NA3HL alums earn NAHL honors

October 30, 2014

This week, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced its weekly Stars of the Week and two of the four players honored are alumni of the NA3HL.

 

Former NA3HL and North Iowa Bulls goaltender Chris Amsden was named the NAHL Midwest Division Star of the Week. Amsden, 20, played a big part in the Minnesota Magicians sweep of Aberdeen this past weekend. The 6’4/185 lbs. native of St. Peter, Minnesota got the start in both games and gave up just a single goal in the two contests. On Friday, he made 24 saves in a 4-1 win. On Saturday, Amsden posted his first career NAHL shutout with 18 saves in a 2-0 win over the Wings. For the weekend, Amsden stopped 42 of 43 shots that came his way. 

 

Last year during the 2013-14 season, Amsden played in the NA3HL for the North Iowa Bulls, leading them to the Silver Cup Championship and was named to the NA3HL All-Rookie Team. He tied for the league lead in shutouts with six and was in the top five in wins, goals against average and save percentage.

 

Former NA3HL and Pittsburgh (Jr. Penguins) Vengeance goaltender Sean Keating was named the NAHL North Division Star of the Week.  After being swept at home the weekend before, the Soo Eagles were on a mission this weekend as they beat their in-state rivals on the road in a sweep over the Michigan Warriors. Veteran goalie Sean Keating, 20, stepped up in a big way to spark his club to the sweep. The native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, wasn’t the original starter on Friday night, but after the Warriors scored three early 1st period goals, Keating (5’11/178) was inserted and stopped all 26 shots that came his way in 52+ minutes to get the 4-3 win. On Saturday, Keating made 19 saves in a 4-1 win. For the weekend, Keating stopped 45 of 46 shots.

 

Keating played in the NA3HL during the 2011-12 season for Pittsburgh, who were known as the Jr. Penguins then. Keating posted an 11-9-1 record with three shutouts and a 2.90 goals against average and a 90.4% save percentage, which ranked in the Top 10 in the league that season.

 

Congrats to both of these NA3HL alumni making an impact at the next level!