NAHL announces Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending April 7, 2019. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2018-19 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.
Watch: NAHL Stars of the Week video for April 1-7, 2019
Central Division Star of the Week: John Sladic, forward, Aberdeen Wings
The Central Division regular season champion Aberdeen Wings closed out their regular season in style with a weekend road sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness. Forward and Miami University recruit John Sladic, 21, had a four-point weekend in the two wins. The 5’8/164 lbs. native of Novi, Michigan had a goal and an assist in a 5-0 win on Thursday and a goal and an assist in a 6-3 win on Friday. For the 2018-19 regular season, Sladic finished 2nd in team scoring with 62 points in 55 games played. “John’s been a big player for us the entire season. He is a hardworking young man that embraces doing things the right way each and every game. He thrives in the big moments and his play this weekend was outstanding,” said Wings head coach Scott Langer.
2nd Star: Andrew Kangas, F, Minot Minotauros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Daniel Chladek, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Garrett Dahm, F, Austin Bruins – Nick Grabko, G, Minot Minotauros – Alex Pollock, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Stepan Pokorny, F, Aberdeen Wings
East Division Star of the Week: Jake Fuss, forward, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights made a late push to try and make the playoffs in the East Division and did all they could thanks to two wins over the Maryland Black Bears. While their effort fell just two points short, forward and leading scorer Jake Fuss, 20, made his final weekend in the NAHL one to remember. The 6’0/180 lbs. native of Fairfield, Connecticut, had seven points in the wins, which included five goals and two assists. On Friday, Fuss had a hat-trick and two assists in an 8-1 win, and then on Saturday he had two more goals in a 5-4 overtime win. For the season, Fuss led all Knights players with 41 points in 59 games played. “Jake has been an offensive force and leader for the team all season. It was great to see him showcase his abilities and lead our team to two wins in his last two junior hockey games. Jake has had a great season and we look forward to watching him continue his career at the college level,” said Knights head coach Tom Kowal.
2nd Star: Adrian Danchenko, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Carter McPhail, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Luke Mountain, F, Maryland Black Bears – Connor Pooley, F, Maryland Black Bears
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Nick Nardella, forward, Janesville Jets
Janesville Jets forward and Michigan Tech recruit Nick Nardella, 20, helped his team pick up three of a possible four points in a weekend road series in Springfield. The 5’10/175 lbs. native of Rosemount, Illinois, racked up five assists in the two games as the playoff-bound Jets prepared to take on Fairbanks in the Midwest Division Semi-Finals. On Friday, Nardella had three assists in a 4-2 win and then on Saturday, he picked up two more assists in a 4-3 overtime loss. For the season, Nardella finished tied for the team lead in scoring with 36 points in 48 games played. “Nick had a huge weekend for the Jets and was tremendous both nights. He showed his NCAA Division I ability every shift and was rewarded by his effort,” said Jets head coach Corey Leivermann.
2nd Star: Jacob Dirks, F, Chippewa Steel
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brendan Aird, D, Springfield Jr. Blues – Matt Hanewall, F, Janesville Jets – Caden Villegas, F, Springfield Jr. Blues
South Division Star of the Week: Logan Jenuwine, forward, Amarillo Bulls
Amarillo Bulls forward and Arizona State recruit Logan Jenuwine, 20, capped off an historic regular season with another productive weekend as the Bulls picked up two wins on the road in Odessa. The 6’2/195 lbs. native of Romeo, Michigan, nabbed four more points, including two more goals to put a cap on his record-breaking regular season totals. On Friday, Jenuwine scored his 59th goal of the season in a 3-2 overtime win. On Saturday, he scored his 60th goal of the season and added two assists in a 7-2 win. Jenuwine set a new NAHL record with 50 goals in one season and his 104 points this year was the most of any player since the 1989-90 season. “Logan had a great weekend and really finished the regular season strong. Scoring his league-record 60th goal in 59 games is an accomplishment that we may not see again. Our staff and entire organization are proud of his leadership and contributions to our team both on and off the ice and look forward to him leading our team into the Robertson Cup Playoffs,” said Bulls head coach Rocky Russo.
2nd Star: Samuel Vyletelka, G, Corpus Christi IceRays
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Blake Bennett, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Zach Heintz, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Eric Huss, F, Lone Star Brahmas – David Ojamae, F, Amarillo Bulls – Brenden Rons, D, Topeka Pilots – Brendan Schultz, F, Topeka Pilots
