NAHL announces Bauer Hockey 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 November 22, 2020. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2020-21 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: Stars of the Week highlights for November 16-22
Central Division Star of the Week: Natan Vertes, Forward, Aberdeen Wings
Aberdeen Wings forward Natan Vertes, 20, helped his club stay undefeated on the 2020-21 season with a two-game weekend road sweep of the Minot Minotauros. The 5’10/165 lbs. native of Budapest, Hungary, posted six points (3 goals, 3 assists) and was +5 in the two wins. On Friday, the Alaska-Fairbanks commit had a hat-trick, which included the game-winning goal, and an assist in a 7-0 win. On Saturday, he had two assists in a 5-2 win. In 10 games played this season, Vertes has 13 points. “Natan is an extremely high-end player that elevates our team’s skill and speed. He has the ability to be a difference maker every night he’s on the ice. His success this weekend makes this very evident,” said Wings head coach Scott Langer.
2nd Star: Clayton Cosentino, F, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Herter, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Peter Jacobs, F, Austin Bruins – Kaleb Johnson, G, Minnesota Wilderness – Alex Trombley, F, Austin Bruins
East Division Star of the Week: Luke Mountain, Forward, Maryland Black Bears
Maryland Black Bears forward and captain Luke Mountain, 20, played a big part in helping his club pick up a weekend home sweep of the Northeast Generals. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of Woodbury, MN, recorded four points (3 goals, 1 assist) and was a +4 in the two wins. On Thursday, he had two goals, including the game-winner, in a 4-1 win. On Friday, Mountain had a goal and an assist in a 5-3 win. In seven games this season, the NAPHL grad has eight points. "It is of no surprise that our newly named Captain helped lead the way to a successful weekend. Luke has always been a ‘team first player for our organization, but it is nice to see him be singled out for his own accomplishments. He is an exceptional player and leader for our program, on and off the ice,” said Maryland head coach Clint Mylymok.
2nd Star: Michael Morelli, G, Maryland Black Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Sam Evola, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Anthony Mastromonica, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Liam McCanney, F, Northeast Generals – Bobby Metz, D, Northeast Generals
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Cade Destefani, Forward, Janesville Jets
For the second time this season, Janesville Jets forward Cade Destefani, 19, has been honored as the Midwest Division Star of the Week. This past weekend, the 6’2/185 lbs. native of Bedford, NH, had five points as the Jets took three of four points in a weekend home series against the Austin Bruins. On Saturday, Destefani had a goal and two assists in a 5-2 win. On Saturday, he added another goal and assist in a 5-4 overtime loss. For the season, Destefani leads the Jets in scoring with 12 points in just six games played. “Cade continued his offensive prowess this past weekend. He stepped up at a time where we had five top end forwards out due to injury. We are proud of Cade’s accomplishment and his commitment to our team’s success,” said Jets head coach Parker Burgess.
2nd Star: Kyle Neudorf, F, Janesville Jets
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None
South Division Star of the Week: Matt Weber, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport Mudbugs forward and Bentley University recruit Matt Weber, 20, had a big weekend for the Mudbugs, which was also his season debut. The 6’2/194 lbs. native of Caraopolis, PA, had six points (2 goals, 4 assists) and was a +5 in two wins over New Mexico, keeping the Mudbugs perfect on the season. On Friday, he had two goals and two assists in a 6-0 win. On Saturday, he picked up two more assists in a 6-4 win. “Matt had a great summer or training and couldn’t wait to get back to Shreveport. A minor injury kept him out of the lineup at the beginning of the season, but he came back in an impactful way this past weekend. He contributed in all facets of the game and playing a fast physical 200-foot game is what he does best and he executed it very well in the last two games. We expect this type of play from Webs but more importantly he demands it from himself,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.
2nd Star: Andrew DeCarlo, F, Lone Star Brahmas
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Owen Bartoszkiewicz, G, Wichita Falls Warriors – Cole Hudson, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Alex Murray, D, Lone Star Brahmas – Drew Vieten, F, Wichita Falls Warriors
