NAHL announces Bauer Divisional Stars of the Week
Honors this week go to Aberdeen forward Gage Mackie (Central), New Jersey forward Danny Eruzione (East), Kenai River goalie Robbie Goor (Midwest) and Amarillo forward George Mika (South).
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending December 11, 2016. The Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2016-17 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: Gage Mackie, forward, Aberdeen Wings
Arizona State recruit Gage Mackie, 19, had a good week for the Wings as they went 1-1 during the week. The native of Anchorage, Alaska, totaled a goal and three assists in the two games to go along with a +3 rating. On Wednesday, Mackie (6’3/205) had a goal and an assist in a 6-4 loss in Brookings. On Saturday, he assisted on both goals in regulation in a 3-2 overtime home win over the division-leading Minot Minotauros. In 22 games this season, Mackie has 15 points. “Gage has brought leadership since the day he arrived in Aberdeen and he brings a solid work ethic day in and day out. This week’s performance is a direct result of the work he puts in,” said Wings head coach Scott Langer.
2nd Star: Travis Kothenbeutel, F, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Alexander, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Tristan Ashbrook, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Andy Carroll, D, Aberdeen Wings – Tyler Jeanson, F, Minot Minotauros – Lucas Murray, G, Minot Minotauros – Alex Schilling, G, Austin Bruins
East Division Star of the Week: Danny Eruzione, forward, New Jersey Titans
New Jersey Titans forward Danny Eruzione, 20, helped his team to a weekend home split with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. The native of Winthrop, Massachusetts, recorded four points (all assists) in the two games and was a +2. On Friday, Eruzione (5’9/165) had a pair of assists in a close 5-4 loss. On Saturday, he assisted on both New Jersey goals in a 2-0 win. He is currently 2nd on the team in points with 27 points in 27 games played and has recorded 11 points in his last four games played. “We were happy to welcome Danny back to this line up this weekend after missing him for some time with a nagging injury. Danny’s strong play picked up right where he left off and he was able to contribute immediately. Danny’s ability to make plays in the offensive zone has been critical for us throughout the season. We are glad he is being recognized for his strong play this past weekend. We look forward to a big three game weekend coming up with Kenai River and the Aston Rebels,” said Titans head coach Craig Doremus.
2nd Star: Gvido Jansons, D, Aston Rebels
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Bruce, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Brandon Bussi, G, New Jersey Titans – Ed Hirka, D, Johnstown Tomahawks – Aaron Maguyon, F, Aston Rebels
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Robbie Goor, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears
Kenai River Brown Bears goalie Robbie Goor, 20, backstopped Kenai River to a weekend road sweep of the Northeast Generals, as they took home a pair of close one-goal wins. The native of Anoka, Minnesota, was solid all weekend long, facing 70 shots in the two wins and allowing just four goals. On Friday, Goor (6’3/210) made 32 saves in an 2-1 overtime win. On Saturday, he made 34 saves in a 4-3 win. Goor, who started the season with the Austin Bruins, has a 91.2% save percentage since joining Kenai River. “Robbie played extremely well, making some big saves when called upon in some close games this weekend and is taking advantage of the situations given to him. He has been a great leader for our team since his arrival,” said Brown Bears head coach Jeff Worlton.
2nd Star: Ivan Prosvetov, G, Minnesota Magicians
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Barczewski, G, Janesville Jets – Braden Brown, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Matt Cassidy, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Kevin Dineen, F, Coulee Region Chill – Adrian Holesinsky, F, Janesville Jets – Ryan Kero, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Tanner Schachle, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Joe Sofo, F, Coulee Region Chill – Tanner Tweten, F, Minnesota Magicians – Anthony Tzveyn, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
South Division Star of the Week: George Mika, forward, Amarillo Bulls
It was quote the week for Amarillo forward Georga Mika. On the ice, the 20-year-old native of Naples, Florida, had seven points in a weekend home split with the Topeka RoadRunners. That included five points and a hat-trick in Friday’s 7-5 win. It also included two assists on Saturday’s 5-4 loss. Off the ice, Mika (5’11/181) committed to play NCAA Division I hockey last week to UMass-Amherst in Hockey East. His 34 points to date is tied for the NAHL scoring lead. “We are happy for George and his performance this past weekend. In order for a team to be successful you have to have everyone playing their roles well. However, as the saying goes… your best players, have to be your best players. George has been our best player all year and displayed why he is a committed player to UMass-Amherst this past weekend,” said Bulls head coach Matt Nicholson.
2nd Star: Peyton Frantii, F, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): David Baskerville, D, Corpus Christi IceRays – Julian Biondo, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Ryan Burnett, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Ricky Carballo, F, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Jon Flakne, G, Odessa Jackalopes – Carson Kelley, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Jeff Makowski, F, Topeka RoadRunners – Jeff Solow, D, Amarillo Bulls – Chase Thudium, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Tomas Vomacka, G, Corpus Christi IceRays
