NA3HL announces Divisional Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Easton for the week ending November 3, 2013. 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 four divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Zack Johnson, forward, Wisconsin Whalers
The Whalers picked up a weekend split in Cleveland with the Jr. Lumberjacks and forward Zack Johnson, 20, continues to have the hot hand since joining the team a few weeks ago. The native of Rochester, Minnesota, picked up five points (4 goals, 1 assist) in the two games and was also a +2. On Friday, Johnson (5’11/180) had a goal in a 6-3 loss. The next night, the Whalers and Johnson reversed their fortunes against Cleveland with a 6-3 win, in which Johnson had a hat-trick and also assisted on the game-winning goal. In six games with the Whalers this season, Johnson has 13 points. “Zack is a dynamic player. He loves to play the game and has really embraced being here in Madison and made the most of his opportunity,” said Whalers head coach Tom McDermott. “Zack plays well in space and sees the ice well.”
East Division Star of the Week: Nick Gnagni, forward, Flint Junior Generals
Flint team captain Nick Gnagni, 20, helped the Junior Generals to two more wins over the weekend to remain unbeaten in regulation this season as they defeated the Metro Jets and the Michigan Mountain Cats. The native of Bloomingdale, Illinois, had two goals and four assists for a six-point weekend and also had a +3 rating in the two games. On Friday, Gnagni (5’8/185) had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 4-0 home win over Metro. Two night’s later, he had a goal and assisted on three others, including the game-winner in a 6-1 win over the Mountain Cats. Gnagni’s 24 points leads the Junior Generals this season and ranks 5th among all NA3HL players. “We were excited to get Nick back for this season and he really wants to play and develop here,” said Flint head coach Steve Howard. “Nick has had a great start and is a guy we use in every situation.”
South Division Star of the Week: Austin Givens, forward, Sugar Land Imperials
The Sugar Land Imperials moved into 1st place in the NA3HL’s South Division with a weekend home sweep of the Topeka Capitals. 20-year-old forward Austin Givens led the way in both wins, as the Portland, Oregon native totaled five points over the weekend. On Saturday, Givens (5’10/170) had a goal and two assists in a 5-4 win over Topeka. On Sunday, Givens had another goal and another assist in another 5-4 win, completing the weekend sweep. For the season, Givens had nine points in seven games played. “Topeka is a very good club and was a really good test for us. Austin was able to match their speed and then really give us some momentum with his plays and performance,” said Sugar Land head coach Jarod Palmer. “He has a very positive attitude and never gave up in the games.”
2nd Star: Jake Fernow, forward, Dallas Jr. Stars
West Division Star of the Week: Alexander Konnov, forward, Twin City Steel
The Steel moved into the all-important 4th spot in the West, picking up two wins in three games this past weekend. Forward Alexander Konnov, 19, racked up the points in the three games as the native of Khabarovsk, Russia, totaled 10 points to help the Steel pick up four valuable points. On Friday, Konnov (6’1/190) had a goal in a 12-2 loss at Alexandria. On Saturday, Konnov had a goal and two assists as they turned the tables on the Blizzard with a 5-0 shutout win. Konnov saved his best game of the weekend for last as he recorded a hat-trick and added three assists for a six-point night in an 8-3 win over Minnesota, in which Konnov also had the game-winning goal. In seven games with the Steel this season, Konnov has 15 points. “It was huge for us to get some wins and some confidence,” said Steel head coach Aaron Koosman. “Alex has continued to impress with his skill since he has been here and he can put the puck in the net. He is a very good special teams player and all-around athlete.”
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Richie Marenis, forward, North Iowa Bulls – Morgan Martelle, defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks – Jared Schletty, goaltender, North Iowa Bulls – Zac Sikich, forward, Granite City Lumberjacks
