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 December 7th, 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: Jordan Mini, Forward, Peoria Mustangs

Jordan Mini and the Peoria Mustangs put together a monster weekend, completing a milestone sweep over the Rochester Grizzlies on home ice. Now in his third season with the Mustangs, Mini has been a steady offensive presence, and this weekend was no exception.

Friday’s win was the more explosive of the two, as Peoria powered their way to an 8–4 victory. The ’06 Pekin, Illinois native struck twice in the second period, with his second goal standing as the eventual game-winner.

Saturday’s matchup was tighter, but the Mustangs again landed in the win column with a 5–3 victory. Mini stayed hot, recording a point in each period. He kicked things off by setting up the Mustangs’ first goal on the power play, added a goal of his own in the second, and closed the night by assisting Peoria’s fourth tally.

With a five-point weekend, he’s now riding a four-game point streak and sits at 16 points through 24 games this season.

Reflecting on Mini’s recent stretch, Head Coach Luke Gruden highlighted his importance to the group: “Since returning from injury, Jordan has elevated his game with every shift. He’s leading this group both on and off the ice, and his presence will be crucial not only at the showcase, but throughout the rest of the season.”

2nd Star: Jace Fitzgerald, F, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Charlie Maquet , G, Peoria Mustangs

East Division Star of the Week: Theo Fritz, Forward, Buzz

Theo Fritz and the Buzz rolled through the week, winning all four of their games as they carry a four game win streak into the Showcase.

The first year Buzz forward opened the week as a playmaking force, dishing out three assists in a 5–1 win over the New Jersey Titans. In their second matchup of the week, the Buzz secured another victory over the Titans, this time 3–2, with Fritz opening the scoring.

His production carried into the weekend as they battled their way to a big 3–2 overtime win on Friday over New Hampshire. The Bethel Park, Pennsylvania native buried the team’s second goal of the night to help lift the Buzz to victory.

They closed things out on a high note, completing the weekend sweep over the Jr. Mountain Kings with a 5–2 win. Fritz made his mark once again, this time striking on the power play for the Buzz’s third goal, which stood as the eventual game-winner.

Buzz Head Coach Anthony Carlier praised Fritz’s impact this week, saying: “Fritzy was a big contributor on offense for us this past week, and has netted some big goals for us, which is why we were able to have a successful week. He may be new to the junior hockey realm, but has brought a real calming veteran presence to the lineup."

2nd Star: Jack Baker, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Mikhail Mishin, F, New Jersey Titans

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Dylan Herold, Forward, Gillette Wild

Dylan Herold and the Gillette Wild put together a strong bounceback weekend, earning a two game road sweep over the Yellowstone Quake. The first year Wild forward delivered his best showing of the season, piling up five points across the series.

Friday’s matchup finished with a 7–3 win for Gillette, as Herold made an early impact. He set up the Wild’s second goal on the power play, then tied the game himself with the team’s third tally, sparking a run of four unanswered goals to finish the night.

Saturday brought a 6–2 victory, and the Rosemount, Minnesota native stayed hot, turning in his first three point game of the year. He opened the scoring with the game’s first goal, then put together an excellent second period by adding a pair of assists to cap off his standout weekend.

Reflecting on Herold’s breakout performance, Head Coach Wilson Anderle highlighted the strides he’s made: “Dylan was very dynamic for us this weekend. His skating and hockey sense allows him to be a scoring threat at all times. Since coming to Gillette he has almost been a point per game player. A lot of his success recently comes from his hard work. Dylan is consistently one of our players that stays on the ice well after practice has ended to work on his game.” 

2nd Star: Elijah White, D, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: Jeff Slivon, F, Sheridan Hawks 

South Division Star of the Week: Jayani Benson, Forward, Texas Brahmas

The Texas Brahmas earned a huge win on Friday night, cruising to a statement 9–2 victory over the New Mexico Ice Wolves. The standout of the night was unquestionably second-year Brahma Jayani Benson, who delivered his best performance of the season with an impressive five-point outing.

Friday’s game marked Benson’s second multi-goal effort of the year, as he erupted for four goals. He opened the scoring and added another tally in the first period, then followed it up with a dominant second frame, adding two more goals along with a power-play assist to cap off a career night.

Head Coach Michael Rooney highlighted Benson’s strong play and the impact it will carry into the showcase: “Jay is a player that came into this season with a really high standard for himself. Each day he comes in and works to achieve the goals he set for himself this season. After a few setbacks to start the year he’s been coming into his own and establishing himself as one of the top forwards in the South Division this past month. It’s awesome to see him get this honor, and we’re really excited to see what he can do at the Showcase this upcoming weekend!”

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

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

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Denis Portnoy, Forward, Bayou State Rougarou 

In his first weekend in the NA3HL, ’08 forward Denis Portnoy made an immediate impact for Bayou State, racking up an eye-popping 15 points (10 goals, 5 assists) across a three game series against the Carolina Rage.

Portnoy kept building momentum throughout the weekend, increasing his point totals in each game. He kicked off his NA3HL debut with a hat trick in game one, scoring once in the first period and twice in the second.

The King City, Ontario native followed that performance with another hat trick in game two, lighting it up on special teams with one shorthanded goal, one power-play goal, and one at even strength. He also added an assist for a five-point effort.

Portnoy saved his best for last in game three, during the 9–5 victory for Bayou State. He produced an incredible eight-point night, scoring four goals and setting up four others. Two of his goals came on the power play, with the second standing as the eventual game-winner. He also tallied three assists in the first period and added another helper in the middle frame, leading the team’s overall offensive explosion.

Head Coach Paul MacLean highlighted the immediate difference Portnoy has made for the Rougarou: “Denis is exactly the kind of addition you hope for as a head coach. He stepped in, bought into our culture immediately, and made an impact right away. His work ethic and presence have already elevated our group, and we’re excited about what he brings to this team.”

2nd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers

3rd Star: Isaiah Ronson, F, Atlanta Capitals 

West Division Star of the Week: Tommy Perkins, Defenseman, Minnesota Wilderness

Tommy Perkins and the Minnesota Wilderness put up a strong fight this weekend, splitting their series with the Alexandria Blizzard.

Game one went in favor of the Blizzard, but the Wilderness didn’t go down without a fight. Fueled by the ’06 blueliner Perkins, Minnesota made a late push in the second period. During the comeback attempt, Perkins scored the team’s second goal and assisted on their third, though the Wilderness ultimately fell 5–3.

Saturday looked like it might follow a similar script, with Minnesota trailing 2–0 heading into the third period. That’s when Perkins came alive, igniting the comeback. He first set up Stratton Maas on the power play to make it 2–1, then assisted Tyler Starich on the tying goal to force overtime. With the stage set, Perkins struck in overtime, banking home the winner to cap off the weekend and lift the Wilderness to victory..

With a total of five points across the series, Perkins delivered his best showing of the season to date.

Head Coach Chris Ratzloff had high praise for Perkins after his weekend heroics: “Tommy really rose to the occasion this weekend. He brought energy, effort, and consistency every shift, and it showed with the way he produced offensively in both games. That OT winner was huge for our group and gives us some great momentum heading into the showcase.”

2nd Star: Caleb Waller, F, Alexandria Blizzard

3rd Star: Carsen Gause, F, Minnesota Moose