Stars of the Week

Central Star of the Week: Lonnie Land - St. Louis Jr. Blues

The St. Louis Jr. Blues kept their hot streak rolling this weekend, extending their win streak to six with a sweep over the Wisconsin Woodsmen. Assistant Captain Lonnie Land led the charge with four points across the series. 

Friday night’s 5–3 victory was all about special teams, with four of St. Louis’ five goals coming on the power play. After a quiet first period, Land came alive in the second, first setting up the team’s third goal with the primary assist, then burying a power play tally of his own late in the period, which would stand as the eventual game-winner. Land carried his momentum into the third period, adding another power-play assist to cap off a strong night for himself and the J-Notes’ special teams.

Saturday’s matchup was a thriller, as St.Louis took a 3–2 overtime win against Wisconsin. Land picked up right where he left off, scoring back-to-back goals just minutes apart in the second period to get St. Louis on the board and set the stage for the weekend sweep.

Following a weekend sweep of the Woodsmen, Head Coach Matt Occello reflected on Land’s hard work and key contributions: “Lonnie had a great weekend for us versus the Woodsmen, putting up some key points in both victories on the weekend. His commitment to showing up every day ready to compete and work hard is a signature trait that he brings to the table. He has shown through his leadership on and off the ice that he wants this team and his teammates to have success this season. He has taken great strides in his development, and we are excited to continue to watch him grow even more over the course of the rest of the season.”

2nd Star: Mason Decker, F, Rochester Grizzlies

3rd Star: Ben Knutson, G, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: James Steinberg - Long Beach Sharks

The Long Beach Sharks picked up a big four points in the standings with a two-game sweep of the Maine Nordiques. After appearing in a handful of games with the Sharks last season, ‘07 defenseman James Steinberg has found his groove this year, emerging as the team’s leading scorer among defensemen.

Saturday night featured Long Beach’s most dominant performance of the season, as they rolled to a 7-0 victory over Maine. Steinberg set the tone early, assisting on the team’s opening goal before scoring his second goal of the season to put the Sharks up 5-0. He finished the night strong with an assist on the sixth goal, totaling three points on the day. 

Sunday was a tighter contest, but Long Beach still came away with a 7-4 win. Steinberg kept the momentum going, racking up three assists, one on the power play, one at even strength, and one shorthanded.

Sharks Head Coach Jeff Tory spoke about what makes James Steinberg such a key player for the team: “James is an extremely poised young defenseman that sees the game at a very high level. His vision and playmaking ability especially under pressure is impressive while still playing a smart, responsible game defensively.”

2nd Star: Brendan Dalton, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Jake Wilkerson, D, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Star of the Week: Shayne Smith - Yellowstone Quake

The Yellowstone Quake had a standout weekend, earning three points in the standings after an overtime loss in game one against Butte and claiming their first victory of the season the following night against Great Falls. Rookie forward Shayne Smith, Yellowstone’s second-leading scorer, made a major impact on the scoresheet throughout the weekend.

Although Yellowstone fell 4-3 in overtime, Smith found his way onto the scoresheet with one of the team’s three power-play goals.

Saturday, the Quake truly shined, claiming a dominant 6-1 victory over the Great Falls Americans. With a 3-1 lead after two periods, Yellowstone did not take their foot off the gas in the third. Smith was a driving force in the final 20 minutes, scoring back-to-back goals to open the period, including one on the power play. He capped off the night with an assist on the team’s final goal, finishing the weekend with four points and extending his goal-scoring streak to three consecutive games.

2nd Star: Jeff Slivon, F, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Elijah White, D, Sheridan Hawks 

South Star of the Week: Joshua Reaska - Texas Brahmas

Joshua Reaska continues to turn heads in the NA3HL, earning weekly honors for the second time after he and the Texas Brahmas dominated the road with a sweep of the Austin Ice Bats.

The Brahmas newcomer opened the scoring for the team, netting the first goal of the game shorthanded and setting the tone for both the rest of the game and the series. He continued his impact on the penalty kill, assisting on Jayani Benson’s goal to put Texas up 4-1 midway through the third period in a game they would go on to win 5-1.

Reaska continued to impress on Saturday, once again leading the charge in the Brahmas’ 7-5 victory. The Chicago native dominated the opening frame, recording a hat trick in the first twenty minutes, highlighted by a power-play goal to start the scoring. He added another powerplay tally late in the second to break a 3-3 tie and give Texas the lead heading into the third. Reaska closed out his standout performance with a power-play assist and the final goal of the night, wrapping up an incredible weekend.

With eight points over two games, Reaska is now averaging 2.14 points per game and has tallied 15 points in seven games this season.

Head Coach Michael Rooney reflected on what makes Reaska such a special player: “Josh was able to add to his hot start to the season this week. He really put his goal scoring ability on display this weekend. Even when being targeted by opponents, he's able to score goals that are both big and timely for the moment swings. He finds different ways to score, he’s not just a one trick pony. His work ethic away from the puck sets himself up with plenty of dangerous opportunities. He battles through pressure and competes hard in all situations of the game. He’s a pleasure to coach, any coach or team would be ecstatic to have him. He’s a player that everyone needs to know when he’s on the ice.”

2nd Star: Josh Middleton, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Gavin Erickson, G, Texas Brahmas

Southeast Star of the Week: Tobin Tuzinsky - Carolina Rage

Carolina Rage forward Tobin Tuzinsky has made a seamless jump to the junior level after three seasons developing in the NAPHL. The Rage were unstoppable over the weekend, completing a three-game sweep of the Atlanta Capitals while racking up an impressive 28 goals over the series.

Tuzinsky dominated the series, contributing 10 goals and seven assists in three games. He opened the weekend on fire, netting four goals in each of the first two games, including a hat trick in the first period of game 1 and another in the second period of game 2.Beyond his goals, he added seven assists, keeping the team’s offense firing on all cylinders. 

This was Tuzinsky’s best series to date, and with 17 points on the weekend, the ‘06 forward now leads the Rage in scoring. 

2nd Star: James Parnell, D, Carolina Rage

3rd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers

West Star of the Week: Garrett Plaude - Granite City Lumberjacks

The Granite City Lumberjacks are one of just three teams in the league to remain undefeated, thanks to a two-game sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness. Rookie forward Garrett Plaude has been a key factor in their hot start, averaging just over a point per game and finding the back of the net in all but one contest so far this season.

Friday’s 4-1 victory was powered by special teams, as all of Granite City’s goals came on the man advantage. With less than a minute remaining, Plaude With under a minute left in the game, Plaude added the fourth and final goal for the Jacks, his second power-play tally of the season.

Plaude carried that momentum into Saturday’s matchup, opening the scoring with two goals in the first period during Granite City’s eventual 5-2 victory. This performance marked both his second multi-goal game of the season and his first game-winning goal. 

2nd Star: Kellen Kantaris, F, Mason City Toros

3rd Star: Gabe Otis, G, Minnesota Moose 

Central Star of the Week: Maxim Lazo - Wisconsin Woodsmen

Back for his second season in the States, Maxim Lazo has been the driving force behind the Woodsmen offense, averaging 1.71 points per game and recording at least one point in every contest so far this season.

Lazo took center stage on Friday night as Wisconsin put on a show at home, taking down the West Bend Power 6–4. The Slovakia native was unstoppable, netting four goals to lead the comeback victory. After trailing 2–0 in the first period, Lazo ignited the offense with back-to-back goals to even the score, then buried a power-play tally before the second period came to a close. He capped off his stellar night with the team’s sixth goal to seal the win.

Even in Saturday’s setback, Lazo stayed hot, picking up two assists to finish the weekend with six total points. Lazo leads the charge with 12 points in seven games, powering the Woodsmen offense and setting the pace early this season.

With the Woodsmen battling injuries, Head Coach Jon Vaillancourt credited Lazo for stepping up and providing stability, saying: “Maxim has provided our group with stable production as we battle with injuries in the lineup. He has a natural talent to find the puck around the net and I believe should be on the radar for many schools in this coming season. We look to veteran players like him to provide leadership on and off the ice for our young players.”

2nd Star: Drew Sparacino, D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Mitchell Nappier, D, St. Louis Jr. Blues

East Star of the Week: Brody Emond - Maine Nordiques

After leading the Nordiques in points last season as a rookie, Brody Emond has wasted no time proving that his breakout year was no fluke. The ’07 forward continues to be a force on the scoresheet, racking up seven points in three games over the weekend.

After a quiet start with a lone assist in game one against New Jersey, Emond erupted against Norwich, putting up six points in the two-game series. In Friday’s matchup, he found the back of the net on the power play and set up two more goals, earning three out of four possible points.

On Saturday, Emond set the tone early, scoring the game’s opening goal to spark the Nordiques’ offense. He assisted on the team’s second goal to build a 2–0 lead, then sealed the deal in the third with his second goal of the game as Maine skated away with a commanding 5–2 victory.

Head Coach Dylan Farrell-Reny spoke highly of Emond’s continued development and impact on the team, saying: “Brody is a younger player with tremendous upside. He’s dangerous with the puck on his stick and has a natural ability to finish plays. He’s relied on heavily in all situations, is extremely coachable, and represents the brand with maturity and pride both on and off the ice.”

2nd Star: Jacob Landry, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Talon Schackman, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Frontier Star of the Week: Austin Uecker - Helena Bighorns

Second-year forward Austin Uecker has been leading the charge for the Bighorns’ offense this season, delivering another standout weekend against the Badlands Sabres and Gillette Wild. In Friday’s dominant 9–2 win, Uecker got things rolling with an assist on Helena’s third goal, added another helper on the power-play sixth goal, and capped the night with a goal of his own in the second period.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, but Uecker continued his hot streak in the 4–1 victory over Gillette. The Sleepy Eye, MN native opened the scoring to make it 1–0 after the first, extended Helena’s lead to 2–1 midway through the second, and then struck again on the power play to complete his first hat trick of the season, igniting the Bighorns on their way to the win.

With six points on the weekend, Uecker now leads the team with 16 points in nine games, building on the strong performance he showed in his rookie season.

Beyond his scoring, Uecker’s leadership has stood out. Head Coach Damon Hanson stated: “Austin has had a great start to the season personally for himself, and obviously had a very good weekend. Austin is determined to help this hockey team win at all costs each and every weekend doing whatever takes. We are very lucky to have him as he is a leader on and off the ice.”

2nd Star: Cole Murphy , G, Great Falls Americans

3rd Star: Dantae Hunziker, F, Sheridan Hawks

South Star of the Week: Guhnar Hillman - Austin Ice Bats

Captain Guhnar Hillman led the Austin Ice Bats to an electrifying three-game sweep of the El Paso Rhinos, with two games decided by a single goal and all three keeping fans glued to their seats.

Game one saw the Bats fall behind 2–1 early in the second period, but Hillman sparked a turnaround. He set up a key power-play goal and then scored shorthanded, helping Austin take a 4–3 victory. In game two, the team again trailed entering the third, down 1–0, but Hillman dominated the final period, racking up three assists as the Bats scored four goals to secure a 4–2 comeback win.

The finale was an instant classic, with scoring going back and forth and the third period ending in a 3–3 tie. The tension carried into overtime, where Hillman came through once again, netting the game-winner and completing the sweep, his second game-winning goal of the season.

Head Coach Josh Malin had high praise for Hillman after another big weekend, stating: “Guhnar has been instrumental to our success here in Austin, upholding the culture and foundations that we built last year as an organization. All his hard work this offseason is paying off dividends and sets an example for the rest of the group on what the compete level should be day in and day out. Guhnar helps the group pull the rope in the direction of winning each day through their attitude, effort, and discipline. Excited for what's in store for Guhnar as the season progresses and helping the Ice Bats continue to win games."

2nd Star: Montana Medina, D, Tulsa Oilers

3rd Star: Kenny Cadwallader, F, El Paso Rhinos

Southeast Star of the Week: Wyatt Mineheine - Texas RoadRunners

Wyatt Mineheine has been nothing short of dominant in his second NA3HL season, currently leading the league in scoring with 37 points, 13 of which came this past weekend as the Texas RoadRunners completed a three-game road sweep over the Carolina Rage.

The Proctor, MN native opened the weekend on fire, scoring back-to-back goals in the first period and adding another in the second to record a hat trick, while also collecting an assist in a 4–0 shutout win. He followed that performance with another hat trick in game two, two goals in the first, one in the second, and an assist in the third as Texas rolled to a 7–1 victory.

In Sunday’s finale, Mineheine stayed hot, striking twice in the first period (including one on the power play) and setting up three more goals for a five-point game as the RoadRunners sealed the sweep with another 7-goal effort.

Texas Head Coach Mike Beavis spoke on Mineheine’s impressive early-season form, saying: “Wyatt’s been a workhorse since day one. He’s leading the league in scoring and continues to push the pace for our team. He’s really set the bar high for what we expect every night.”

2nd Star: Calum Hartner, G, Texas RoadRunners

West Star of the Week: Caleb Waller - Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard continued their streak of Star of the Week honors, this time with third-year forward Caleb Waller earning the spotlight after helping his team sweep the Willmar WarHawks in a home-and-home series.

A veteran presence in Alexandria’s lineup, Waller has been a consistent offensive threat year after year, and this season is proving no different. In game one, the Blizzard turned a 1–0 deficit into a 5–1 victory behind a dominant special-teams performance. Waller played a key role, recording two power-play points, scoring Alexandria’s second goal and assisting on their fifth.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, with no scoring through the first period, but Waller once again made his mark. He assisted on the Blizzard’s opening goal and then scored the eventual game-winner to help seal a 3–1 win and the weekend sweep.

With 12 points in six games, Waller has tallied at least one point in every contest so far, averaging an impressive two points per game as one of Alexandria’s most reliable offensive weapons.

When talking about his captain, Head Coach Jeff Crouse couldn’t say enough about the impact Waller’s had both on and off the ice: “Caleb has been off to a great start with us this year and has really stepped up his leadership role for us this year as well. He’s accepted the Captain role and has a great attitude and work ethic so far this season and it’s paid off on the ice. We look forward to watching his production throughout the rest of the season!”

2nd Star: Jayden Serene, G, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

Central Star of the Week: Jace Fitzgerald - West Bend Power

Jace Fitzgerald has earned weekly honors for the second time this season after another standout performance against the Wausau Cyclones. Fitzgerald was the difference-maker as the Power skated to a two-game sweep on the road. In Friday’s 5-1 win, the veteran forward tallied his team’s third goal and later added a power-play assist. He raised the bar even higher on Saturday, recording his first hat trick of the season in a 7-4 victory, scoring once in each period, including a second-period power-play goal. With goals in three straight games and five of his first six to start the season, the Rice Lake, WI native continues to be a driving force for West Bend.

The impact Jace has had early season is clear, and Head Coach Jason Woods highlighted just how impressive his play has been: "Jace has been absolutely electric this season, and it’s no surprise to see him recognized by the league again, especially after dominating the series against Wausau. Averaging two points per game in his age-out year shows just how hard he works and how dangerous he is every time he’s on the ice. He’s a game-changer for us now, and there’s no doubt even bigger things are coming for him this season and beyond."

2nd Star: Brody Josselyn, D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Jace Jordan, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues

East Star of the Week: Hayden Brown - Maine Nordiques

Making his NA3HL debut, ‘07 forward Hayden Brown wasted no time making an impact, helping the Nordiques sweep their home-opening series against the New Jersey Titans. The hometown product was a force on special teams all weekend, starting with his first career goal in Friday’s 4-2 win, sealing the night with the team’s fourth tally in the third period. He carried that momentum into Saturday, where he stole the show with a dominant second period. He recorded a natural hat trick, all three goals coming on the power play to fuel the Nordiques’ to a commanding 8-2 victory.

Head Coach Dylan Farrell-Reny praised Brown’s early impact and future potential: “Hayden is the definition of a Nordique,  a true leader with a relentless work ethic on the ice. He’s only scratching the surface of his potential, and I’m very excited to see his development throughout the rest of the year. He’s a true goal scorer and allowing him to play his game is exactly what he needed.”

2nd Star: Kolin Krizan, F, Norwich Sea Captains

3rd Star: Ilya Baldin, F, Binghamton Buzz

Frontier Star of the Week: Loghan Weber - Butte Irish

The Butte Irish saw mixed results this weekend, but one constant was the performance of veteran forward Loghan Weber. Friday, in front of the home crowd, he set the tone against the Helena Bighorns, scoring the game’s first goal and fueling the team’s momentum. He didn’t stop there, with Butte holding a 2-1 lead entering the third, Weber picked up two assists on the team’s fourth and fifth goals, helping seal the win. Despite losing 7-4 on Saturday, the Irish gave Bozeman a battle as Weber found his way onto the scoresheet yet again. He opened the scoring on the first-period power play, added a second power-play goal later in the game, and contributed an assist, finishing the weekend with six points.

His effort and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed by Head Coach Marc Brodeur stating: “Whether it’s in practice or a game, Loghan is always the hardest worker on the ice. He is a great teammate and a true student of the game.”

2nd Star: Lex Steckelberg , F, Bozeman Icedogs

3rd Star: Joshua Sauro, F, Gillette Wild 

South Star of the Week: John Scharf - Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas remain the only undefeated team in the South Division after sweeping in-state rivals Austin Ice Bats in a two-game series. NA3HL rookie John Scharf made a big impact for Texas all weekend. In Friday’s nailbiter, the Brahmas fell behind 1-0 early, but Scharf sparked the comeback with back-to-back goals, one of which came on the power play. Scharf also set up the fourth goal on another power-play opportunity, with the Brahmas eventually winning 5-4 in a shootout. Saturday saw a commanding 5-1 win, highlighted by Scharf’s assist on the third goal and his own goal to close out the game, giving him five points on the weekend.

It wasn’t just the points that stood out this weekend, Head Coach Michael Rooney highlighted what makes Scharf a complete player: “John had a great weekend. He’s just beginning to crack the surface of his potential. He’s a true two way player, he doesn’t cheat the game. What makes him a dangerous player is not only his ability to shoot the puck, but his vision as well. He sees the ice and plays that not many can. He’s not overly flashy, but does everything the right way. He’s a silent assassin with the puck. We’re extremely proud to see him recognized with this honor!”

2nd Star: Nicholas Catalano, F, Texas Brahmas

3rd Star: William Andegren, F, West Texas Wranglers

Southeast Star of the Week: Matthew Hunter - Pelham Prowlers

The Pelham Prowlers made history this weekend, earning their first-ever set of wins and completing their first weekend sweep by taking all three games against the Bayou State Rougarou. ‘06 forward Matthew Hunter led the charge, finishing as the team’s top goal scorer. Hunter was unstoppable, tallying eight goals on the weekend, including hat tricks on both Friday and Saturday. Two of his goals came on the power play, while another two ultimately stood as game-winners on Saturday and Sunday. He also added two assists, rounding out a dominant all-around performance with a total of 10 points. 

2nd Star: Carter Tymchak, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers

West Star of the Week: Grady Stallman - Alexandria Blizzard

The Alexandria Blizzard stormed past the Minnesota Wilderness, bouncing back from last weekend to earn their first sweep of the season. Hometown product Grady Stallman was the standout, especially in Friday’s high-scoring opener. He lit up the scoresheet with five goals, one in the first, two in the second, and two more in the third, leading Alexandria to a 7-3 victory. Stallman carried that momentum into Saturday’s tighter contest, which ended 6-4. After trailing 1-0 heading into the second period, the Blizzard erupted for five goals, including back-to-back power-play goals, one of which proved to be the game-winner. Across the weekend, Stallman finished with an impressive +8 rating, highlighting his impact at both ends of the ice.

It was a weekend to remember for Stallman, and Head Coach Jeff Crouse was quick to highlight his impact on the ice: “Grady had a great weekend for us. He brought energy and enthusiasm to the team and it obviously paid off on the ice. A 5 goal performance is almost unheard of and it was just a game as a Coach where you sit back and enjoy the show. We look forward to watching him continue his success.”

2nd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Stone Resch, F, Mason City Toros 

Central Star of the Week: Mason Decker - Rochester Grizzlies

Second-year forward Mason Decker put on a show this past weekend as the Rochester Grizzlies swept their two-game series against the Peoria Mustangs.

Friday’s opener was a scoring frenzy, with 11 goals total, five of them coming off Decker’s stick. He netted back-to-back goals in the first period (including a power-play tally), added another in the second, and capped it off with two more in the third for an unforgettable five-goal performance.

While he didn’t match that output in game two, Decker still played a major role in Rochester’s 4-0 shutout. He picked up three points, assisting on the first and fourth goals while burying the team’s third.

With eight points on the weekend, Decker now leads the Grizzlies in scoring through two weeks of play.

Head Coach Marty Raymond said the following when asked about Decker earning league honors: “Mason, a true veteran, dominated both ends of the ice this weekend while leading our team on and off it. Spectacular play and a truly well-deserved honor.”

2nd Star: Eiji Hofmann, F, Wausau Cyclones

3rd Star: Brody Josselyn, D, West Bend Power

East Star of the Week: Brendan Dalton - Long Beach Sharks

The Long Beach Sharks opened the 2025-26 season strong, winning two of three, topping New Jersey on Wednesday before splitting a weekend series with Maine.

Rookie forward Brendan Dalton wasted no time making an impact, leading the team in scoring after the first weekend with six points (2 goals, 4 assists). In Wednesday’s opener, he recorded a pair of points, setting up the Sharks’ second goal to give them a 2-1 lead before adding one of his own to cap off a four-goal first period.

Dalton continued to shine on Saturday, quarterbacking the power play with two assists on the man advantage. He capped off his breakout weekend on Sunday, carrying that momentum into a tight matchup with the Nordiques by netting a shorthanded goal and adding another power play assist.

Sharks head coach Jeff Tory praised Dalton’s early impact, pointing to his composure and playmaking ability as keys to the rookie’s strong start: “Brendan has tremendous poise with the puck and a knack for making high-level plays under pressure. He not only creates scoring opportunities for himself, but he also elevates the players around him.”

2nd Star: Jacob Landry, F, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Jace Tourillot, F, Long Beach Sharks

Frontier Star of the Week: Chase Berg - Helena Bighorns

The Helena Bighorns enjoyed a big weekend, with wins over the Great Falls Americans and the Bozeman Ice Dogs.

Friday’s contest with Great Falls went back and forth before ultimately being settled in a shootout. While he didn’t record a point in regulation, second-year forward Chase Berg stepped up when it mattered most, burying the lone goal of the shootout to lift the Bighorns to victory and send Steed Arena into celebration.

On Saturday, Helena handed Bozeman their first loss of the season with a 4-1 win. Berg made his mark early with an assist on the opening goal, then followed it up with back-to-back tallies, including the eventual game-winner, for a three-point night that powered his team to the sweep.

Head Coach Damon Hanson spoke about Chase Berg’s strong start to the season and his role as a leader on the ice: “Chase Berg has started the season off very well and is looking to continue the little success he has had in the last few games offensively. While Chase also focuses on leading our group weekend after weekend in the right direction.”

2nd Star: Vincent Leaf, F, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Carter Kilen, F, Badlands Sabres 

South Star of the Week: Josh Reaska - Texas Brahmas

Under new head coach Mike Rooney, the Texas Brahmas made a statement in the South Division, knocking off the previously undefeated Texas RoadRunners before sweeping a two-game set with the El Paso Rhinos.

Newcomer Josh Reaska wasted no time making his presence felt, racking up seven points in his first week with the team. In a 6-1 road win down in College Station, he picked up two assists on Xavier Othon’s goals for two points on the day. 

Against El Paso, Reaska kept rolling. In game one, he opened the scoring on the power play and later sealed the 3-1 win with his second goal of the night. On Sunday, he added two more power-play assists and, once again, scored the Brahmas’ final goal to cap a 6-4 victory and the weekend sweep.

Head Coach Michael Rooney exclaims his excitement on Reaska earning weekly honors and his contributions to the team: “Josh is a really talented player, he’s humble, and lets his play do his talking. It’s not just his abilities on the ice that make him one of the best players in the league, but his ability to absorb information and translate it to his play. Seeing him get this notoriety is something special. We’re certain there are more great moments to come from him and the team this season.”

2nd Star: Ryan Hoogsteen, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves

3rd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Star of the Week: Isaac Emmrich - Carolina Rage

The Carolina Rage broke through in a big way, earning a road sweep over the Atlanta Capitals. Isaac Emmrich was a steady force all weekend, finishing with five points in the three-game set.

The 2007 forward kicked off his junior career in style on Friday, scoring Carolina’s first goal of the night and adding an assist during their 4-2 win. He delivered a near repeat on Saturday, tallying another goal and assist in the Rage’s second straight 4-2 victory.

Emmrich capped off his standout weekend on Sunday by sparking the offense once again, netting Carolina’s opening goal on the way to a 2-1 win and the sweep.

Head Coach Mike DeCarle highlighted Emmerich’s style of play and the keys to his success:

"Isaac Emmerich is a versatile, all-around player who combines physicality with smart, disciplined play. He also brings strong offensive skills, as shown last weekend in Atalanta, where he tallied 3 goals and 2 assists across 3 games.”

2nd Star: Jaylen Fluhr, F, Atlanta Capitals

West Star of the Week: Gabe Otis - Minnesota Moose

West Division Star of the Week: Gabe Otis, Goaltender, Minnesota Moose

After joining the Moose late last season, 2006-born goaltender Gabe Otis returned for year two in Minnesota and opened the 2025-26 campaign on a high note. Starting Saturday against the Minnesota Wilderness, Otis was unbeatable, stopping all 26 shots he faced for his first shutout of the year. He was especially sharp on the penalty kill, denying the Wilderness on all four of their power-play opportunities.

Head Coach Todd Sanden reflected on “Gabe has a competitive nature and work ethic that drives his success. He works hard on and off the ice and is a great teammate.”

2nd Star: Luke Gustafson, F, Mason City Toros

3rd Star: Blake Breiland, F, Alexandria Blizzard

Central Star of the Week: Jace Fitzgerald - West Bend Power

Veteran forward Jace Fitzgerald wasted no time making an impact, picking up right where he left off last season as the West Bend Power opened the year with a sweep over the Peoria Mustangs.

Fitzgerald started things off on Friday, finding the back of the net on the power play to seal West Bend’s 4-1 victory. He cranked it up a notch on Saturday night, powering the offense with a four-point effort. Carrying momentum from the night before, he posted two points in the opening period, assisting on the first goal before scoring shorthanded to put the Power up 2-1. The second period was more of the same, setting up the team’s fourth goal and then burying his second of the night, which stood as the eventual game-winner in a 5-3 victory.

Power Head Coach Jason Woods credited Fitzgerald’s leadership and impact, saying, “Jace started the year off with a bang. To be able to score in all three phases of the game, on the penalty kill, power play, and five-on-five, really shows his ability to dominate in multiple ways. The tenacity he attacks practice and games with is a great opportunity and example for our younger guys to see how it’s done each and every day!”

2nd Star: Danny Jurcich, F, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Josh Kauppinen, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

Frontier Star of the Week: Lex Steckelberg - Bozeman Icedogs

The Bozeman Icedogs continue to dominate, standing as the only undefeated team in the Frontier Division. After leading the way offensively in week one, second-year forward Lex Steckelberg kept his foot on the gas, shining once again during the weekend series against the Yellowstone Quake.

In Friday’s tight, low-scoring battle, the hometown standout delivered exactly what fans came to see, opening the scoring in the second period and igniting momentum for Bozeman’s 2-1 victory. Saturday, however, was Steckelberg’s night to shine. He filled the scoresheet with four points, starting with an assist on the first goal before turning into a special teams dynamo. He netted two power-play goals, including the game-winner, and added a shorthanded tally to mark his second hat trick of the season, leading Bozeman to a 4-1 win.

When reflecting on Lex Steckelberg’s strong showing, Bozeman Head Coach Mike Perkins said, "Seeing Lex continue to shine as a veteran player in our program is what it’s all about. He’s put in the work and delivered a huge performance yet again this weekend. We’re excited to watch him continue to grow, and we’re thrilled for him to earn these honors."

2nd Star: Easton Langemo, F, Butte Irish

3rd Star: Dominic Arndt, F, Gillette Wild 

South Star of the Week: Josh Middleton - New Mexico Ice Wolves

The New Mexico Ice Wolves kicked off the 2025-26 season with a strong showing, collecting five points over three games, falling just short in Friday’s overtime opener before dominating in games two and three with regulation wins, both by shutout. Rookie goaltender Josh Middleton was a wall in net all weekend, proving he is a force to be reckoned with even in his first season of junior hockey.

After a tough overtime loss on Friday, Middleton bounced back in spectacular fashion, posting back-to-back shutouts, an impressive accomplishment in the South Division. Over the course of the weekend, the St. Louis Park, MN native faced 102 shots, allowing just six goals for a .941 save percentage. The highlight of his weekend came Sunday, when he stopped 35 shots for a commanding shutout to close out the series. 

When reflecting on Josh Middleton’s strong showing, Head Coach Isaac Washburn shared, “We're extremely proud of Josh and the way he showcased his ability to compete relentlessly all weekend.  His steady and calm presence was a big asset for our group throughout the weekend.  I'm happy to see him recognized and honored as he continuously works hard to lead by example in the way he prepares each day and stays focused through the highs and lows of each game.  We're really excited to work with Josh and watch him continue to develop his game.”

2nd Star: Jake Bamback, F, Austin Ice Bats

3rd Star: Liam Cardona, F,  Austin Ice Bats

Southeast Star of the Week: Lucas Dyer - Texas RoadRunners

The Texas RoadRunners continue to light up the scoreboard, improving to 6-0 with a clean sweep of the Carolina Rage. Leading the charge for the offense is second-year forward Lucas Dyer, who currently sits atop the league scoring leaderboard thanks to an incredible weekend.

The Houston, TX native exploded for 19 points over three games, tallying nine goals and 10 assists. Not only did he record a hat trick in all three contests, including his first of the season, but this performance also pushes his season total to 24 points, already surpassing his entire 2024-25 campaign.

RoadRunners Head Coach Mike Beavis praised Dyer’s hot start, saying, “ Lucas has been on a tear over the first two weeks of the season. He’s determined to help his team make a statement. He should have some opportunities at the NAHL level during the season and will most likely have some choices to make for college. His high GPA coupled with his skill should create some interesting offers."

2nd Star: Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers

3rd Star: Dayton Ruppel, D, Louisiana Drillers

West Star of the Week: Jason Williams - Mason City Toros

The Mason City Toros picked up three out of four points in their opening series against the Minnesota Wilderness, and rookie forward Jason Williams made a strong impression in his first taste of junior hockey. Despite a 2-1 overtime loss in game one, Williams scored his first-ever junior goal, opening the scoring for Mason City.

Williams truly made his mark on Saturday, helping propel the Toros to an 8-3 victory. The St. Louis, MO native was unstoppable, scoring one even-strength goal in each period to record a hat trick. At just an ‘07 birthyear, he is currently the youngest player in the league to achieve a hat trick this season.

Toros Head Coach Alex North applauded Williams’ weekend efforts, saying, “I couldn’t be happier for Jason earning this honor. He comes to the rink every day with the right attitude and work ethic, and it showed in both games. Jason plays the game the right way, and this recognition is a well-deserved reward for his efforts.”

2nd Star: Ty Smith, F, Granite City Lumberjacks

3rd Star: Max Jackson, F, Willmar WarHawks

Central Star of the Week: Caden Lindley - St. Louis Jr. Blues

The St. Louis Jr. Blues opened their season in dominant fashion, sweeping the Peoria Mustangs in front of their home crowd. Rookie forward Caden Lindley  made an immediate impact in his NA3HL debut, collecting five points across the two-game set. In Saturday’s 8-2 win, Lindley started quietly before erupting in the final two periods, notching two goals (including a power-play tally) and adding two assists. He followed up on Sunday by sealing the 6-2 victory with the game’s final goal, bringing his weekend total to five points in two games.

When asked about his week one performance and earning Weekly Honors Head Coach Matt Ocello said the following:

“Caden had a great opening weekend for being a newcomer into the league.  Putting up 5 points on the weekend including 3 goals and 2 assists he contributed immensely.  Caden is a player that we have been watching for a few seasons in our Midget program and was a target this past summer to lock in for this season.  He brings good vision and skill assets to the team that are very beneficial to putting points on the scoresheet.  We are looking forward to continuing to see great things from Caden this season.”

2nd Star: Joseph Lopiccolo, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues

Frontier Star of the Week: Jack Ryan - Bozeman Icedogs

2006 netminder Jack Ryan wasted no time making his mark in year two with the Bozeman Icedogs, earning back-to-back wins to start the 2025-26 campaign against the Butte Irish and Great Falls Americans. Starting both games, the Denver, CO native turned aside 75 of the 78 shots he faced, 33 from Butte and 45 from Great Falls. Despite numerous penalty minutes across the weekend, Ryan stood tall on the penalty kill, denying both opponents on the power play. In total, he allowed just one goal against the Irish and two against the Americans, finishing the weekend with a stellar .962 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average.

When asked about Ryan’s dominant performance between the pipes, Head Coach Mike Perkins said the following:

“We’re excited to see Jack’s growth and development from last year to this year. His play over the weekend not only gave us a chance to win both games, but also set the tone for our team to keep improving.”

2nd Star: Jackson Roethler, G, Badlands Sabres

3rd Star: Chase Berg, F, Helena Bighorns 

South Star of the Week: Gavin Brown - West Texas Wranglers

The West Texas Wranglers made a strong first impression in their NA3HL debut, earning three of a possible four points on opening weekend. Friday’s matchup with the Austin Ice Bats was a thriller, with forward Gavin Brown leading the way. Brown assisted on the first goal in Wranglers’ program history and scored twice, including the game-tying goal that sent the contest to overtime before Austin ultimately prevailed in a shootout. On Saturday, West Texas captured its first-ever victory with a 4-2 win over Austin, as Brown once again made his mark by adding two assists, including one on the game-winning goal, to finish the weekend with five points.

When asked about the 07’s contributions on opening weekend Head Coach Austin Sutter said the following: 

“We’re proud of Gavin for being named South Division Star of the Week. He and his teammates have fully embraced the standard we’re building in Amarillo, and his hockey IQ and relentless work ethic stood out in Austin. At just an ’07 birth year, Gavin has tremendous upside, and with continued development, we are confident he has the ability to play college hockey.” 

2nd Star: Matthieu Leblanc, F, Austin Ice Bars

Southeast Star of the Week: Michael Garrett - Texas RoadRunners

RoadRunners newcomer Michael Garrett made an immediate impact on opening weekend, leading Texas’ offense in a three game sweep of the Pelham Prowlers. The Woodbury, MN native was all over the scoresheet, tallying an impressive nine points across the series. He kicked off the weekend with a hat trick on night one, scoring once in each period. Garrett kept the momentum rolling in game two, netting four more goals, two shorthanded and two on the power play, while adding an assist. He finished the weekend strong with another goal in the finale, closing out a dominant debut with nine points.

When asked about his lights out performance and joining the team Head Coach Mike Beavis said the following: 

"Michael has been a tremendous addition to our program, and we are extremely pleased with his work ethic. His play has already helped elevate the team, and as a two-way, 200-foot player who gives his all every shift, he’s the kind of talented, dedicated kid who is sure to catch the attention of several NCAA teams right away."

2nd Star: Wyatt Mineheine, F, Texas RoadRunners