NA3HL Announces Week 9 Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) is pleased to announce the Divisional Stars of the Week for week 9 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: Reece Beckwith, Defenseman, West Bend Power
Reece Beckwith spent his Halloween weekend scoring. He found the back of the net in all three games over the weekend, earning him a Star of the Week award. On Friday and Saturday he scored once in each game. On Sunday, he really found some momentum when he completed a hat trick against the St. Louis Jr. Blues. He completed his hat trick in the second period when he scored back-to-back three times. He opened the period with a power play goal and then scored again just a minute later. With ten minutes left in the middle frame, he scored a short handed goal. This is Beckwith’s first season with the West Bend Power. He spent one season with the Carolina Rage.
Jason Woods, head coach of the Power, talked about his impact on the team.
"Reece has come to West Bend with a passion and energy to get better everyday. I think he’s executing that plan to perfection. I knew he could score goals, but what I didn’t know is how excellent he is in a complete 200-foot game. He is a key figure in our success and you could see that in his play last weekend."
2nd Star: Adam Sexton, Forward, West Bend Power
3rd Star: Malachi McCormack, Forward, Fox Cities Forge
East Division Star of the Week: Talon Schackmann, Forward, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings
Talon Schackmann, a 6-foot-1 forward out of Danville, Illinois put up seven points during the weekend. His first goal during the weekend came on Friday against the Garden State Gamblers. On Saturday, the two teams went head-to-head again. Schackmann really took the lead for his team when he had a hand in six out of the eight points the New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings scored that night. He scored four goals and recorded two assists, having his best game of the season so far.
Clint Cassavaugh, Jr. Mountain Kings head coach, talked about Schackmann’s playing characteristics.
“Talon can do a lot of things that other players can’t do on the ice. It’s really good to see him playing with a lot of confidence. When he’s playing with confidence he’s hard to stop..”
2nd Star: Anthony Valeriote, Forward, Long Beach Sharks
3rd Star: Everett Horrocks, Forward, New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Austin Uecker, Forward, Helena Bighorns
This is Austin Uecker’s third season with the Helena Bighorns. He’s tied for second on his team in goals scored so far this season. Last weekend he scored four goals during a two game series against the Butte Irish. On Friday, he scored one goal on a power play early in the third period.
Brooks Mitzel, Sabres head coach, talked about Niedert’s season so far. On Saturday, he completed a hat trick when he scored in all three periods. As an age-out, this will be his last season in the league.
Damon Hanson, head coach of the Bighorns, talked about his improvement throughout the years.
“Austin has had a hot start for our program this season. He’s a guy that’s been here for three years and has only gotten better and better. He is also a kid that we look for to be sound defensively, and he creates lots of offensive opportunities. We are lucky to have Uecker with us during his age out year.”
2nd Star: Shayne Smith, Forward, Yellowstone Quake
3rd Star: Carson Joersz, Forward, Yellowstone Quake
South Division Star of the Week: John Scharf, Forward, Texas Brahmas
John Scharf continues to be a huge factor in the Texas Brahmas’ offense. As a veteran, he’s proven himself as a leader on the team. He ranks number 1 on his team in goals and points scored. He had a seven point weekend against the New Mexico Ice Wolves, helping his team complete the weekend sweep. On Saturday, he scored one goal and had one assist in the Brahmas’ 3-4 overtime win. He didn’t slow down from there; on Sunday he scored four goals and had one assist, recording a five-point game. His efforts helped the Brahmas’ rise through the Tuesday Ten rankings after their weekend performance.
Brahmas head coach, Michael Rooney, talked about Scharf’s weekend performance.
“Scharf was amazing this week. He led by example and truly dominated in all situations. His work ethic and determination sets him apart. We’re really impressed with how he carries himself both on and off the ice.”
2nd Star: Chase Olson, Defenseman, Phoenix Inferno
3rd Star: Gavin Erickson, Goaltender, Texas Brahmas
Southeast Division Star of the Week: James Parnell, Defenseman, Austin Ice Bats
James Parnell proved his knack for playing a 200-foot game as he recorded a five point weekend. In a three game series against the Atlanta Capitals, he scored two goals and recorded three assists. Two of his assists came on Friday, when he helped the Ice Bats defeat the Capitals 5-1. The very next day, he scored two goals of his own and recorded one more assist, bringing his weekend total to five points. The Ice Bats completed their weekend sweep of the Capitals on Sunday. The 6-foot-3 defenseman is in his age out season with the Ice Bats.
Harrison Feeney, Ice Bats head coach, talked about Parnell’s leadership role in the team.
“James is a great leader. His work ethic on and off the ice is a huge part of what we are trying to accomplish.”
2nd Star: Kristopher Poper, Forward, Texas RoadRunners
3rd Star: Colby Lee, Goaltender, Texas RoadRunners
West Division Star of the Week: Christian Plaga, Forward, North Iowa Bulls
Christian Plaga, a ‘07 birth year out of Manhattan Beach, California had a standout weekend against the Willmar WarHawks. He boasted eight total points in the two game series. He opened the weekend with a power play goal. He would go on to score one more time and record two more assists on Friday. On Saturday, in front of a home crowd he once again would find the back of the net twice and record two more assists. Previously wearing the Mason City jersey, this will be Plaga’s second season with the Bulls. He leads the team in goals scored this year.
Alex North, head coach of the Bulls, talked about the pride he has in Plaga as a player.
"Christian is one of those players who makes you proud to be his coach. He is incredibly prepared, pays attention to every detail, and is always looking for ways to get better. His commitment to perfecting his craft doesn’t go unnoticed, and the work he puts in every day is showing in his performance. I couldn’t be happier to see him being rewarded for his dedication.”
2nd Star: Cooper Hehir, Defenseman, Minnesota Vulcans
3rd Star: Wyatt Garvey, Defenseman, Willmar WarHawks
