NA3HL Announces Week 7 Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) is pleased to announce the Divisional Stars of the Week for week 7 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.
Central Division Star of the Week: Brendan Miller, Forward, Peoria Mustangs
Brendan Miller continues to lead his team in scoring opportunities and offensive efforts, earning him his second Star of the Week award this season. The Peoria Mustangs matched up against the St. Louis Jr. Blues in a two game series. Miller had six points during the weekend. On Friday, he scored two goals, aiding in the Mustang’s 5-2 win over the Jr. Blues. He scored once in the first period and again in the second, capitalizing on a power play opportunity. He didn’t slow down from there as he doubled his points scored on Saturday. He scored three goals and recorded one assist, leading the Mustangs to another win over the Jr. Blues and completing a hat trick.
Chase Ernst, head coach of the Peoria Mustangs, talked more about his weekend performance.
“Brendan was a difference-maker for us all weekend. Five goals and six points speaks for itself, but finishing plus-four matters to me too. We need our best players to lead the way, and he did that. What I liked most was that Brendan came back Saturday and did it again. He had a big Friday, then followed it with a hat trick and an assist. That’s the consistency we’re trying to build in this organization. Brendan deserves this recognition. He was a huge part of us earning that sweep, and I’m proud of the weekend he put together. Now the challenge is to keep building on it.”
2nd Star: Harrison Howell, Forward, Fox Cities Forge
3rd Star: Jackson Maddock, Forward, Wausau Cyclones
East Division Star of the Week: Eli McCarthy, Forward, Long Beach Sharks
Eli McCarthy earned a Star of the Week award after his big performance against the New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings. The Long Beach Sharks ended their undefeated season, keeping their spotless record alive. McCarthy, leading the Sharks in goals and points, is a veteran player out of Athens, Ohio. He had five points during the two game series. On Friday, he had four points consisting of three goals and one assist, leading the Sharks to a 6-3 win over the Jr. Mountain Kings. He continued to help the Sharks rise to the top of the East on Saturday, where he scored one goal in the third period.
Jeff Tory, Sharks head coach, talked about his leadership and playing characteristics.
“Eli is a tremendous two way forward that plays in every situation for our team. His consistency at both ends of the ice really makes him a special player. He’s a tremendous leader and role model for all of our team but especially our new younger players. We are lucky to have him.”
2nd Star: Louis Allanson, Forward, Norwich Sea Captains
3rd Star: Nicklas Walker, Goaltender, Long Beach Sharks
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Rhylan Olson, Forward, Badlands Sabres
Rhylan Olson, a veteran for the Badlands Sabres had a four point weekend during two games. On Friday, the Sabres matched up against the Yellowstone Quake in what would be an overtime thriller. He scored a pair of back to back goals in the second period, helping the Sabres to a 7-6 win over the Quake. On Saturday, the Badlands would once again find themselves in an overtime situation against the Sheridan Hawks. Olson recorded one assist and scored one goal to force the game into overtime. He also scored the shootout winner, playing an integral role in the Badlands 3-2 victory over the Hawks,
Brooks Mitzel, Sabres head coach, talked about Olson’s season so far.
“Rhylan has had an excellent start to the year. He is a player that can produce in every situation. The maturation of his game has been awesome to watch. He has become an awesome leader in our locker room, and I’m excited to see what he can do the rest of the year.”
2nd Star: Chase Berg, Forward, Helena Bighorns
3rd Star: Grady Perry, Forward, Yellowstone Quake
South Division Star of the Week: Tyler Conrad, Forward, Texas Brahmas
Tyler Conrad had a six point weekend in a two game series against the Tulsa Oilers, earning him a Star of the Week award. On Friday, he had two assists to help the Brahmas defeat the Oilers 7-0. On Saturday, he kept the momentum going when he scored two goals of his own and two more assists to help the Brahmas complete their sweep of the Oilers. Conrad ranks #3 on his team in assists this year so far.
Brahmas head coach, Michael Rooney, talked about what it’s like getting to coach a player like Conrad.
“I’m really happy to see Tyler get this recognition from the league. He’s one of the hardest working players we have. Seeing his game grow this season only enhances his ability to play in all situations. He always comes to the rink with the right attitude and a smile on his face. He’s the type of player that is a true pleasure to coach. He loves the game and makes it fun everyday.”
2nd Star: Grant Sexton, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves
3rd Star: Chase Olson, Defenseman, Phoenix Inferno
Southeast Division Star of the Week: Drake England, Goaltender, Pelham Prowlers
Drake England has been a staple in the Pelham Prowler’s defense during this season so far. He stood tall all weekend long in between the pipes, earning him a Star of the Week award. The 6-foot-1 goaltender out of Troy, Michigan turned away 27 out of 28 shots on goal to lead the Prowlers to a 6-1 win on Friday. On Sunday, he earned himself a shutout, making 26 saves. He has a .937 save percentage for the season so far.
Kevin Kerr, Prowlers head coach, talked about how it feels to see England get this award.
“I’m really happy for Drake. He’s a huge part of our team, a great leader, and a big reason for the team’s early success in the season.”
2nd Star: Bryce Kitching, Goaltender, Bayou State Rougarou
3rd Star: Kamdyn Smith, Forward, Bayou State Rougarou
West Division Star of the Week: Zach Price, Goaltender, Granite City Lumberjacks
Zach Price, a returner for the Granite City Lumberjacks, had a stellar weekend performance against the Willmar WarHawks and the Minnesota Vulcans. His efforts between the pipes have helped the Lumberjacks remain undefeated so far. On Friday, the Lumberjacks went up against the WarHawks. Price made 19 saves out of 21 shots on goal. On Saturday, he only let one goal through, leaving the score tied going into overtime. After standing tall in the net during the overtime period, he faced three shots in a shootout, and stopped every one, leading his team to a close 2-1 victory over the Vulcans.
DJ Vold, head coach of the Lumberjacks, talked about Price as a player.
"Zach has been the most consistent player since day one this year. His calm, cool demeanor gives our entire team confidence. He put in a lot of work over the summer, so it is nice to see him rewarded for it.”
2nd Star: Grant Harder, Defenseman, North Iowa Bulls
3rd Star: Cam McCormack, Defenseman, Granite City Lumberjacks
