 19-year-old forward from Proctor, Minnesota, put together another impressive offensive weekend as the Blizzard picked up two more wins.  On Friday, Ecklund (6’3/180) had a goal and an assist in a 5-1 home win over the Minnesota Flying Aces.  On Saturday, he picked up two goals and an assist for a three point night in a 9-2 win at Breezy Point against the North Stars.  Ecklund was also a +4 during the weekend as he racked up another five points.  Not only does Ecklund rank 2nd in NA3HL scoring with 53 points, but he is currently on a 13-game point streak and his last five games have resulted in multi-point games.  “Ian has really settled in and become a consistent player.  He has been keeping things simple and using his speed,” said Blizzard head coach Jeff Crouse.  “He is in one of those zones right now where he is playing well and focus each time he steps onto the ice.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Scott Cuthrell, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Aaron Davis, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Matt Erlichman, goaltender, Three Rivers Vengeance – Lynden Fields, forward, Peoria Mustangs – Mitchell Gwost, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Jason Hoehn, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Jacob Howie, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Brycon Johnson, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Zak Kemble, goaltender, Queen City Steam – Kevin Kenny, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Alex Koopmeiners, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Mike Lozano, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Michael Parda, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Jacob Peacock, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Tim Santopoalo, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Andrew Sprouse, defenseman, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Trevor Voelker, forward, Queen City Steam.

First Star of the Week: Ed Osowski - Flint Jr. Generals

Flint forward Ed Osowski, 20, is back to his scoring ways.  After going through a mid-season lull in November and early December, the Montclair, New Jersey, native let everyone know that his scoring ways are here to stay with a great performance this past weekend as his Jr. Generals swept a pair of road games from the Michigan Mountain Cats.  Osowski (5’8/145) had six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in the two wins as Flint kept pace in the East Division.  On Friday, Osowski picked up two assists in a 6-2 win.  A night later, Osowski was even better as he scored twice (including the game-winning goal) and added two more assists in a 5-0 shutout win over Michigan.  Osowski, who leads Flint in scoring with 37 points this season, ran his point streak to five straight games.  “It was good for Ed to get back on track a few weeks ago and he has taken the momentum and run with it,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard.  “He is a pure goal scorer and when he is scoring he has a lot of confidence and plays well at both ends of the rink.”

Second Star of the Week: Taylor Brown - North Iowa Bulls

Of all the components that make the North Iowa Bulls go, forward Taylor Brown, 19, is a very important piece of the puzzle that has gotten he Bulls to 1st place.  The native of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, put his skills on display this past weekend as the Bulls posted two more big wins over Breezy Point and Twin City.  On Friday, Brown (5’9/170) was at his best as he had a goal and three assists in a 7-2 home win over Breezy Point.  On Saturday, Brown had two more assists in an 8-3 road win at Twin City.  In 28 games this season Brown has racked up 39 points and has failed to record a point in just four of the 28 games.  “Consistency and production, that’s what really comes to mind when talking about Taylor,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “He is an important part of a great group of players who have made the most of playing here.  He works hard every time he steps on the ice and is a guy that we know is destined for bigger and better things.”

Third Star of the Week: Damien Lona - Queen City Steam

The Queen City Steam played the red-hot Three Rivers Vengeance this past weekend and suffered two close, one-goal losses.  Forward Damien Lona, 19, shined despite being on the losing end as he posted points in five of the Steam’s seven total goals during the weekend.  On Saturday, the native of Crittenden, Kentucky, had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 loss.  The next night, Lona (5’11/185) had two goals and an assist in a 5-4 loss.  In the losing effort, Lona was a remarkable +5 in the two games.  Lona leads the Steam in scoring this season with 33 points in 28 games played.  “Damien is really playing at his best right now,” said Steam head coach Lee Lansdowne.  “When he plays like he can, he can really produce and he is very good and dangerous around the net.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Nick Balavich, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Patrick Coburn, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Spencer Craig, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Lukas Daniels, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Austin Fletcher, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Patrick Kegley, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Andrew Mitch, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Allen Patten, goaltender, Minnesota Flying Aces – Ricky Seidel, forward, Alexandria Blizzard - Kyle Shreve, forward, Metro Jets – Zac Sikich, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Guy Soulliere, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Clint Steinmeyer, goaltender, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Tyler Stepke, goaltender, Three Rivers Vengeance – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets – Chase Wilson, goaltender, Alexandria Blizzard - Eric Woodward, forward, Queen City Steam.

First Star of the Week: Tom Diffendal - Pittsburgh Vengeance

The Vengeance have surged into 2nd place in the East Division thanks to one of the NA3HL’s most high-powered offenses, which this past weekend was led by forward Tom Diffendal.  The 17-year-old forward from Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, had a six point weekend as the Vengeance posted a weekend home sweep of the Metro Jets.  With the wins, the Vengeance are now all alone in 2nd place in the East Division.  On Saturday, Diffendal (6’3/200) scored the opening goal and assisted on another in a 4-1 win over the Jets.  On Sunday, Diffendal was even better as he recorded another goal and added three assists in a 6-4 win.  He was also an impressive +6 over the weekend and for the season has 23 points in 28 games played.  “Tom is a very important part of our depth on offensive and for a 17-year-old, plays with a lot of composure and confidence,” said Vengeance head coach Brian Cersosimo.  “He uses his size well to create scoring chances for he and his teammates and has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Second Star of the Week: David Fassbender - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Cleveland is happy to have forward David Fassbender, 19, back in uniform.  The Parma, Ohio native had a big weekend as the Jr. Lumberjacks posted a weekend home sweep of the Flint Jr. Generals to keep their East Division lead at five points.  In the two games, Fassbender (6’1/190) had six points (3 goals, 3 assists) and was a +3.  On Saturday, Fassbender scored twice and assisted on another goal as Cleveland defeated Flint, 6-4.  The next day, Fassbender scored again and posted two assists, including on the game-winning goal in a 6-2 win.  It was no surprise that the Jr. Lumberjacks had 12 goals in the two games with Fassbender in the line-up and Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson agreed.  “David made such an immediate impact to the team upon his return because he brings so much to the table.  We are happy to have him back and happy that he is playing well and showing veteran leadership.”

Third Star of the Week: Nico Vecchio - Pittsburgh Vengeance

Having been named the NA3HL Forward of the Month in December, Three Rivers forward Nico Vecchio, 20, picked up in January right where he left off in December with another outstanding and productive weekend.  The native of North Huntington, Pennsylvania, recorded six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in two home weekend wins over the Metro Jets.  Vecchio (5’11/180) now leads the NA3HL in points this season with 52 points in 29 games played.  On Saturday, Vecchio had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win.  On Sunday, he recorded a hat-trick, which included the game-winning goal, along with an assist in a 6-4 win.  “Nico does it all for us and we were very happy he decided to return and play for the Vengeance in his final junior season,” said Vengeance head coach Brian Cersosimo.  “His veteren leadership and presence in the lockerroom is as valubale as his production on the ice.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Matt Bartels, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Thomas Clayton, forward, Queen City Steam – Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Spencer Craig, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Bryan Davis, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jordan Fogarty, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Nate Gay, goaltender, Toledo Cherokee – Rob Gentile, defenseman, Queen City Steam – Isaac Hale, defenseman, Twin City Steel – Chancie Hanson, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – David Heflin, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Trey Hughes, forward, Twin City Steel – Alex Koopmeiners, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Harley Manus, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Andrew Palushaj, forward, Metro Jets – Blake Phenow, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets.

First Star of the Week: Tony Paulson - North Iowa Bulls

In the lone game in the NA3HL last weekend, North Iowa forward Tony Paulson was the true #1 star.  Not only did the 18-year-old forward factor in on both North Iowa goals in regulation, but he also scored in the shootout to help give the Bulls a 3-2 shootout win over the Twin City Steel this past Saturday.  The native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, scored North Iowa’s first goal and assisted on their second goal, which both came in the 1st period.  Paulson (5’9/165) then added a shootout goal to help the Bulls win and increase their lead in the West Division.  For the season, Paulson has 26 points in 16 games played since joining the Bulls in early November.  “Tony’s goal was a great individual effort and great shot,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “He has been really consistent for us and finds himself on the scoresheet every night.  He is a big reason we have good depth up front.”

Second Star of the Week: Noah Anderson - Twin City Steel

Twin City defenseman Noah Anderson, 18, had a little extra incentive to play well this past Saturday.  The defenseman from Groveland, New York, was playing against his former team in the North Iowa Bulls, and he made his effort count on Saturday.  Anderson (5’10/175) assisted on both Twin City goals, which came during a 3rd period comeback to send the game into overtime and eventually a shootout, as they Steel were edged 3-2.  The Steel still picked up a point in the shootout loss, thanks in large part to Anderson.  After spending the first nine games with North Iowa this season, Anderson has thrived for the Steel the past 15 games, which he has 15 points.  “Noah is such a good two-way defenseman and in a short period of time has really developed into one of go-to guys,” said Steel head coach Aaron Slagle.  “He plays with a lot of confidence and came up big in the game against North Iowa.  It meant a lot to him to play well.  North Iowa is a tough place to play and I thought he responded very well.”

Third Star of the Week: Tom Bartel - Twin City Steel

In this past Saturday’s game against North Iowa, Twin City forward Tom Bartel, 19, scored both Steel goals in regulation to help the team climb back from a 2-0 deficit, ultimately losing 3-2 in a shootout.  The forward from Roseville, Minnesota, scored three minutes apart in the 3rd period to tie the game at 2-2.  It was Bartel’s third goals in his last two games.  Bartel (5’9/155) was also called upon in the shootout, but missed his chance to score as the Bulls ultimately took the extra point.  It still didn’t diminsh the fact that Bartel played very well and continued his impressive season, in which Bartel is second on the team in scoring with 29 points in 26 games played to date.  “Tom has been a leader and a go-to guy all season long,” said Steel head coach Aaron Slagle.  “He works hard and worked hard to get those goals in the 3rd period against North Iowa.  He has come up big for our team many times this season.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Matt Kroska, forward, North Iowa Bulls.

First Star of the Week: Robby Vukelich - Quad City Jr. Flames

As the Quad City Jr. Flames picked up their second weekend sweep of the year, goaltender Robby Vukelich, 19, was in goal for both wins as the Flames swept the Queen City Steam.  In the two wins, the native of Rogers, Minnesota, stopped a total of 49 of a combined 52 shots, which was good for a 94.2% save percentage.  The wins for Vukelich (6’1/180) were his 2nd and 3rd of the season and all three of his wins have come in the month of December.  On Saturday, Vukelich allowed just a single goal and made 25 saves in a 3-1 win over the Steam.  On Sunday, Vukelich made 24 saves as Quad City completed the weekend sweep with a 5-2 win. “Robby has really stepped his game up since the Showcase and this weekend was a perfect example,” said Jr. Flames head coach Tom McDermott.  “He was there to come up with the big saves when he needed to which gave our guys a lot of confidence.”

Second Star of the Week: Guy Soulliere - Michigan Mountain Cats

Michigan forward Guy Soulliere, 18, has done a little bit of everything this year for the steadily-improving Mountain Cats.  This weekend was no exception as the native of Romeo, Michigan, and the rest of the Cats faced the tall task of hosting the St. Louis Jr. Blues, who came into the weekend with the league’s best record.  On Friday, Soulliere (5’10/175) and the Mountain Cats handed the Jr. Blues just their third loss of the season as he scored the overtime-winning goal and added an assist in a 3-2 overtime win.  On Saturday, Soulliere scored again in an 11-3 loss.  For the season, Soulliere leads the team in scoring with 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 26 games played.  “Like he has done for us all season, I thought Guy stepped up big when it mattered most,” said Michigan head coach Chad Grills.  “He was a key factor in our success in our win over a very good St. Louis team on Friday.  He has really grown into a solid, all-around hockey player that is a scoring threat every time he steps onto the ice.”

Third Star of the Week: Alex Berardinelli - Pittsburgh Vengeance

The Three Rivers Vengeance took three of four points on the road this past weekend and leading the way was 17-year-old forward Alex Berardinelli.  Now in his third season with the team, the native of Export, Pennsylvania, had a total of five points (3 goals, 2 assists) as Three Rivers picked up a win and a shootout loss in Battle Creek against the suddly surging Revolution.  On Saturday, Berardinelli (5’9/165) had two goals in a 6-2 win over Battle Creek.  On Sunday, Berardinelli had another goal and two assists in a 8-7 overtime loss to the Revolution.  He was a also a +5 during the two games over the weekend.  For the season, Berardinelli is tied for 2nd in the NA3HL with 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 27 games played.  “The one thing that really stands out about Alex is his consistancy,” said Vengeance head coach Brian Cersosimo.  “He is able to make his linemates better and can put up points in all situations.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Aaron Azevedo, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Nick Brusa, forward, Queen City Steam – Anthony Caroselli, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Trevor Clark, forward, Battle Creek Revolution – Nate Gay, goaltender, Toledo Cherokee – Cody Guidorzi, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Shane Hill, forward, Twin City Steel – Hyo Jun Baek, forward, Queen City Steam – Dominic Juncaj, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Matt Kroska, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Mike Lozano, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Donnie Nagle, defenseman, Toledo Cherokee – Blake Phenow, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Nico Vecchio, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance.

First Star of the Week: Tim Santopoalo - North Iowa Bulls

With two more wins over the weekend, the North Iowa Bulls moved into 1st place in the West Division.  Leading the attack was forward Tim Santopoalo.  The 19-year-old native of Roscoe, Illinois, recorded six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in the two wins over the weekend.  On Friday, Santopoalo (5’6/160) had the game-winning goal with just :15 seconds remaining in the game and also added an assist in a 6-4 win in Alexandria against the Blizzard.  On Saturday, Santopoalo recorded a hat-trick and added an assist in an 8-4 home win over the Minnesota Flying Aces.  Santopoalo is tied for the Bulls scoring lead with 34 points this season and ranks in the Top 10 in the NA3HL in both goals and points.  “Tim has been so consistent all season long.  He leads a balanced attack.  He is part of our depth.  Tim brings great offensive energy and plays with edge. 

Second Star of the Week: Kyle Ware - Battle Creek Revolution

It was a weekend to remember for the Battle Creek Revolution and defenseman Kyle Ware.  The Revolution are no longer winless as they won their first NA3HL game last weekend in a road split against the Queen City Steam.  Ware, 19, had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) over the weekend.  The native of Three Rivers, Michigan, was a force from the blueline all weekend.  On Saturday, he recorded two goals and added an assist in a close 5-3 loss.  On Sunday, Ware posted an assist on Battle Creek’s first goal and then scored the shootout-clinching goal to give Battle Creek their first ever win in a 4-3 victory over the Steam.  Ware (6’3/215) has been great in his eight games with the Revolution this season, recording nine points (6 goals, 3 assists).  “Kyle has tremendous hands for a defenseman and has a great shot.  He has the ability to score from anywhere on the ice.  It was one of the reasons we put him out there in a shootout-clinching situation,” said Revolution head coach Rod Davidson.  “In his short time here, Kyle has become a great leader and a positive person in the lockerroom for us.  No doubt the win on Sunday was special for all of us.  It was long overdue because the guys had been playing well.  It was our best weekend series for sure.  Guys really kept their composure when the game was still in question and showed great character.  The team has improved drastically since start of the season and that’s all we can ask for.”

Third Star of the Week: Jordan Prewitt - Toledo Cherokee

Toledo forward Jordan Prewitt, 18, as his Cherokee posted a big weekend home sweep of the Flint Jr. Generals.  The native of Monroe, Michigan, was instrumental in the sweep as he picked up four goals (two each night) in the two-game sweep.  On Friday, Prewitt (6’1/180) scored the first and last goals in regulation as Toledo eventually ended up with a 4-3 shootout win over Flint.  Then on Sunday, Prewitt had two more goals in a 5-2 win over the Jr. Generals.  For the season, Prewitt is 3rd on the team in scoring with 21 points in 23 games played.  “Jordan was our best offensive forward this weekend and a big reason we were able to those much needed four points," said Toledo head coach Kenny Miller.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Matt Eckhardt, forward, Queen City Steam – Mike Gambino, forward, Metro Jets – Nate Gay, goaltender, Toledo Cherokee – David Heflin, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Jason Hoehn, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Jonah Hoover, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Trey Hughes, forward, Twin City Steel – Dominic Juncaj, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Thomas Leistner, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Joey Lioy, forward, Battle Creek Revolution – Ben Mack, defenseman, Michigan Mountain Cats – Harley Manus, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Eric Miller, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Andrew Mitch, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Andrew Palushaj, forward, Metro Jets – Mattheu Raiola, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks.
 

First Star of the Week: Nico Vecchio - Pittsburgh Vengeance

The Vengeance kept their momentum going from the NA3HL Showcase, where they posted a 3-1 record, with a home sweep this past weekend of the Toledo Cherokee and leading the way was 20-year-old veteran forward Nico Vecchio.  The native of North Huntington, Pennsylvania, recorded seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in the two wins over the Cherokee and of the 10 goals that the Vengeance scored, Vecchio recorded a point on seven of them.  On Saturday, Vecchio (5’11/180) had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win.  On Saturday, Vecchio was truly dominant as he was a part of all five of Three Rivers goals in a 5-4 win.  For the season, Vecchio leads the Vengeance in scoring with 38 points, which ranks tied for 3rd in the NA3HL.  “Coming into the weekend, Nico had the mentality of being a leader,” said Vengeance head coach Brian Cersosimo.  “It was very important for us to continue momentum from Showcase.  Nico realizes it is his last season and he wants to make an impression.”

Second Star of the Week: Anders Franke - Flint Jr. Generals

Newly acquired goaltender Anders Franke, 18, hasn’t taken long to make an impression on the Flint Jr. Generals.  The native of Zimmerman, Minnesota, shined over the weekend as the Jr. Generals picked up a weekend home sweep of the 1st place Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.  For the weekend, Franke (5’7/165) was in goal for both wins and stopped 59 of a possible 62 shots, which was good for a 95.1% save percentage.  Franke, who joined the Generals at the NA3HL Showcase, was a draft pick of the USHL’s Fargo Force and had spent the start of the season with the NAHL’s Bismarck Bobcats.  On Saturday, he made 31 saves in a 4-1 win over Cleveland.  On Sunday, he made 28 saves in a 4-2 win over the Jr. Lumberjacks.  “It was big for us to get back in the winning column and Anders played a huge role,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard.  “He is a high-end goaltender and has a great skill set.  He proved he can handle the big games and make the big saves.”

Third Star of the Week: Eric Behrend - North Iowa Bulls

The North Iowa Bulls picked up their 6th and 7th straight wins over the weekend with decisive victories over division rivals Minnesota and Twin City.  Bulls forward Eric Behrend, 20, led the offensive charge with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the two wins.  On Friday, the native of Waunakee, Wisconsin, had two assists (including one on the game-winning goal) in a 7-0 shutout win over the Minnesota Flying Aces.  On Saturday, Behrend (6’0/180) exploded for a hat-trick (which included the game-winning goal) and an assist for a four point night in a 10-3 win over the Twin City Steel.  Behrend, who had 37 points last season, already has 27 points this season and ranks 5th in team scoring.  “Eric has been really good for us and his goals and points are coming at big times,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “He has really found his niche and knows how to put the puck in the net.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Alex Berardinelli, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Chayce Coenen, defenseman, Alexandria Blizzard – Spencer Craig, goaltrender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Aaron Davis, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Ian Ecklund, forward, Alexandria Blizzard – Andy Lay, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Zack MacKay, forward, Metro Jets – Kade Morrison, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Alex Reichle, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets.

First Star of the Week: Cody Guidorzi - St. Louis Jr. Blues

One of the four undefeated teams at the NA3HL Showcase was the St. Louis Jr. Blues, who were led at the event by forward Cody Guidorzi.  The 17-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, was instrumental in the Jr. Blues success as he recorded eight points (5 goals, 3 assists) as St. Louis posted wins over Toledo, Alexandria, Flint and Metro.  Two of his five goals were game winners and he was also a +7 during the event.  In the first two games, Guidorzi (6’0/160) recorded back-to-back two goal, one assist games and scored the game-winning goal in both those contests.  He finished the event with a one goal, one assist performance in a win over the Metro Jets.  Guidorzi is tied for the team lead in scoring so far this season with 26 points in 23 games played as the Jr. Blues have posted an NA3HL best 24-2-0 record.  “Cody has been playing great and putting up points, but it is important to note that he never takes a shift off,” said St. Louis head coach JP Beilsten.  “He is very smart for a younger player and makes very good decisions with the puck.”

Second Star of the Week: Trey Hughes - Twin City Steel

The Twin City Steel have a knack for playing well at Showcases and this past weekend in Blaine was no exception.  The Steel felt right at home, picking up three wins in three games and leading their charge was forward Trey Hughes.  The 19-year-old from Lino Lakes, Minnesota, had seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) in the three wins and was a +2 as the Steel posted wins over Flint, Cleveland and Battle Creek.  Hughes (5’9/181) had multiple points in all three games and is currently riding a five-game point streak.  His best game of the event was his first as he recorded a goal and two assists in a 5-2 win over the Flint Jr. Generals.  The next two games, Hughes had two points in each to add to his team leading point total of 28.  “Trey has been a leader the entire season.  He keeps the mood upbeat and keeps the guys together in the lockerroom and on the bench,” said Steel head coach Aaron Slagle.  “We were healthy and playing well as a team in Blaine and you could see that the guys were feeding off his leadership.  When Trey is playing well and working hard, the rest of the team follows, which is a testament to the type of player and leader he is.”

Third Star of the Week: John Forseth - North Iowa Bulls

It didn’t take long for newly acquired forward John Forseth, 19, to make an impact for the North Iowa Bulls at the NA3HL Showcase.  Not only did the Bulls put together a perfect 4-0 record at the Showcase, but they did it in impressive fashion, outscoring their opponents 26-3 in the four games.  Leading the way was the Bemidji, Minnesota, native Forseth, who in hs first four games with the Bulls, recorded seven points (5 goals, 2 assists) and was a +7.  Forseth’s breakout came in the second game in a 9-0 win over the Metro Jets in which Forseth (5’10/160) had four goals and an assist.  He recorded points in the next two games, which were big wins over Queen City and Michigan, to help North Iowa finish undefeated.  “John made an immediate impact for us this past weekend,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “He brought a different type of energy, finished his checks and had immediate chemistry with his linemates.  John plays at a very high level and it was evident from the start of the event.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Nick Brusa, forward, Queen City Steam – Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Aaron Davis, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Bryan Davis, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Chase Engdahl, defenseman, Queen City Steam – Matt Erlichman, goaltender, Three Rivers Vengeance – Victor Gortz, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Josh Hosking, defenseman, Metro Jets – Brett Love, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Kyle Miller, goaltender, Alexandria Blizzard – Andre Pison, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Blake Podgorski, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Jordan Prewitt, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Guy Soulliere, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jared Sprink, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets – Nick Turbitt, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Nico Vecchio, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Robby Vukelich, goaltender, Quad City Jr. Flames.

First Star of the Week: Alex Nedeljkovic - Metro Jets

The Jets have benefitted from having newly acquired goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic in the line-up during the month of November.  The 16-year-old from Parma, Ohio, has come in and won all four of his starts including both this past week to get the Jets over the .500 mark for the first time since opening weekend.  Nedeljkovic (6’0/186) was a 6th round draft pick of the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers in the 2012 OHL Draft.  He started the season with the Whalers in the OHL and played in two games.  He was then sent to Metro in November to get some more experience.  He has responded in kind by winning all four of his starts in the NA3HL, including a 3-1 win in Flint on Wednesday in which he made 33 saves, and another 33-save performance in a 6-2 over Michigan on Sunday.  For the week, he stopped 66 of a combined 69 shots, good for a 95.6% save percentage.  “The NA3HL is a great league to get him some shots and experience,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone.  “He is very talented and very calm and composed for being just 16 years old.  He plays with a lot of confidence and our team has fed off that.”

Second Star of the Week: Henry Smith - Queen City Steam

In Queen City’s weekend split on the road in Peoria this past weekend, Steam forward Henry Smith, 19, came up big for his team.  The native of Charleston, West Virginia, racked up five points (1 goal, 4 assists) and was a +4 over the weekend as the Steam played well on the road against a tough Peoria squad.  On Saturday, Smith (5’10/175) assisted on the lone Queen City goal in a close 2-1 loss.  On Sunday, Smith had the game-winning goal and three assists in a 5-3 win over the Mustangs.  His 15 points to date ranks third on the team and his 11 assists is tied for the team lead.  “We had a short bench this past weekend and Henry saw a lot of ice time,” said Steam head coach Lee Lansdowne.  “We went 10 for 10 on our penalty kill and he was a major reason for that.  Has the ability to do everything and works hard in all three zones.  He has been a crucial part to our success.”

Third Star of the Week: Ian Ecklund - Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard have won five of their last six games and the recent surge of success has been led by leading scorer Ian Ecklund.  The native of Proctor, Minnesota, had another good weekend as the Blizzard picked up a win over Twin City and suffered a one-goal loss at Granite City.  Ecklund, 19, had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and was a +3 in the two games.  On Wednesday, Ecklund scored Alexandria’s first goal in a close 4-3 loss at Granite City.  On Friday, Ecklund had the game-winning goal and two assists in a 5-3 home win over the Twin City Steel.  Ecklund (6’3/180) leads the Blizzard in scoring so far this season with 23 points in 18 games played.  “Ian is a really raw talent.  He shoots the puck and skates very well,” said Blizzard head coach Jeff Crouse.  “The last month and half he has really started to figure things out.  He is finding the back of the net and has taken on a leadership role.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): John Bonta, forward, Queen City Steam – Aaron Davis, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Mike Gambino, forward, Metro Jets – Marshall Helton, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Kade Morrison, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Dylan Nelson, defenseman, Minnesota Flying Aces – Drew Otto, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Jared Sprink, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Kegan Storjohann, forward, Twin City Steel – Aidan Verbeke, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks.

First Star of the Week: Garrett Skinner - Alexandria Blizzard

It was a big weekend for the Blizzard and forward Garrett Skinner, 19.  The hometown native of Alexandria, Minnesota, has a record-breaking week as he recorded eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) and was a +8 in three games as the Blizzard picked up three important West Division wins over the weekend.  Skinner (5’11/175) started his week off with an assist in Friday’s 6-2 win over Minnesota.  On Saturday, he recorded a goal and four assists in a 9-0 win over Breezy Point.  On Sunday, he completed the weekend with a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win at Breezy Point.  Skinner is tied for the Blizzard scoring lead so far this season with 19 points to date.  “Garrett is a local kid that is very popular with the community,” said Blizzard head coach Jeff Crouse.  “He is still a young player and learning, but he is figuring out how to play at both ends of the rink.  He is a very good playmaker and sees the ice well.” 

Second Star of the Week: Nathan Miller - Toledo Cherokee

Toledo Cherokee netminder Nathan Miller, 17, was in goal for both games as the Cherokee posted a weekend home sweep of their in-state rivals from Queen City.  For the weekend, the native of Erie, Pennsylvania picked up two wins and stopped 40 of a combined 42 shots in the two games, good for a goals against average of just 1.00 and a save percentage of 95.2%.  On Saturday, Miller (6’5/220) stopped 22 of 23 shots in a 6-1 win.  On Sunday, he stopped 18 of 19 shots in a 2-1 win, completing the weekend sweep.  Miller has a 5-2-1 record so far this year and ranks in the Top 11 in the NA3HL in both goals against average and save percentage.  "Nate gave us a chance to win both nights and when he is on his game he is very hard to beat,” said Toledo head coach Kenny Miller.  “He had a solid week of practice that led to his two wins this past weekend."

Third Star of the Week: Tony Paulson - North Iowa Bulls

Since joining the North Iowa Bulls, forward Tony Paulson, 18, has recorded eight points in five games.  This past weekend was a good indication of Paulson’s offensive abilities as he recorded six points in two games as the Bulls captured three of four points.  The native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, started the weekend with a hat-trick (which included the game-winning goal) and an assist in an 8-4 win at home over Twin City.  The next night, Paulson (5’9/165) had two assists in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Granite City Lumberjacks.  He was also a +6 in the two games.  “Tony has made an immediate offensive impact and is very special player,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “He has great speed and tremendous hands.  He is very unselfish and knows how to move the puck around the rink.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Noah Anderson, defenseman, Twin City Steel – Hyo Jun Baek, forward, Queen City Steam – Eric Behrend, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Austin Coulson, goaltender, Queen City Steam – Spencer Craig, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Easton Halbert, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Marshall Helton, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jake Howie, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Brycon Johnston, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Harley Manus, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Luke McDiarmid, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Kerry McGlynn, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Calvin Miska, forward, Twin City Steel – Andrew Mitch, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Dylan Nelson, defenseman, Minnesota Flying Aces – Michael Parda, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Brett Podgorski, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Mattheu Raiola, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Alex Reichle, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Michael Straub, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Payton Trammel, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Nico Vecchio, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – DJ Vold, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks.

First Star of the Week: Drew Otto - Granite City Lumberjacks

The Granite City Lumberjacks posted two more wins over the weekend, and points leader Drew Otto, 18, kept the ball rolling and was able to again lead the offense.  The native of Menomonie, Wisconsin, had six points (2 goals, 4 assists) over the weekend as the Lumberjacks on a pair of road games.  On Friday in Alexandria, Otto (5’11/180) had the game winning shootout goal in a 3-2 win over the Blizzard.  On Sunday, Otto had a goal and four assists in an 8-2 win at Twin City.  He was also a +6 over the weekend.  He is currently riding a 15-game point streak and is 3rd in the NA3HL in points with 29.  “The past couple of weeks had been tough, so it was nice to see him and his line break out this weekend,” said Granite City head coach Brad Willner.  “They found ways to score, so hopefully that will continue. Drew works very hard and is rewarded for that with the number of points he is able to put up.”

Second Star of the Week: John Arms - Michigan Mountain Cats

Michigan defenseman John Arms, 19, was a one-man show this past weekend as he not only brought his defensive game to the show, but also displayed his offensive side.  The native of Davison, Michigan, had five points this past weekend (4 goals, 1 assist) as the Mountain Cats split a pair of games against Toledo.  Arms (5’11/170) began the weekend with a hat-trick in a 5-3 loss at Toledo on Friday night.  He followed it up with a one goal, one assist performance on Saturday in a 3-0 shutout against the Cherokee.  Arms was also +4 on the weekend, showing his attention to defense.  “I thought that John put on a great, all-around performance this weekend,” said Chad Grills, Michigan’s head coach.  “He was able to transition nicely from defense to offense and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.”

Third Star of the Week: Andrew Palushaj - Metro Jets

It was a big weekend for Metro forward Andrew Palushaj, 19, and the Metro Jets as they picked up two wins.  The native of Livonia, Michigan, had a six-point weekend (2 goals, 4 assists) to help the Jets beat Flint and Battle Creek.  On Saturday, Palushaj had a goal and four assists as the Jets beat Flint, 8-2.  On Sunday, Palushaj (6’0/200) had the game-winning goal in a 9-3 win over Battle Creek.  Palushaj has 17 points in 12 games played so far this season and has recorded at least a point in his last nine games.  “Andrew has really stepped his game up the last month and it really came to a peak this weekend,” said Metro head coach Jason Cirone.  “He played some good hockey and took advanatge of his opportunities, which is what good players do.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Eric Behrend, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Tyler Berry, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Spencer Craig, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Connor Crowe, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Devin Fracassi, defenseman, Queen City Steam – Mike Gambino, forward, Metro Jets – Cody Guidorzi, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – David Heflin, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Jake Howie, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Jake Leon, goaltender, Quad City Jr. Flames – Kyle Meeh, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Calvin Miska, forward, Twin City Steel – Joe Moza, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Spencer Peratalo, defenseman, Alexandria Blizzard – Zac Sikich, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Henry Smith, forward, Queen City Steam – Michael Stumpf, goaltender, Minnesota Flying Aces – Vincent Susi, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Colten Thiel, defenseman, Quad City Jr. Flames – Blake Williams, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces.

First Star of the Week: Brycon Johnson - St. Louis Jr. Blues

At 16-2-0, the St. Louis Jr. Blues currently boast the NA3HL’s best record.  They picked up two more wins this past weekend over Quad City and the big contributor was 16-year-old forward Brycon Johnson.  The native of St. Peters, Missouri, posted a five-point weekend (3 goals, 2 assists) as the Jr. Blues swept the Jr. Flames.  In Saturday’s 7-2 win, Johnson had a goal and an assist and was a +4.  In Sunday’s 6-1 win, Johnson (5’11/185) chimed in with two goals and an assist.  The points in both games extended his point streak to seven straight games.  In 12 games this season with the Jr. Blues, Johnson has 17 points and has recorded at least a point in all but one game.  “Brycon has been able to be one of our more consistent players so far this season.  That is rare for someone his age, but he has a lot of natural skill and is a very gifted player for being just 16-years-old,” said St. Louis head coach JP Beilsten.

Second Star of the Week: Tyler Stepke - Pittsburgh Vengeance

Three Rivers Vengeance goaltender Tyler Stepke, 20, helped the team pick up two big wins in a weekend road sweep at Toledo against the Cherokee this past weekend.  The native of Mars, Pennsylvania, stopped a combined 60 of 64 shots over the weekend, good for a 93.8% save percentage and a goals against average of 2.00.  On Saturday, Stepke made 40 saves in a 5-4 win over Toledo.  On Sunday, he stopped all 20 shots that came his way in a 6-0 shutout win over the Cherokee.  Stepke (5’9/185) ranks in the Top 10 in NA3HL goaltending statistics for both save percentage (91.0%) and goals against average (2.86).  “Tyler brings a veteran presence to the team.  He really stepped up during the week in practice and has taken on a leadership role.  He handles the puck better than any goalie I have seen and is very good on his angles,” said Vengeance head coach Brian Cersosimo.

Third Star of the Week: Patrick Sivets - North Iowa Bulls

The North Iowa Bulls took a big step forward this past weekend with their weekend home sweep of the division-leading Granite City Lumberjacks.  Helping the cause was 20-year-old forward Patrick Sivets.  The native of Medina, Minnesota, and St. Olaf College recruit recorded three goals, which included a power play goal, a shorthanded goal and an even-strength goal as the Bulls beat the Lumberjacks.  Although held off the scoreboard on Friday nights, Sivets (6’1/185) helped the Bulls offense create 43 shots on goal in a 3-2 win.  His game on Saturday night was one of the best of the season, as he recorded a hat-trick, scoring a goal in each period as the Bulls topped Granite City 5-3.  Sivets has 12 goals to date, which ranks tied for 2nd in the NA3HL and he is third in team scoring with 14 points.  “Patrick has a lot of speed and has really learned how to use it.  He is very good at killing penalties and is really working hard this year so that when he goes to St. Olaf next season, he is at the top of his game,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Noah Anderson, defenseman, Twin City Steel – Alec Brandup, defenseman, Minnesota Flying Aces – Cody Guidorzi, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Easton Halbert, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – David Heflin, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Clayton Janecke, defenseman, Quad City Jr. Flames – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Thomas Leistner, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Sawyer Marshall, goaltender, Twin City Steel – Dominic Orlando, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Drew Otto, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Michael Parda, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Austin Sartorius, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jared Sprink, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Aidan Verbeke, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks.

First Star of the Week: Lucas McCammant - Queen City Steam

Queen City forward Lucas McCammant, 18, helped his team get back on track this past weekend as the Steam swept a weekend home set against the Quad City Jr. Flames.  On Saturday, McCammant (5’9/180) chipped in with an assist in a 3-1 win.  On Sunday, the native of Bellbrook, Ohio, exploded for two goals (including the game-winner) and three assists for a five point game in a 6-4 win.  Out of Queen City’s nine goals over the weekend, McCammant posted points on six of them.  McCammant is second on the Steam in scoring with 10 points despite playing in just six games to date.  “His play in all three zones is one of his major strengths,” said Steam head coach Lee Lansdowne.  “He was killing most of our penalties all weekend and he is as strong defensively as he is on the offensive side.”

Second Star of the Week: Aidan Verbeke - Granite City Lumberjacks

Granite City Lumberjacks forward Aidan Verbeke, 19, makes his second consecutive appearance in the 3HL’s 3 Stars of the Week.  The native of Elmwood Park, Illinois, helped Granite City to two more wins over the weekend.  On Friday, Verbeke (6’0/170) scored two goals in a 5-1 win at Breezy Point.  Although Verbeke sat out Saturday’s loss to Breezy Point, he responded with another big game on Sunday as he recorded two goals (including the game-winner) and two assists for a four-point game in a big 8-3 win over North Iowa.  Verbeke, who was also +4 on the weekend, leads the Lumberjacks in scoring with 20 points in 12 games played.  “Aidan’s consistently starting to become a player who can put up points on a nightly basis,” said Lumberjacks head coach Brad Willner.  “This past weekend, he was all over the ice and really made a difference on the power play, penalty kill and even strength.  His entire line plays with confidence and is a threat to score each time they step on the ice.

Third Star of the Week: Trace Jablin - St. Louis Jr. Blues

At just 18 years old, St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Trace Jablin is in his second year with the team and is playing like a true veteran.  This past weekend, the native of St. Louis, Missouri, helped the Jr. Blues to a weekend home sweep of the Michigan Mountain Cats with a four point weekend.  Jablin’s (5’10/155) best game came on Saturday, when he had a hat-trick and an assist in a 9-1 win.  Although he didn’t score in Sunday’s 5-3 win, Jr. Blues head coach JP Beilsten said that Jablin in leading by example on the ice.  “Trace is really playing like a veteran player should.  He was good on special teams and in all areas.  He also stepped up to be a true leader of the team this season.”  Jablin is tied for the team scoring lead with 19 points in 13 games.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Zach Armstrong, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Matt Bartels, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Alex Berardinelli, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Anthony Caroselli, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Bryan Davis, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Ian Dvorak, goaltender, Michigan Mountain Cats – Nick Gnagni, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Kevin Gregory, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Trey Hughes, forward, Twin City Steel – Brycon Jasper, forward, Breezy Point North Stars – Luke McDiarmid, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Kyle Meeh, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Drew Otto, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Andrew Palushaj, forward, Metro Jets – Spencer Peratalo, defenseman, Alexandria Blizzard – Tim Santopoalo, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Henry Smith, forward, Queen City Steam – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets – Kevin Stone, defenseman, Quad City Jr. Flames – Nico Vecchio, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance.

First Star of the Week: Aidan Verbeke - Granite City Lumberjacks

The Granite City Lumberjacks remain the 3HL’s only undefeated team, thanks in large part this past weekend to forward Aidan Verbeke, 19.  The native of Elmwood Park, Illinois, helped Granite City to two more wins over the weekend, both on the road.  On Saturday, Verbeke (6’0/170) scored two goals (including the game-winner) and an assist in an 8-1 win at Twin City.  In Sunday’s game at Minnesota, Verbeke added his second straight game-winning goal with just :33 seconds remaining in the game as the Lumberjacks beat the Flying Aces, 5-4.  Verbeke, who was also +5 on the weekend, is second in team scoring this season with 14 points in 10 games played.  “Aidan is a very smart player who sees the ice really well,” said Lumberjacks head coach Brad Willner.  “He played great for us this past weekend and he constantly puts himself in the best position to score.”

Second Star of the Week: Connor Crowe - Toledo Cherokee

Toledo forward Connor Crowe, 19, has helped the team get off to a 8-3-1 start thanks to his hot play, particularly this past weekend as the Cherokee swept a pair of games from the Michigan Mountain Cats.  The native of Galloway, New Jersey, had three goals (including both game-winners) and an assist for a four-point weekend and was a +3.  On Saturday in Michigan, Crowe (5’8/165) scored two goals (including the game-winner) in a 5-1 win against the Cats.  A night later, Crowe scored the game-winning goal on the power play in the 3rd period and added an assist in a 5-4 win over Michigan.  Crowe is 3rd on the team in points with 11 in 12 games played.  “Connor is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” said Toledo head coach Scott Syring.  “He has great habits on and off the ice.  We have a very young team this season, so having Connor come in with some experience, especially from a league like the PHL, is really an asset.” 

Third Star of the Week: Cameron Dimmitt - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

The 3HL’s scoring leader, Cameron Dimmitt, 20, knows how to put the puck in the net and this past weekend was another great example as the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks swept a pair of games from Battle Creek.  The native of Howell, Michigan, tied a 3HL season-high with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in one game on Sunday in a 10-2 win over the Revolution.  The night prior, Dimmitt (5’11/190) had two goals (including the game-winner) in a 7-1 win over Battle Creek.  He added eight points over the weekend to his league-leading total of 24.  In his two-year career with the Jacks, he has registered 101 points in 60 regular season games.  “Cameron has some great individual talent and that has also been complimented by some good players around him,” said Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson.  “I think he has been able to really improved in his two seasons with us and he understands how to finish his chances.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Ted Barile, goaltender, Flint Jr. Generals – Mikael Broliden, goaltender, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Tyler Burg, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – James Gleason, defenseman, Michigan Mountain Cats – Mitchell Gwost, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Marshall Helton, forward, Mcihigan Mountain Cats – Trey Hughes, forward, Twin City Steel – Brycon Johnson, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Conor Jonasson, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Cody Lichtenvoort, defenseman, Peoria Mustangs – Ryan McAloon, forward, Twin City Steel – Dylan Nelson, defenseman, Minnesota Flying Aces – Ed Osowski, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Brett Podgorski, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Ian Shidlofsky, goaltender, Breezy Point North Stars – Payton Trammel, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Robby Vukelich, goaltender, Quad City Jr. Flames – Fred West, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

First Star of the Week: Nico Vecchio - Pittsburgh Vengeance

Three Rivers forward Nico Vecchio, 20, had a six-point weekend (3 goals, 3 assists) to help the Vegeance to a weekend home sweep of the Michigan Mountain Cats.  On Saturday, the native of North Huntington, Pennsylvania, had two goals in a 7-3 win over the Cats.  On Sunday, Vecchio (5’11/180) recorded a goal and three assists in a 6-0 shutout of Michigan to complete the weekend sweep.  He was also a +5 in the two wins.  For the season, Vecchio is second on the Vengeance in scoring with 13 points.  In his three plus seasons with the organization, he has amassed 160 points.  “Nico is our top all-around player and is a true leader,” said Vengeance head coach Brian Cersosimo.  “He really let his play do the talking this weekend and he has really matured as a person with his decision making both on and off the ice.”

Second Star of the Week: Jeff Monfils - Metro Jets

The Metro Jets snapped a six-game skid with a weekend sweep of the Quad City Jr. Flames thanks in large part of the contribution of forward Jeff Monfils, 20.  The native of Washington, Michigan, had a four-point weekend (1 goal, 3 assists) and was a part of 57% of his team’s scoring over the weekend.  On Saturday, Monfils (5’9/180) had the game-winning goal and two assists in a 4-2 win over the Jr. Flames.  On Sunday, he assisted on the game-winning goal in the 3rd period, which gave the Jets a 3-2 win and weekend sweep of Quad City.  Monfils is currently fourth in team scoring with 10 points in 10 games played. “When we traded for Jeff in the off-season from Cleveland, we knew we needed a team leader and he showed why this weekend,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirrone.  “He is playing on a line with two of the younger players and has really helped them along.”

Third Star of the Week: Jared Ramstead - North Iowa Bulls

Although he played in just one 3HL game this past weekend, North Iowa forward Jared Ramstead, 20, equaled a 3HL season-high with five points in one game as the native of Eckville, Alberta, registered two goals and three assists and was +4 in North Iowa’s 14-3 win at Breezy Point against the North Stars on Saturday.  On Friday, Ramstead (5’11/180) and the Bulls played in an exhibition game in Ames, Iowa, against ACHA Division I Iowa State University.  In the 5-2 win for the Bulls, Ramstead had the game-winning goal.  Ramstead has eight points in six 3HL games played this season.  “Jared is at a good point with his confidence and is really getting into good game shape, which has helped his play,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden.  “I know it was only an exhibition game, but the win against Iowa State was an important one for us and Jared really worked hard to get his scoring chances over the weekend.”

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Chris Amsden, goaltender, Minnesota Flying Aces – Noah Anderson, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – John Arms, defenseman, Michigan Mountain Cats – Stephen Comperchi, forward, Battle Creek Revolution – Luke Dubois, goaltender, Metro Jets – Cody Guidorzi, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Easton Halbert, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Eric Jones, forward, Flint Jr.Generals – Alex Koopmeiners, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Joey Lioy, forward, Battle Creek Revolution – Mike Lozano, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Harley Manus, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Conner McGovern, defenseman, Flint Jr. Generals – Nathan Miller, goaltender, Toledo Cherokee – Michael Parda, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Guy Soulliere, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Michael Straub, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Payton Trammel, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Nick Turbitt, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Tyler Zalecki, forward, Toledo Cherokee.

First Star of the Week: Cory Kettler - Peoria Mustangs

It was a banner weekend for Peoria forward Cory Kettler, 18.  The native Wentzville, Missouri, helped Peoria to a weekend home-and-home sweep of the Quad City Jr. Flames.  In the two weekend games, Kettler (5’9/170) had three goals and two assists for five points and was a +5.  He also managed to score the game-winning goals in both of the wins.  On Friday, he had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 4-2 win at Quad City.  On Saturday, he had two goals, including another game-winner and an assist in a 5-2 win at home against the Flames.  “His entire line has been playing well all season long and Cory has been a great addition to the team,” said Mustangs head coach Jean-Guy Trudel.  “He has great vision of the ice and once he masters his skating, he is going to be a really good player.”

Second Star of the Week: Ed Osowski - Flint Jr. Generals

Flint posted a weekend home sweep of the Three Rivers Vengeance, scoring seven goals in the process.  Forward Ed Osowski, 19, had points in five of those seven goals over the weekend, which included two-goals and three assists.  The Montclair, New Jersey native started the weekend scoring the game-winning goal and adding an assist in a 4-3 win on Saturday.  Osowski (5’8/145) then followed that up with a goal and two assists in a 3-1 win on Sunday.  His six goals and +6 rating leads Flint, who sit in a tie for 2nd place in the East Division.  “There are certain players that find themselves around the puck and Ed is one of those guys.  He has a sense about where to be and it helps him and his teammates.  He is very creative with and without the puck,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard.

Third Star of the Week: Nathan Kohlenhoefer - Granite City Lumberjacks

The lone remaining undefeated team in the 3HL is the defending Silver Cup Champion Granite City Lumberjacks, thanks to their weekend sweep at previously unbeaten St. Louis over the weekend.  Forward Nathan Kohlenhoefer, 19, who is from the St. Louis, Missouri area and a former member of the Jr. Blues, picked the perfect time to put up points as he led the Jacks with two goals, an assist and a +3 rating over the weekend.  After losing his grandfather to cancer the week before, Kohlenhoefer (6’0/200) scored the game-winning goal on Saturday in a 6-1 win and added another goal and assist in Granite City’s 6-2 win on Sunday.  “Nathan understands this level of hockey.  He had the opportunity to go back home and play against the team he used to play for, so there was plenty of motivation there.  He added the energy we needed and also had a calming presence, and do to that a few days after having his grandpa pass away was pretty special for him,” said Granite City head coach Brad Willner.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Doug Andrews, forward, Metro Jets – Alex Berardinelli, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Taylor Brown, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames - Connor Crowe, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Nicholas Goettel, defenseman, Flint Jr. Generals – Easton Halbert, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames - Isaac Hoagland, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Trey Hughes, forward, Twin City Steel – Trace Jablin, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Trevor Kalinowski, goaltender, Metro Jets – Mike Lozano, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Lucas McCammant, forward, Queen City Steam – Tomohiko Minase, defenseman, Minnesota Flying Aces – Andrew Mitch, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Stephen Pack, forward, Queen City Steam – Matt Pinel, goaltender, Peoria Mustangs – Marvin Powell, forward, Twin City Steel – Tim Santopoalo, forward, North Iowa Bulls - Austin Sartorius, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Guy Soulliere, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jared Sprink, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Dallas Szustak, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Nico Vecchio, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – Tyler Zalecki, forward, Toledo Cherokee.

First Star of the Week: Tyler Stockwell - Pittsburgh Vengeance

Having turned just 17-years-old this past summer, St. Louis defenseman Tyler Opilka is playing as good as any defenseman in the league.  This past weekend was no exception as he helped his 1st place and undefeated Jr. Blues to a weekend road sweep of Queen City.  On Saturday, the native of St. Louis, MO, had a goal and assist in a 7-1 win.  On Sunday, Opilka added a goal in a 3-1 win over the Steam.  He was a +4 over the weekend, which increased his league-leading +/- total to an amazing +18 in just eight games played.  His 10 points so far this season leads all 3HL defensemen.  “Tyler has come a long way in two years for a younger player.  He has focused more this season on making better decisions with the puck and his game has really improved because of it,” said St. Louis head coach JP Beilsten.

Second Star of the Week: Tyler Opilka - St. Louis Jr. Blues

Having turned just 17-years-old this past summer, St. Louis defenseman Tyler Opilka is playing as good as any defenseman in the league.  This past weekend was no exception as he helped his 1st place and undefeated Jr. Blues to a weekend road sweep of Queen City.  On Saturday, the native of St. Louis, MO, had a goal and assist in a 7-1 win.  On Sunday, Opilka added a goal in a 3-1 win over the Steam.  He was a +4 over the weekend, which increased his league-leading +/- total to an amazing +18 in just eight games played.  His 10 points so far this season leads all 3HL defensemen.  “Tyler has come a long way in two years for a younger player.  He has focused more this season on making better decisions with the puck and his game has really improved because of it,” said St. Louis head coach JP Beilsten.

Third Star of the Week: Andy Lay - Flint Jr. Generals

Flint forward Andy Lay, 20, is tied for the 3HL scoring lead and a big reason why was his performance this past weekend, as the Flint Jr. Generals split a weekend home series with Toledo.  On Saturday, the native Swartz Creek, MI, tallied two goals and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Cherokee.  On Sunday, Lay (6’1/175) had three more points scoring a goal and adding two assists in a close 5-4 loss.  Lay’s 12 points in tied for the 3HL lead. “It was a blessing getting Andy back on the team this year.  He has tremendous hockey sense and is a great team leader.  He hasn’t missed a beat from last season and is on pace to have his best year yet,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Andrew Benyo, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Trey Dodd, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Clayton Janecke, defenseman, Quad City Jr. Flames – Connor Langfield, defenseman, North Iowa Bulls – Jake Lyon, goaltender, Quad City Jr. Flames – Lucas McCamment, forward, Queen City Steam – Brendan Murphy, defenseman, Peoria Mustangs – Chase Myers-Beck, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Donnie Nagle, defenseman, Toledo Cherokee - John O’Brien, goaltender, Three Rivers Vengeance – Drew Otto, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Tim Santopoalo, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Michael Stumpf, goaltender, Minnesota Flying Aces – Alexander Turin, forward, Peoria Mustangs – Aidan Verbeke, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Tim Weisgerber, defenseman, Queen City Steam.
 

First Star of the Week: Damien Lona - Queen City Steam

Queen City forward Damien Lona, 19, has started the season on a tear for the Steam, who sit in 2nd place in the Central Division with a very respectable 4-2-0 record.  This past weekend Queen City posted a split with the Peoria Mustangs, and Lona continued his hot play.  The native of Crittenden, Kentucky, had three goals and two assists in a five point weekend, was a +4 and now is the current 3HL scoring leader with 10 points.  Lona (5’11/185) is also riding a five-game point streak.  “Damien is really showing some leadership.  He is setting the tone early and is teammates are following.  He leads by example and is a big reason why we selected him as captain,” said Steam head coach Lee Lansdowne.

Second Star of the Week: Jake Howie - Flint Jr. Generals

Now is his second season in the 3HL, Flint forward Jake Howie, 17, had a six-point weekend as Flint split a weekend home-and-home series with the Michigan Mountain Cats.  After recording an assist in a 4-3 overtime loss on Saturday, Howie (5’8/150) exploded for two goals and three assists in a 7-2 win on Sunday.  The native of Grand Blanc, Michigan, played last season with the 3HL’s Chicago Hitmen and has eight points in four games played so far this season as Flint is off to a 2-1-1 start.  “Jake is a fast and smart hockey player.  He does a good job of creating turnovers to give himself more opportunities offensively and will play a big role in our success this season,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard.

Third Star of the Week: Taylor Brown - North Iowa Bulls

In his first 3HL action of the year, North Iowa forward Taylor Brown, 18, was the spark the Bulls needed to keep pace in the West Division as they took two of a possible four points on the road.  Brown (5’9/170), had five points (2 goals, 3 assists) over the weekend.  On Friday, he assisted on the lone Bulls goal, which was shorthanded in a 4-1 loss against Granite City.  On Saturday, the native of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, had two goals (including the game-winner in a shootout) and two assists in a 6-5 win at Breezy Point.  “Taylor was a tender of ours, but started the season with Coulee Region in the NAHL.  He provided an instant offensive spark and has the ability to be a consistent player at the next level.  He is blessed with good hands and great speed,” said Bulls head coach Todd Sanden. 

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Mikael Broliden, goaltender, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Peter Coppola, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Lukas Daniels, forward, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Brody Duncan, defenseman, Toledo Cherokee – Jordan Fogarty, forward, Toledo Cherokee – David Heflin, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Cory Kettler, forward, Peoria Mustangs – Andy Lay, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Harley Manus, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Austin Sartorius, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Guy Soulliere, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Emil Sundstrom, defenseman, Queen City Steam – Dallas Szustak, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Alex Turin, forward, Peoria Mustangs – Aidan Verbeke, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Austin Wilson, goaltender, Granite City Lumberjacks.

First Star of the Week: Mike Lozano - St. Louis Jr. Blues

St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Mike Lozano, 19, helped the Jr. Blues to a weekend home sweep of the Twin City Steel as he recorded five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in two games, which included a game-winning goal and a +3 rating.  “His points came at important times and set the tone in the games,” said St. Louis head coach JP Beilsten.  “He brings a veteran presence to the line-up and is playing with a lot of confidence.”  Lozano’s best game of the weekend came on Saturday as he recorded two goals and two assists in a 7-1 win.  The next day, the native of Lockport, IL scored a goal in a 4-1 win.

Second Star of the Week: Andrew Sprouse - Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks

Cleveland is out to a 3-1 start thanks in large part to players like defenseman Andrew Sprouse.  Sprouse, 19, helped the Lumberjacks to a weekend road sweep of the Three Rivers Vengeance.  The Cary, IN native totaled three assists on the weekend and was a +4.  “Andrew had a very solid weekend and was an unsung hero behind our success,” said Cleveland head coach Bob Jacobson.  “He plays in all situations, has been very consistent so far this season and is doing what we need done from a leadership standpoint.”  Sprouse assisted on the game-winning goal in Cleveland’s 7-3 win on Sunday.

Third Star of the Week: Doug Andrews - Metro Jets

Andrews, 20, opened his 2012-13 campaign with an explosive offensive performance as Metro swept the Battle Creek Revoltion.  The Macomb, MI native recorded four points in both games.  “Doug really grown as a player since last season,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone.  “He is playing with more confidence, more patience and it paid off this past weekend because he worked hard to create offense.”  Andrews had the game winning goal on Saturday and assisted on four of Metro’s six goals on Sunday, including the game-winner.  He is tied for the 3HL lead in points with eight.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Mikael Broliden, goaltender, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Ryan Chapie, forward, Metro Jets – Scott Cuthrell, forward, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks - Ian Ecklund, forward, Alexandria Blizzard – Alec Gerred, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Jason Hoehn, forward, Quad City Jr. Flames – Mitch Humphries, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks – Clayton Janecke, defenseman, Quad City Jr. Flames – Matt Kroska, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Kyle Miller, goaltender, Alexandria Blizzard – Nate Miller, goaltender, Toledo Cherokee –– Michael Straub, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Nico Vecchio, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance – DJ Vold, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks.
 

First Star of the Week: Trevor Knoll - Queen City Steam

 1^st Star: Trevor Knoll, forward, Queen City Steam

Knoll, 19, helped the Queen City Steam to a weekend split in Pittsburgh against the Three Rivers Vengeance.  On Saturday, the Littleton, Colorado native had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 3-2 Steam win to open the season.  On Sunday, Knoll (5’10/185) again added a goal and an assist in a close 5-4 loss.  For the weekend, Knoll recorded two goals and two assists for four points, which included Saturday’s game-winning goal.

Second Star of the Week: Alex Berardinelli - Pittsburgh Vengeance

 2^nd Star: Alex Berardinelli, forward, Three Rivers Vengeance

Three Rivers forward Alex Berardinelli, 17, picked up where he left off last season by producing offense for his team in their opening weekend of play.  Although the Export, Pennsylvania native was held off the scoreboard in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Queen City, he came back with revenge on Sunday as he recorded his first hat-trick of the season in a 5-4 win over the Steam, which included the game-winning goal.  He was also +2 on the weekend.  Berardinelli (5’9/165) was tied for second in scoring last season for the team with 25 goals and 50 points.

Third Star of the Week: Ed Osowski - Flint Jr. Generals

 3^rd Star: Ed Osowski, forward, Flint Jr. Generals

In a weekend split with the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks, Flint veteran forward Ed Osowski, 19, had three points over the weekend, which included two goals and an assist.  On Saturday, Osowski had a goal in a 5-3 loss against Cleveland.  The next day, the forward from Montclair, New Jersey was even better as he lit the lamp for a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win by the Jr. Generals.  Osowski (5’8/145), was a part of the 3HL’s Top Prospects back in May and registered 62 points a season ago with Flint.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Brandon Anderson, forward, Peoria Mustangs – Adam Eno, goaltender, Queen City Steam – David Heflin, goaltender, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks – Thomas Leistner, defenseman, Three Rivers Vengeance – Jim Odom, forward, Flint Jr. Generals