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 October 13, 2019. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2019-20 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: Jack Suchy, forward, St. Cloud Blizzard
Although he played in just one game over the weekend, St. Cloud Blizzard forward Jack Suchy, 19, made it count. The 6’3/195 lbs. native of Medina, Minnesota, posted a career-best five point game, which included two goals and three assists in a 6-5 win over the visiting Minnesota Wilderness on Friday night. That also included the game-winning goal and a +4 rating in the game. For the season, Suchy, who began the season with the Wilderness, but was traded to the Blizzard, has seven points in seven games played. “Jack used his size and offensive talent in our game to show off what his true capabilities are. We were very happy with the way he played this weekend,” said Blizzard head coach Moe Mantha.
2nd Star: Kaleb Johnson, G, Minnesota Wilderness
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ben Almquist, F, Austin Bruins – Kimball Johnson, D, Minnesota Wilderness – Hugh Larkin, F, Austin Bruins
East Division Star of the Week: David Tomeo, goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks
Johnstown Tomahawks newly acquired goaltender David Tomeo, 20, made an immediate impact against his old team in Maryland this weekend. The 6’1/180 lbs. native of West Caldwell, New Jersey, started and won both road games against the Black Bears this weekend, stopping 75 of a possible 77 shots. That included 42 saves in a 5-1 win on Friday and 33 saves in a 4-1 win on Saturday. “We were fortunate to pick up a two-game sweep on the road against a strong Maryland team. Our offense was able to find some success, but limiting their good offense to one goal each night was big for our team as we try to find consistency. David was outstanding both nights for us. He made big saves at key times, and was in control of the game both nights. With the amount of special teams in both games there were a fair amount of looks on the power play in which he came up big. I am very proud of the way he came in and performed for us in his first two games with our team,” said Johnstown head coach Mike Letizia.
2nd Star: Ethan Destefani, F, Northeast Generals
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Spencer Cosway, D, Jamestown Rebels – Makem Demers, F, Maine Nordiques – Trent Grimshaw, F, Maine Nordiques – Kasyn Kruse, F, Jamestown Rebels – Jared Lambright, D, Northeast Generals – Bennett Stockdale, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Spencer Oyler, defenseman, Chippewa Steel
Chippewa Steel defenseman Spencer Oyler, 19, helped his club widen their lead in the Midwest Division and run their winning streak to six straight games with the home sweep of the Springfield Jr. Blues. The 6’0/176 lbs. native of Howell, Michigan, recorded four points in two games and extending his point streak to four straight games. That included a one goal, two assist effort in a 7-2 win on Saturday. For the season, Oyler has eight points in 10 games played. “Spencer has been a rock for us on the back end to start the season. His poise on the ice has helped our defensive corps become a big part of our early success. He has taken a big step forward with his play and contributes to our team in all situations. Earning a letter this season also shows the amount of respect his teammates have for him,” said Steel head coach Carter Foguth.
2nd Star: Landon Pavlisin, G, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Dunlap, F, Janesville Jets – Grant Hindman, D, Janesville Jets – Matt Koethe, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Mattias Sholl, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Connor Szmul, F, Chippewa Steel – Theo Thrun, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
South Division Star of the Week: Nick Trela, forward, Amarillo Bulls
The Amarillo Bulls swept the previously undefeated Lone Star Brahmas at home this weekend in Amarillo and forward Nick Trela, 20, played a big role in the sweep. The 6’2/176 lbs. native of Trenton, Michigan, recorded four points in the two wins, which included two goals and two assists to go along with a +3 rating. On Friday, Trela had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 win, and then on Saturday, he had the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win. For the season, the Team NAHL forward is 2nd in team scoring with eight points in 10 games played. “Nick had an excellent weekend for our team. He was an offense catalyst and also played in all situations and defended very well. He has a knack for coming up big in the clutch and his game-winning, power-play goal on Saturday night was a perfect example of that. Nick will be a tremendous addition to which, ever NCAA Division I program he ultimately commits to,” said Bulls head coach Rocky Russo.
2nd Star: Erik Bargholtz, F, Corpus Christi IceRays
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Joey Baez, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Ryan Coughlin, F, Corpus Christi IceRays – Jakub Dobes, G, Topeka Pilots – Max Gutjahr, G, Amarillo Bulls – Shawn Kennedy, F, Topeka Pilots – Michal Stinil, F, Lone Star Brahmas
