NA3HL Announces Week 1 Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) is pleased to announce the Divisional Stars of the Week for week 1 of the 2026-27 season. 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.
Please note the Frontier, South, West, and East divisions have not played yet.
Central Division Star of the Week: Brendan Miller, Forward, Peoria Mustangs
Mustangs returner Brendan Miller made an immediate impact on opening weekend, leading Peoria’s offense to two straight wins over the Wausau Cyclones in front of a home crowd. Miller recorded six points across the two-game set. Four of those points came during his season opener where he recorded a hat trick and one assist to aid the Mustangs to a 8-3 victory over the Cyclones. He followed up on Saturday with two consecutive goals during a power play, bringing his weekend point total to six.
Chase Ernst, head coach of the Mustangs, said Brendan is a perfect example of what it means to be a Mustang.
“Brendan was the tip of our spear this weekend, and his five goals, six points and three power-play goals were the result of how completely he has bought into what we are building in Peoria,” said Ernst. “He competed with purpose, played within our structure and delivered in the biggest moments for our team. Brendan’s performance was a tremendous example of what it means to be all-in, and we’re incredibly proud to see him recognized as the NA3HL Star of the Week.”
2nd Star: Zach Staelgraeve, Forward, Peoria Mustangs
Southeast Division Star of the Week: Dante Zaffarano, Defenseman, Louisiana Drillers
Drillers veteran Dante Zaffarno wasted no time getting started in the 2026-27 season. During opening weekend he suited up for all three games against the Austin Ice Bats. He tallied four points across the weekend. In Friday’s matchup, he recorded an assist, followed by two more on Saturday. He ended the weekend by scoring a goal in the second period, helping to lead the Drillers to a 2-0 shutout victory. The Drillers swept the weekend series.
Louisiana Drillers head coach Chris Francis talked about his defensive impact on the team.
“Dante picked up right where he left off last season,” Francis said. “He’s a dynamic defenseman in this league and helps our team have success every time we play. We are lucky to have him.”
2nd Star: Daniel Vihavainen, Defenseman, Louisiana Drillers
