NA3HL announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending September 24, 2023. The Divisional Stars of the Week is an award given each week of the regular season to the top performing players in each of the five divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Jordan Behnen, Goalie, St. Louis Jr. Blues
St. Louis Jr. Blues netminder Jordan Behnen made a splash in his 2023-24 season debut. The St. Louis, MO native was instrumental in helping the Jr. Blues to their first win of the year. The 5’9”/160lbs netminder stopped 38 of the 39 shots he faced from the Central Divisions second best team, the Wasua Cyclones. A product of CarShield AAA, Behnen is in his second season with the Jr. Blues and has a 1.000 GAA and a .974 SV%.
2nd Star: Nick O’Brien, D, Wisconsin Woodsmen
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Viktor Budik, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen – Tommy Kundinger, D, West Bend Power – Teagan Scheurer, F, West Bend Power – Mason Wright, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues
East Division Star of the Week: Brian Essing, Forward, Norwich Sea Captains
Sea Captains forward Brian Essing made his presence known in a two game series with the Long Beach Sharks after totalling 5 points. The third year forward for the Sea Captain's out of Trumbull, CT opened up the first game of the weekend with an assist then followed up the next night with two goals and two assists.
2nd Star: Jessie Riccio, G, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Bianco, F, New Jersey Titans – Glen Farmer, F, Norwich Sea Captains – Dylan Garvin, D, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings – Leonardo Kahlhammer, F, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings – Brody Trew, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Ty Moore, Forward, Helena Bighorns
Helena Bighorns forward Ty Moore made a statement after totalling 4 points in one showing. The Medicine Hat, Alberta native netted a goal and handed out three helpers in the Bighorns win against Sheridan. The 6’1”/195lbs forward is in his first season in the NA3HL.
2nd Star: Ryan Hipsag, F, Gillette Wild
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Braden Cunningham, F, Helena Bighorns – Phil Harrell, D, Great Falls Americans – Adler Hoagland, G, Great Falls Americans – Bodie Shepardson, F, Bozeman Icedogs – Cole Wheaton, G, Gillette Wild
South Division Star of the Week: Owen Zenone, Goalie, New Mexico Ice Wolves
In his first starts in the NA3HL, New Mexico goaltender Owen Zenone posted back-to-back shutouts. In his first start, the North Ridge, OH native turned away 19 shots. After his outstanding start, the 5'10”/175 lbs netminder blanked the Brahmas again after stopping 26 shots. During those two games, Zenone stopped a total of 45 shots, a 0.00 GAA and a 1.00 SV%.
2nd Star: Jake Bergstrom, F, Louisiana Drillers
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jonathan Berndt, D, Louisiana Drillers – JT Brugaletta, F, Texas RoadRunners – Brendan Forden, G, Texas Brahmas – Chase Forry, F, Texas Brahmas – Hunter Houle, G, Texas RoadRunners – Ethan Secord, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves
West Division Star of the Week: Luke Sawicky, Forward, Rochester Grizzlies
Rochester Grizzlies forward Luke Sawicky added four points in just one game to earn the West Division Star of the Week. In just the second NA3HL game of his career, Sawicky helped in each of the four goals scored by the Grizzlies in a 4-3 victory over Willmar. The Osseo, MN native added two goals and had two assists in the contest.
2nd Star: Eli Fletcher, F, Alexandria Blizzard
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Drew Blake, G, Mason City Toros – Isaac Flatley, F, Rochester Grizzlies – Hayden Johnson, F, Granite City Lumberjacks – George Moore, D, Minnesota Loons – Aaron Sawicki, F, Mason City Toros – Josh Serino, F, Minnesota Loons – Sam Schowalter, G, Granite City Lumberjacks
Greeley, D, Granite City Lumberjacks – Maksim Lakic, F, Rochester Grizzlies – Jax Schauer, F, Mason City Toros
