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 18th, 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: Eric Denny, Defenseman, St. Louis Jr. Blues
After splitting their series with the Toros last weekend, the Jr. Blues kept the momentum rolling as they returned to Central Division play, sweeping a two game road set against the Mustangs. Despite being a defenseman, longtime J Note Eric Denny played a major role in the team’s offensive success.
Both contests ended with identical 6–3 scores, with Denny making his presence felt in each. Friday’s game saw St. Louis fall behind 2–1 early in the second, but the Jr. Blues responded with a three goal burst in the middle frame to take a 4–2 advantage into the third. The final goal of the period came off Denny’s stick, as he cashed in on the power play for his second man advantage goal of the season, a tally that would ultimately stand as the game-winner.
Denny was a difference maker again on Saturday, shifting into full playmaker mode as the ’06 defenseman piled up four assists to help close out the sweep. Three of those assists came in the opening period alone, including one on special teams, before he capped off the night with another helper on the Jr. Blues’ fifth goal.
Reflecting on Denny’s weekend and continued growth, Jr. Blues’ Head Coach Matt Ocello shared: “Eric had a great weekend for us versus Peoria. Racking up 5 points with 1 goal and 4 assists was a key contribution to the team this weekend. His actions on the Powerplay were a large factor in his on-ice play. Eric plays many minutes for us each game and moves the puck very well. We look forward to continuing to see his progress both offensively and defensively for the remainder of the regular season and as we make a push for playoffs.”
2nd Star: Sam Ahl, G, West Bend Power
3rd Star: Chase Kozma, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues
East Division Star of the Week: Mantas Lisauskas, Defenseman, Buzz
The Buzz put together a dominant weekend on home ice, picking up four crucial points in the standings as they climbed into second place in the East Division. In their series against Maine, the Buzz went to work offensively, scoring an impressive 15 goals while allowing just two across the two game set.
Although he is the youngest member of the defensive core, Mantas Lisauskas was lights out for the Buzz, turning in his best weekend yet. The ’08 rookie totaled seven points, marking his most productive stretch of games to date.
Friday was where Lisauskas truly shined as the Buzz rolled to a 7–2 victory over the Nordiques. His name was inked all over the scoresheet, as he piled up six points on the night, factoring into six of the team’s seven goals. After a scoreless first period, the Buzz carried a 3-1 lead into the intermission, with Lisauskas playing a role in all three goals, scoring twice and assisting on the other. The momentum carried into the third period, where the Lithuania native added three more assists to cap off a dominant performance.
Saturday was a quieter showing for Lisauskas, but he still made his mark, tacking on an assist on the team’s second goal during an 8–0 victory to close out the weekend.
His recent performances have earned recognition from the coaching staff, with Buzz Head Coach Anthony Carlier praising Lisauskas’ consistency and growth: “Mantas has been having an excellent couple of weeks. It’s hard to find an ‘08 who can play both sides of the puck, and find a way to contribute night in and night out. I do believe this success stems from his commitment to our development process, focusing on the little things and taking advantage of every opportunity he can to improve. I’m very proud of the effort he's putting in and hopefully he can continue this success down the stretch!”
2nd Star: Nicklas Walker, G, Long Beach Sharks
3rd Star: Peter Alfano, G, Norwich Sea Captains
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Andrew Knox, Goaltender, Gillette Wild
Gillette completed their first sweep of the new year, picking up four crucial points in the standings as their push for a playoff berth continues. The home sweep over Butte was powered by netminder Andrew Knox, who stood tall between the pipes in both games. This marked the second time the Newfield, New Jersey native has posted back-to-back wins since joining the team in late November.
Friday featured Knox’s standout performance, as the Wild rolled to an 8–1 victory. Facing 33 shots, he turned away 32, finishing with an impressive .970 save percentage on the night.
Game two was a tighter contest, with Gillette taking a 4–2 win, but Knox remained steady, stopping 23 of 25 shots to secure the sweep.
With the pair of wins, Knox improves his season record to 6–4, posting a 1.50 GAA and a .948 save percentage through the weekend.
Head Coach Wilson Anderle reflected on Knox’s impact since joining the team, saying: “Andrew has come into our team and provided a spark. He is a goalie that our team has full confidence playing in front of. Every game that he is in the net we know we have a chance to win. Outside of the games he is one of the hardest workers at practice and is loud and energetic to make sure the rest of the team has energy.”
2nd Star: Cameron Kimberly, F, Helena Bighorns
3rd Star: Wyatt Knott, G, Sheridan Hawks
South Division Star of the Week: Grant Sexton, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves
New Mexico hosted West Texas for a three game series at Outpost Ice Arena, completing a sweep on home ice and improving to 7-0-1 against the Wranglers this season. ‘07 rookie Grant Sexton was a driving force for the Ice Wolves all weekend, recording his best stretch of games yet.
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native exploded for a total of seven points over the three games, now sitting at 30 points on the year, tied for third on the team in scoring with fellow rookie Ryan Hoogsteen. Sexton posted multiple points in each game, making a huge impact on New Mexico’s success.
He set the tone on Friday, contributing two power play assists in the 4-2 win. Saturday was more of the same, as he again recorded two assists on the man advantage during the 8-4 victory. But it was Sunday where Sexton truly stole the show, scoring two goals and adding an assist to earn all three points as the Ice Wolves closed out the sweep with a 3-1 win. Sexton stepped up when it mattered most, driving the team to victory in their closest matchup.
Reflecting on Grant’s growth and recent play, Head Coach Isaac Washburn noted: “Grant was great for us all weekend right from the opening puck drop Friday night and played a big part in our team earning 6 points at home. He was responsible and consistent in all 3 zones and contributed on both powerplay and penalty kill. Being a first year junior player, there will always be growing pains as you learn the game at this level but Grant is always coachable and a team player while staying the course and working through the highs and lows. In the last few weeks he has really started to gain more momentum in all areas of his game.”
2nd Star: Benjamin Humphreys, F, Texas Brahmas
3rd Star: Tyler Conrad, F, Texas Brahmas
Southeast Division Star of the Week: Brayden Pelcl, Forward, Louisiana Drillers
Louisiana kept their momentum rolling this weekend, extending their win streak to seven after a three game sweep of Atlanta at home. In his first season of junior hockey, Brayden Pelcl has been a force in the Southeast Division, averaging 2.88 points per game with 92 points through 32 games.
This weekend was a perfect showcase of Pelcl’s ability to thrive at the junior level, as he racked up eight points against the Capitals. In game one, the Savage, Minnesota native set the tone by assisting the opening goal, scoring his eighth power play goal of the season, and adding another assist for three points on the day.
Game two saw Pelcl deliver another three point effort, scoring twice and assisting on a power play goal, all in the first period. He closed out the series with two more assists in game three, including yet another on the man advantage.
With points in all three games, Pelcl’s consistency is undeniable, now extending his streak to six consecutive games with at least one point.
Brayden has made an early mark at the junior level, as Head Coach Chris Francis explained: “Brayden has been a fantastic addition to our team, and it’s been incredible to watch him succeed at the junior level. He’s become a key part of our lineup, and his consistency has been a huge asset for us.”
2nd Star: Brody Neish, F, Louisiana Drillers
West Division Star of the Week: Kaden Roness, Forward, Alexandria Blizzard
Alexandria has continued their hot streak since the Showcase, and this weekend was no different, as the Blizzard swept Mason City at home. Now in his second season with the team, Kaden Roness has shown significant growth, already surpassing his point total from the 2024-25 season.
Roness played a huge role in the series, putting together his best performance of the season with back-to-back three point games as the Bismarck, North Dakota native was a key contributor in both contests.
In game one’s 6-2 win, Roness was a playmaking force, recording three assists, including one on the first goal of the game and two more in the second period. Game two featured a higher scoring affair, ending 9-4, where Roness scored the Blizzard’s first goal, assisted on the power play goal for their second, and capped the weekend with his second goal of the game, his first multi-goal performance of the season.
The Blizzard have leaned on Roness lately, and Head Coach Jeff Crouse says his recent performance speaks for itself: “Kaden has really stepped up his game as of late and adding some scoring depth to our team. He’s scoring 5-5 and also on the Powerplay. He’s working hard, playing physical and getting pucks on net.”
2nd Star: Wyatt Mineheine, F, Minnesota Wilderness
3rd Star: Carsen Gause, F, Minnesota Moose
