NA3HL Announces Bethel University Stars of the Week

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) is pleased to announce the Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending September 28, sponsored by Bethel University. This weekly award recognizes the top-performing players from each of the league’s six divisions, as nominated by their head coaches, for their outstanding contributions on the ice. 

Central Division Star of the Week: Jace Fitzgerald, Forward, 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 Division Star of the Week: Hayden Brown, Forward, 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 Division Star of the Week: Loghan Weber, Forward, 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 Division Star of the Week: John Scharf, Forward, 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 Division Star of the Week: Matthew Hunter, Forward, 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 Division Star of the Week: Grady Stallman, Forward, 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