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 December 29, 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.
Watch: NAHL Stars of the Week video for December 23-29
Central Division Star of the Week: Dante Sheriff, Forward, Austin Bruins
Austin Bruins forward and leading scorer Dante Sheriff, 20, recorded five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in two road games against the Minnesota Wilderness as the Bruins picked up three of a possible four points. The 5’11/175 lbs. native of Woodbridge, Ontario, and Mercyhurst recruit, recorded an assist in a 3-2 shootout loss on Friday and then exploded for two goals, including the game-winner, and two assists in a 7-3 win on Saturday. For the season, Sheriff has 31 points in 28 games played so far this season. “Dante was great this weekend and helped us get three big points in the standings. We’ve been telling him to shoot the puck more and he did on Saturday. We need him to keep doing that going forward,” said Bruins head coach Steve Howard.
2nd Star: Jacob Marti, F, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Kimball Johnson, D, Minnesota Wilderness – Dan Russell, F, Minot Minotauros – Bram Scheerer, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Tiernan Shoudy, F, Austin Bruins – Sam Skinner, D, Minot Mintauros – Willy Stauber, F, Bismarck Bobcats
East Division Star of the Week: No Games
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Connor Szmul, Forward, Chippewa Steel
Chippewa Steel forward and leading scorer Connor Szmul, 20, helped his team to a weekend home sweep of the Minnesota Magicians. The 5’8/155 lbs. native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, recorded six points (2 goals, 4 assists) and was a +3 in the two-game sweep. On Friday, Szmul had two assists in a 3-1 win. On Saturday, he had two goals, including the game-winner, and added two assists in a 6-4 win. For the season, Szmul leads the Steel in scoring with 34 points in 27 games played. “Connor has been very consistent all season. He has the ability to take over hockey games offensively and this weekend was no different. I thought he stepped up for us again when we needed a push and was a huge part of our success,” said Steel head coach Carter Foguth.
2nd Star: Killian Kiecker-Olson, F, Chippewa Steel
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None
South Division Star of the Week: Michael Muschitiello, Forward, Topeka Pilots
Topeka Pilots forward Michael Muschitiello, 20, helped his team to a weekend road sweep in Shreveport against the Mudbugs, which helped the Pilots keep pace with the South Division leaders. The 5’10/160 lbs. native of St. James, New York, had two goals and two assists and was +4 in a two wins. On Friday, Muschitiello had two goals in a 5-3 win, and then in Saturday, he had a pair of assists in a 3-2 win. For the season, Muschitiello is tied for 2nd in team scoring with 25 points in 30 games played. “Michael was exceptional for us this weekend and contributed both offensively and defensively. He used his speed and confidence with the puck to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He also focused on elevating his play without the puck, especially on the penalty kill, which has helped round out his complete game. We look forward to seeing his play continue to improve as we make our push for a playoff spot,” said Topeka head coach Simon Watson.
2nd Star: Austin McCarthy, F, Topeka Pilots
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None
