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 November 9th, 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: Jackson Schroeder, Forward, Wausau Cyclones

Jackson Schroeder and the Wausau Cyclones put together a fantastic weekend, completing a road sweep over the Rochester Grizzlies and extending their lead to four points over their division rivals in the standings.

Friday’s game was a back-and-forth battle, tied 2-2 early in the third period. The rookie forward ignited a final-frame surge for the Cyclones, scoring two of the team’s three goals in the period, including the game-winner.

Saturday’s contest was more of a nail-biter, as the Cyclones came away with a 3-2 win. Schroeder set the tone early, assisting on Wausau’s first goal to tie things up late in the opening period, then added his third goal of the weekend, his second straight game-winner. With four points on the series, Schroeder now sits at 22 points on the season, leading the team in scoring during his impressive rookie campaign.

Cyclones Head Coach Nathan Oystrick highlighted Schroeder’s impact over the weekend noting: “Jackson had a great weekend for us, playing a full 200 ft and scoring two game winning goals. As a first year player, he has adapted to the league well and gotten better and more consistent each week.”

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

3rd Star: Ty Paulios, F, Wisconsin Woodsmen

 

East Division Star of the Week: Peter Alfano, Goaltender, Norwich Sea Captains

The Norwich Sea Captains bounced back in a big way, skating to three wins on the week. Third-year netminder Peter Alfano got the nod in two of those victories, turning in his best performances yet in his age-out season.

Wednesday’s matchup on Long Island was a thriller, with overtime needed to determine a winner against the Sharks. The West Haven, CT native faced his busiest night of the season, turning aside 50 of 53 shots for a strong .943 save percentage.

The momentum carried into Saturday, where Alfano once again stood tall between the pipes against the New Jersey Titans. For the second straight outing, extra time was needed as the game went to a shootout. Alfano faced 47 shots through regulation and overtime, allowing just two goals, and then stole the show in the shootout, stopping six of the Titans’ attempts to secure the victory.

After back-to-back clutch performances, Head Coach Kevin Cunningham was quick to recognize Alfano’s impact in net: “Peter was truly outstanding for us last week. His assertive, confident play in the net was a vital factor in our overtime win at Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon and the shootout win against New Jersey Saturday evening. He made some outstanding saves in both games including shutting the door in the third period at Long Beach to allow his teammates to score three straight goals to earn the win and then making six straight shootout stops to set the stage for Henry Pinkerman’s game-winner in the eighth round.”

2nd Star: Sean Bailey, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: James Steinberg,  D, Long Beach Sharks

 

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Shayne Smith, Forward, Yellowstone Quake

Shayne Smith and the Yellowstone Quake put together another strong weekend, splitting their two-game home series with the Butte Irish. The rookie forward, who leads the team in scoring, continues to make a major impact for the Quake as they take big strides this season.

Friday’s matchup saw the Quake battle hard in a 6-4 loss to Butte, with Smith once again leading the charge offensively. He opened the scoring for Yellowstone, sparking the team’s offensive push that kept the game close throughout.

Saturday’s tilt was a different story, as the Quake took control and skated away with an impressive 6-2 victory. With the score sitting at 2-1 midway through the second, Smith came alive, recording a natural hat trick with two goals in the second period and one more in the third. His third tally stood as the game-winner, marking his first hat trick of the season.

With four goals on the weekend, Smith has now found the back of the net in nine of his last ten games. His offensive consistency has been a major key to Yellowstone’s success, as he continues to average 1.7 points per game and has totaled 21 points (15 goals, 6 assists) so far this season.

His latest performance only reinforced what Head Coach Gaetano Moirano has seen all season long: “Shayne continues to impress and make a major impact for the Quake. His hat trick this weekend highlights his ability to be one of the top players in the Frontier Division, if not the entire league. I’m really proud of what he’s accomplished and expect even more great things to come.”

2nd Star: Elijah White, D, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Jack Ryan, G, Bozeman Icedogs 

 

South Division Star of the Week: Cutter Daniel, Defenseman, West Texas Wranglers

The West Texas Wranglers split their series with the El Paso Rhinos, defenseman Cutter Daniel playing a huge role offensively for his team from the blueline

Friday’s game kept fans on the edge of their seats, going into overtime before the Wranglers secured a 3-2 victory. Daniel turned in his best performance of the season, racking up three points on the night. After El Paso scored first, Daniel responded in less than two minutes with a power-play goal to tie the game, then assisted on West Texas’ second goal to close out the period. When the Rhinos evened the score later, Daniel delivered once more, scoring his third game-winner of the season in overtime to seal the win.

Saturday’s matchup didn’t go the Wranglers’ way, as El Paso skated to a 5-3 victory. Still, Daniel made an impact, scoring his second power-play goal of the weekend and continuing to play a key role on special teams. Despite being a defenseman, Daniel is a central figure in the Wranglers’ lineup, currently leading the team in scoring with 12 points in 16 games.

Daniel’s growth on and off the ice hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Head Coach Austin Sutter highlighting the defenseman’s commitment and leadership: “Cutter embodies the Wrangler Way—he leads by serving, competes for his teammates, and attacks the process every day. When the work comes before the reward, the reward always finds you. He’s becoming a player who can thrive in college hockey, and we’re proud to see him recognized.”

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

3rd Star: Carter Tuplin, F, El Paso Rhinos

 

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Joey Izzo , Forward, Texas RoadRunners

Joey Izzo and the Texas RoadRunners continued their hot streak, earning a clean three-game sweep over the Bayou State Rougarou. The second-year forward has gotten off to a strong start in his final junior hockey season, ranking as the team’s second-leading scorer and among the top five scorers in the league.

Over the weekend, the Chicago, IL native continued to light up the scoresheet, totaling 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists). Izzo found the back of the net in all three games, extending his goal streak to seven consecutive contests.

His best performance of the weekend came during Sunday’s 11-1 victory. After falling behind 1-0 in the first period, Texas cranked up the heat in the second, with Izzo playing a major role in the offensive surge. He contributed one goal and three assists, including two on the power play, sparking the team’s attack. He carried that momentum into the final period, adding another power-play goal and a shorthanded assist for a six-point game, thriving on special teams.

After another dominant weekend, Head Coach Mike Beavis spoke about the qualities that make him a key contributor: "Joey has been a workhorse all season long and as one of our captains he has stepped up when needed.  He is a good two way forward and we depend on him each night."

2nd Star: Vincent Campbell, D, Texas RoadRunners

 

West Division Star of the Week: Garrett Plaude, Forward, Granite City Lumberjacks

Granite City continues to be unstoppable, extending their record to a perfect 14-0 after a two-game sweep over the Mason City Toros. Rookie forward Garrett Plaude, who earned Star of the Week honors earlier this season, has continued to shine for the Lumberjacks’ offense.

Friday’s 9-4 victory proved to be Plaude’s best performance of the season, as he tallied an impressive four points. In the first period, the ‘06 forward contributed two points, assisting on Granite City’s opening goal and scoring the Jacks’ third tally. He added his second goal of the night late in the second period, with just two seconds left on the clock, extending the lead to 7-3. Plaude capped the night by completing a hat trick on the power play, his first of his junior career.

Sunday’s game was a bit slower offensively for Plaude, but he still made an impact, assisting on Granite City’s first goal in their eventual 6-4 victory. With five points on the weekend, he is now averaging 1.25 points per game, a strong achievement for a rookie competing in the extremely tough West Division.

Following another strong weekend, Head Coach DJ Vold spoke about Plaude’s contributions and growth this season: “Garrett has done an outstanding job stepping into the lineup this season. His work ethic, skill, and consistency make him a key part of our success, and we expect him to keep making an impact as he continues to grow.”

2nd Star: Mark DeNoyer, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Micah Saxon, F, Granite City Lumberjacks