NAHL announces Players of the Week

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its Players of the Week, sponsored by SBK Hockey, for the week ending Nov. 21.

SBK HOCKEY/NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Travis White - Traverse City North Stars

Traverse City defenseman Travis White connected for two goals and three assists as the North Stars skated to a 2-1 record against St. Louis. After being held scoreless on Friday - a 4-1 loss - the Sterling Heights, Mich., native put home a goal and two assists the next night in a 5-3 victory. On Sunday, the 20-year-old tallied the game-winning goal and an assist as the North Stars bested the Bandits, 4-1. The NAHL Top Prospects Tournament selection was also a plus-3 on the weekend.

“Travis is our leader and he proved that last weekend,” said North Stars head coach Anthony Palumbo. “He played a pivotal role in our success against a very good St. Louis team.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Chicago forward Gabe Gervais; Michigan forward Scott Henegar

SBK HOCKEY/SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Michael Hill - Topeka RoadRunners

Topeka forward Michael Hill rang up three goals and three assists as the RoadRunners celebrated a two-game sweep over Texas. On Friday, the Fort Worth, Texas, native recorded a goal and two assists in a 5-3 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old NAHL Top Prospects Tournament selection connected for two more goals, including the game-winner, and an assist as the RoadRunners downed the Tornado, 5-1. The University of Alaska-Fairbanks recruit was also a plus-5 on the weekend.

“Michael had an outstanding weekend,” said RoadRunners assistant coach R.J. Enga. “He led by example with his play in all areas of the game and scored some big goals for us that really helped lift our team in a very important series at home.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo forward Cody Freeman; Texas forward Rock Einersen; Topeka forward Justin Hussar; Wichita Falls forward Jason McAloon

SBK HOCKEY/CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nardo Nagtzaam - Alexandria Blizzard

Alexandria forward Nardo Nagtzaam struck for four goals and three assists as the Blizzard skated to a two-game sweep over Aberdeen. On Friday, the Netherlands native tallied a pair of goals and two assists, including one on Brent Bain’s game-winning marker, in a 4-2 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old notched two more goals, including the game-winner, and an assist as the Blizzard downed the Wings, 4-1. The Mercyhurst College recruit was also a plus-2 on the weekend.

“Nardo really picked up his game last weekend and showed why he’s one of the best players in the league,” said Blizzard assistant coach Jeff Crouse. “He played well in all ends of the rink and we look forward to him continuing to being a leader for our hockey team.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Bismarck forward Matt Gates

SBK HOCKEY/WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Erick Ware - Kenai River Brown Bears

Kenai River defenseman Erick Ware came through with a goal and five assists as the Brown Bears skated to a two-game sweep over Wenatchee. On Friday, the Huntsville, Ala., native picked up four assists, including one on Doug Beck’s overtime game-winner, in a 5-4 triumph. The next night, the 20-year-old added a goal and an assist in regulation along with a shootout marker as the Brown Bears again edged the Wild, 5-4. He was also a plus-1 on the weekend.

“Erick was exceptional last weekend,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David. “He’s a powerful skating defenseman who has great offensive ability. Not to mention he's got a knack for the power play, that's for sure.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Alaska forwards Jacob Barber and Brandon Brossoit

SBK HOCKEY/GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Ryan Faragher - Bismarck Bobcats

Bismarck goaltender Ryan Faragher backstopped the Bobcats to a two-game sweep over Owatonna, turning aside 55 of 57 shots. On Friday, the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament selection from Fort Frances, Ontario, native made 18 saves in a 3-1 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old Dartmouth College recruit stopped 37 shots in regulation and overtime and all five in the shootout as the Bobcats downed the Express, 2-1.

“Ryan has been outstanding for us this year,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie. “He’s been the backbone of this team and every time we need him to make a big save, he’s there.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Alexandria’s Jake Williams; Topeka’s Rasmus Tirronen