NAHL announces Easton Divisional Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Easton Hockey for the week ending November 29, 2015. The Easton Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2015-16 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Players of the Week award.
Central Division Star of the Week: Mitch Slattery, forward, Minnesota Magicians
It was a busy and productive week for Minnesota Magicians forward Mitch Slattery. The native of Lino Lakes, MN, played in four games during the week as the Magicians posted a 2-2 record. Slattery, 19, recorded seven points in the four games, which included two multi-point games and a +6 rating. Slattery (6’0/185) started the week by going +1 in a pre-Thanksgiving loss to the Minnesota Wilderness. On Friday, he had the game-winning goal and two assists in a 4-3 win in Coulee Region. On Saturday, he had a goal in a 4-2 home loss against Brookings and on Sunday, he had three assists in a 5-2 win over the Chill. In just five games played with the Magicians so far this year, Slattery has nine points. "Mitch has been a great addition to our club. He brings a high skill level and leadership to the rink every day,” said Magicians head coach Scott Meyer.
2nd Star: Willie Brown, F, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Cardelli, F, Brookings Blizzard – Ryan Cook, D, Aberdeen Wings – Tobias Fladeby, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Christian Mohs, F, Minot Minotauros – Jack Murphy, F, Minot Minotauros – TJ Samec, D, Brookings Blizzard – Peter Thome, G, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Luke Lynch, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
The Johnstown Tomahawks posted a much-needed sweep this past weekend against the Aston Rebels. Forward Luke Lynch, 19, paced an offense that netted 12 goals in the two wins. The native of Pittsburgh, PA, had five points in the two wins and was a +3. After a 4-3 win on Friday night, Lynch (6’0/195) did all his damage on Saturday, when he recorded a hat-trick and two assists. It snapped a three-game scoreless streak for Lynch, who is tied for the Tomahawks scoring lead with 26 points in 25 games played. “Luke has played very well for us all season. He is a versatile forward we use in all situations and plays like a bulldog. Saturday night he had a special game scoring the natural hat trick in the 1st period then had two more assists later in the game. He will be the first guy to praise his teammates for his success but I couldn't be more proud of the effort he put forth this weekend, and the way he was rewarded because of it,” said Johnstown head Mike Letizia.
2nd Star: Kelly O’Brien, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Austin Swingle, F, Aston Rebels
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Jack LaFontaine, goaltender, Janesville Jets
With a weekend home sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness, the Janesville Jets ran their winning streak to a season-high six straight games. In goal for both contests was 17-year-old netminder Jack LaFontaine, who stopped 65 of a possible 69 shots in the two wins. On Friday, the native of Mississauga, ON, made 21 saves in a 3-2 overtime win. On Saturday, LaFotaine (6’3/190) made 44 saves and then stopped all three shooters in the shootout as the Jets won against by a 3-2 score. LaFontaine currently leads the NAHL in save percentage with a 93.3% mark and is 2nd in goals against average at 1.65. “Jack has been consistent for us all season and continues to push himself and his teammates to be better everyday. He was a key factor in our success this weekend, especially on Saturday as he made big saves for us at key moments in the game to get the sweep of a very good Wilderness team,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.
2nd Star: Tommy Nappier, G, Springfield Jr. Blues
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brennan Blaszczak, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Taylor Fernandez, F, Janesville Jets
South Division Star of the Week: Justin Kapelmaster, goaltender, Wichita Falls Wildcats
Wichita Falls Wildcats goalie Justin Kapelmaster, 20, helped his club remain atop the South Division standings with another tremendous week as the native of Coral Springs, FL, won both his starts, which came on the road, and stopped a total of 61 of the 62 shots that came his way in two wins. Kapelmaster (6’1/195) began his week with a 27-save shutout of Lone Star on Thanksgiving Eve and ended it with 34 saves in a 2-1 win in Odessa on Friday night. His 13 wins leads the NAHL and he ranks 2nd in save percentage with a 93.2% mark and 3rd in goals against average at 1.79. "Justin has been unbelievable for us all year. He allows us to play the up-tempo game that we like to play as a team. It's very reassuring to have him in net for us when breakdowns do occur. His skill combined with his confidence will set him up to succeed at the next level," said Josh Nelson, Assistant Coach of the Wildcats.
2nd Star: Dominic Lutz, F, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Austin Albrecht, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Anton Martinsson, G, Amarillo Bulls – Sami Tavernier, F, Topeka RoadRunners
