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 March 6, 2016. 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: Tyler Bossert, forward, Aberdeen Wings
The Aberdeen Wings moved into the 4th and final playoff spot in the Central Division with their weekend home sweep of the Minnesota Magicians. Forward Tyler Bossert, 19, had a great weekend, totaling five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and a +3 rating in the two wins. The native of Fargo, North Dakota, started the weekend with the game-wining goal and three assists in a 5-4 win on Friday. On Saturday, Bossert (5’9/175) had a goal in a 5-2 win. For the season, Bossert has 16 points in 43 games played. “Tyler is very deserving of this recognition. He has worked diligently to improve his game all season. He just competes and goes about his business every day. Life is all about opportunity and Tyler has certainly made the most of his opportunities lately. His play has impacted others in a positive way,” said Aberdeen head coach Francis Anzalone.
2nd Star: Tanner Okeson, D, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Alexander, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Casey Jerry, F, Minnesota Magicians – Joe Nathe, D, Minot Minotauros – Jared Pike, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Gunner Rivers, G, Minot Minotauros
East Division Star of the Week: Jack Berry, goaltender, New Jersey Titans
Although he played in just one game this past weekend, New Jersey Titans goalie Jack Berry was a brick wall in goal as he made his return to the line-up on Saturday night. The native of Holly, Michigan, played in his first game since late November and made 41 saves in an 8-1 win over the Johnstown Tomahawks. Berry (6’2/185) also committed to the University of Wisconsin earlier this season. His 93.4% save percentage is currently tops in the NAHL and his 2.03 goals against average ranks 4th. “It's been a long road for Jack. He hasn't played a game since November due to injury, so to see him perform the way he did in his return on Saturday was remarkable. He proved on Saturday why he is a Division I commit to Wisconsin. We are very proud of Jack. He put forth a lot of hard work and time to keep himself in shape while he was recovering from his injury. He is an insanely hard worker and a dedicated teammate. We look forward to Jack being a huge part of our success in the final few months of the season as we push for the Robertson Cup,” said New Jersey head coach Rich McKenna.
2nd Star: Bruno Birzitis, F, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Adam Winborg, forward, Janesville Jets
Janesville Jets and NAHL Top Prospects forward Adam Winborg, 20, helped his team to three of a possible four points this past weekend in a road series in Cloquet against the Wilderness. The native of Stockholm, Sweden, had six points (1 goal, 5 assists) and was a +4 in the two games. On Friday, Winborg (6’2/200) had a goal and two assists in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Wilderness. On Saturday, he chimed in with three assists in a 7-1 win. Winborg, who played in the 2016 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the Midwest Division team, currently leads the Jets in scoring with 45 points in 47 games played so far this season. “Adam has brought his game to the next level. His consistency was important for us to have success this past weekend. He has really worked on his play away from the puck which is rewarded him offensively,” said Jets head coach Joe Dibble.
2nd Star: Liam Stirtzinger, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brennan Blaszczak, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Cayden Cahill, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Phil Erickson, F, Coulee Region Chill – Taylor Fernandez, F, Janesville Jets – Shane Kuzmeski, D, Coulee Region Chill – Luke Radetic, F, Springfield Jr. Blues
South Division Star of the Week: Andy McGlynn, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays
Thanks to their weekend sweep in Odessa this past weekend, the Corpus Christi IceRays moved themselves back into the 4th and final playoff spot in the South Division. Forward Andy McGlynn played a big role in the two wins as the native of St. Louis, Missouri had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and was a +5 in the two wins. On Friday, McGlynn (5’10/188) had a goal and an assist in a 6-2 win and on Saturday, the 18-year-old had another goal and assist in a 3-1 win. For the season, the former St. Louis Jr. Blues and NA3HL forward is 5th in team scoring with 25 points in 49 games played. “Andy and his line mates were extremely good on the weekend. Their line contributed three goals on Friday night and Andy had a highlight reel goal on Saturday. He certainly stepped up his game in the absence of several key players due to injuries,” said IceRays head coach Jon Becanic.
2nd Star: Dryden McKay, G, Corpus Christi IceRays
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jeff Baum, D, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Justin Kapelmaster, G, Wichita Falls Wildcats
