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 January 4th, 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: Mason Decker, Forward, Rochester Grizzlies

Mason Decker and the Grizzlies went 2-1 following the Showcase, a stretch that moved them into a tie for second place in the division. The second-year Rochester forward continues to be a driving force in the team’s success, leading the Grizzlies in scoring, and this week was no exception as he extended his point streak to nine games. 

Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Wausau on the 30th, Decker still made his mark, netting the lone goal for the Grizzlies. The group quickly turned the page, opening the new year with a two-game home sweep of the Jr. Blues.

Against St. Louis, the Rochester, MN native set the tone by assisting on the opening goal and adding a power play tally for the Grizzlies’ third goal in a 4-3 win. He followed that performance the next night with a power play assist on the team’s second goal before coming up clutch, scoring the game winner with just 47 seconds remaining in regulation.

When asked about Decker’s performance in key moments, Head Coach Marty Raymond said the following: “Mason has a real ability to come up with big goals when the pressure is on, and he showed it again this weekend. He’s certainly deserving of a Star of the Week honors.”

2nd Star: Nathan Antti, D, West Bend Power

3rd Star: Drew Sparacino, F, West Bend Power

East Division Star of the Week: Logan Niesen, Forward, Norwich Sea Captains

The Norwich Sea Captains picked up four crucial points with a two game road sweep over the Maine Nordiques. Both contests were tight, one goal battles, with the second game ultimately decided in a shootout.

The hero for Norwich in that shootout victory was undoubtedly second-year forward Logan Niesen. After falling behind 1-0 just five minutes in, Niesen answered for the Sea Captains, tying the game 1-1 by the end of the first period. Maine regained the lead with the lone goal of the second, but Niesen came through again, leveling the score at 2 and sending the game into overtime. After a scoreless overtime period, it came down to the shootout, and Niesen delivered once more, netting the only goal to seal the win.

Head Coach Kevin Cunningham highlighted just how crucial Niesen was to the sweep: “Logan was obviously a huge factor in our 3-2 shootout win Saturday, scoring both of our goals in regulation and then the only goal for either team in the shootout. His line, with Louis Allanson and Lukas Sobczak, was excellent throughout the game Saturday evening to help us complete a critical weekend sweep. Each of Logan’s goals highlighted his skill, hockey IQ and willingness to do the hard things required to win. He helped set the tone for a strong start to the stretch run as we compete for a playoff spot in the East Division.”

2nd Star: Spencer Nicoloff, F, Long Beach Sharks

3rd Star: Henry Pinkerman, F, Norwich Sea Captains

Frontier Division Star of the Week: Loghan Weber, Forward, Butte Irish

Now in his third season with the Butte Irish, ‘05 forward Loghan Weber has continued to shine in the NA3HL during his final year of junior hockey. Despite coming up short in the two game set against the Great Falls Americans, the Beaverton, OR native has continued to shine this season, posting 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists) and averaging 1.24 points per game.

Weber was the driving force on New Year’s Eve, leading the Irish’s power play and scoring both of Butte’s goals on the night. He followed that up on Saturday with another two-goal performance, including yet another tally on the man advantage.

With multi-point games in back-to-back outings, Weber has now recorded two or more points in a single game 10 times this season, showcasing both his consistency and his ability to make an impact for the Irish.

Head Coach Marc Brodeur had high praise for Loghan, noting the impact he’s made over his three years with the team: “I’ve had the privilege of coaching Loghan over the past three seasons. In that time, he’s developed into one of our most skilled and dedicated players, bringing that effort to the ice every single game.”

2nd Star: Vincent Leaf, F, Sheridan Hawks

3rd Star: AJ Prioli, F, Great Falls Americans 

South Division Star of the Week: Carter Lehmann, Forward, El Paso Rhinos

After being named Star of the Week during the first week of December, El Paso’s Carter Lehmann hasn’t eased up, extending his point streak to 13 games as he and the Rhinos completed a two game sweep over the Oilers to kick off 2026. With 59 points in 32 games, the Kalamazoo, MI native shows no signs of slowing down and continues to be a key contributor during El Paso’s hot stretch, as the Rhinos have gone 9-0-1-0 in their last 10 games.

This weekend against Tulsa, the Kalamazoo, MI native came out firing, scoring two goals, including one shorthanded, and adding two assists for a four-point performance, marking his third four-point game of the season. He carried that momentum into Saturday’s game, opening the scoring and adding an assist to finish the weekend with six points.

Head Coach Alec Sherman highlighted Carter after another big weekend, pointing to the dedication and consistency he brings every game: “Carter has been a standout for us on offense all season. His 13-game point streak shows his consistency, and his work ethic and dedication set an example for the whole team. We’re looking forward to seeing what else he can accomplish in the remainder of his age-out season.”

2nd Star: Carter Tuplin, F, El Paso Rhinos

Southeast Division Star of the Week: Matthew Hunter, Forward, Pelham Prowlers 

Matthew Hunter has been a consistent offensive force for the Prowlers in their inaugural season, and this weekend further cemented his impact. The ‘06 forward currently sits second on the team in scoring and has recorded points in nine of his last 10 games.

To open the calendar year, the Prowlers picked up three points in the standings, going 1-1-0-1 in a three game set with Atlanta. Hunter made his presence felt right away in game one, posting his second four point performance of the season, his highest single-game total. He opened the scoring with a power play assist, followed by back-to-back goals in the first period, including another tally on the man advantage, before adding another assist to cap off the night.

Game two was quieter, but Hunter still found the scoresheet with an assist. Hunter finished the weekend strong, guiding Pelham to a regulation win with two goals and an assist. With eight points on the weekend, he now sits at 41 points in 26 games, averaging 1.58 points per game.

Reflecting on Sunday’s response, General Manager Walter Stafford spoke about Hunter’s leadership: “After a tough shootout loss and a one-goal game, Matthew really stepped up for us on Sunday. He led the way with two goals and two assists and helped us close out the weekend with a win. He continues to lead by example, he’s a quiet, reserved young man, but his teammates respect him and follow his lead.”

2nd Star: Jaylen Fluhr, F, Atlanta Capitals 

3rd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers 

West Division Star of the Week: Kellen Kantaris, Forward, Mason City Toros

Playing in his second full season with his hometown Mason City Toros, ‘05 forward Kellen Kantaris put together his best weekend to date, helping the Toros complete a two game road sweep over the Wilderness.

Kantaris made his mark in game one, scoring a pair of second period goals as Mason City earned a 5-3 victory, marking his first multi-goal game of the season. He carried that momentum into game two, turning in his strongest performance of the year. After recording three assists, including one on the power play, Kantaris capped off the weekend with his third goal, as the Toros completed the sweep with an 8-4 win before heading back to Mason City.

Head Coach Alex North shared thoughts on Kellen’s performance and leadership: “Kellen has been a leader for us all season and it doesn’t always show on the scoresheet. His persistence and work ethic paid off this weekend and I’m glad he is getting this recognition.” 

2nd Star: Luca Salak, F, Minnesota Moose

3rd Star: Wyatt Mineheine, F, Minnesota Wilderness