3HL announces Combat Hockey 3 Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) today announced the Three Stars of the Week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending November 27, 2011. The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-12 regular season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.
1st Star: Johnny Mueller, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues
A big reason why St. Louis is in 1st place in the 3HL’s Central Division is the play of defenseman Johnny Mueller. Mueller, 17, recorded five points this past week (2 goals, 3 assists) as the Jr. Blues split a pair of weekend road games at Peoria. On Saturday, the St. Peter, Missouri native had an assist in a 3-2 loss. On Sunday, Mueller recorded two goals (including the game-winner) and two assists as St. Louis rebound to defeat Peoria, 7-3. Mueller is second on the Jr. Blues is scoring with 21 points in just 12 games played. “Johnny played a big role in our win on Sunday and has been a real nice addition to the team,” said Jr. Blues head coach JP Beilsten. “He plays a big role at both ends of the ice and we rarely worry about his positioning and ability to transition from defense to offense.”
2nd Star: Peter Lindblad, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks
For the second time in as many weeks and third time overall this season, Granite City forward Peter Lindblad has been honored as one of the league’s three stars. Lindblad, 20, made his case this past week, scoring five goals in three games as the Lumberjacks went 1-2-0 for the week. After being held scoreless in Wednesday’s loss to Twin City, Lindblad erupted for four goals on Friday (including the game-winner) in a 5-2 win at Minnesota. On Saturday, the Benson, Minnesota native scored the Lumberjacks lone goal in a 3-1 loss at North Iowa. Lindblad leads Granite City in scoring with 34 points in 27 games played and is tied for the 3HL league lead in goals with 17. “There is no doubt that Peter has the hot stick right now,” said Lumberjacks head coach Brad Willner. “He has a knack for scoring and is giving himself quality scoring chances.”
3rd Star: Damien Lona, forward, Queen City Steam
In a weekend home split with Pittsburgh, Queen City forward Damien Lona, 18, did most of his damage in one game, earning him 3rd star honors. In Queen City’s 4-2 win on Saturday, Lona contributed on all four goals with one goal and three assists as the Steam topped the Jr. Penguins. Although shutout the next night by Pittsburgh, 3-0, the Crittenden, Kentucky native leads the Steam in points with 21 points in 22 games played. “Damien is a player that makes his linemates and teammates better,” said Queen City head coach Don Biggs. “He has great vision on the ice. He thinks pass first and is very unselfish with the puck.”
Other players nominated were (alphabetical order): Ryan Basgall, defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues – Richard Jansson, forward, Flint Jr. Generals – Sean Keating, goaltender, Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins – Steve Klisz, forward, Metro Jets – Alex Lazarski, goaltender, Queen City Steam – Michael Mikulan, forward, Peoria Mustangs – Ben Myers, goaltender, Flint Jr. Generals – Matt Raiola, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Will Shier, defenseman, Metro Jets – Joe Skrzynski, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Patrick Smiatacz, forward, Toledo Cherokee – Nico Vecchio, forward, Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins.
