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 January 17, 2021. 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 January 11-17
Central Division Star of the Week: Jake Sibell, Goaltender, Aberdeen Wings
Aberdeen Wings goalie Jake Sibell, 21, continued his march towards the NAHL record books with another amazing weekend. The 6’2/206 lbs. native of Isanti, MN, who was the NAHL’s Goaltender of the Month in December, posted back-to-back shutouts as the Wings picked up a home sweep of the St. Cloud Norsemen. On Friday, Sibell made 25 saves in a 6-0 win. On Saturday, he made 24 saves for his sixth shutout of the season in a 4-0 win. For the season, Sibell has a perfect 16-0 record and leads with NAHL with both a 1.13 goals against average and .956 save percentage. “Jake continues to give our team confidence on and off the ice. He approaches every game like a pro and his results show that. Jake had another outstanding weekend, not only allowing us to take points in each of our games, but getting back-to-back shutouts,” said Wings head coach Scott Langer.
2nd Star: Payton Matsui, F, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jacob Badal, F, Minnesota Wilderness – Braden Costello, F, Bismarck Bobcats - Isaac Henkemeyer-Howe, F, Bismarck Bobcats - Nick Marciano, D, Minnesota Wilderness
East Division Star of the Week: Hunter McCoy, Forward, Maryland Black Bears
Maryland Black Bears forward Hunter McCoy, 20, helped his team pick up three of four points in a road series against the Maine Nordiques. The 6’1/190 lbs. native of Newburyport, MA, had four points (3 goals, 1 assist) and was +3 in the two games. On Thursday, the Brown University recruit had two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in a 5-1 win. On Friday, he had a goal in a 3-2 overtime loss. For the season, McCoy leads the Black Bears in scoring with 19 points in 19 games played. “Hunter has been one of our go to guys all season long and competes every night for us. He has the ability to be an impact player for us every game, and this past weekend showed us why he is a NCAA Division 1 player. He just continues to get better and better and has been fun to work with all season long,” said Maryland head coach Cliny Mylymok.
2nd Star: Michael Morelli, G, Maryland Black Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Matt McQuade, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Max Neill, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Stefan Owens, F, Maine Nordiques – Avery Sturtz, G, Maine Nordiques
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Shane Ott, Forward, Janesville Jets
Janesville Jets forward Shane Ott, 20, had his best weekend of the year thus far in the 2020-21 season, helping his team to a weekend home sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness. The 6’1/180 lbs. native of Centennial, CO, had four goals and was a +4 in the two wins. On Friday, the Niagara University recruit scored twice in a 3-0 win. On Saturday, Ott had two more goals, including the game-winner, in a 3-2 win. For the season, Ott has recorded nine points in 10 games played. “It was great to see Shane really be the catalyst for our group this past weekend. He was tremendous for us both nights and it started with his play without the puck and in the face-off circle. From there he generated a lot for us offensively and was rewarded with four huge goals this weekend. Shane plays the game the right way and leads by example on a daily basis. This honor is well deserved,” said Jets head coach Parker Burgess.
2nd Star: Luke Pavicich, G, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Robert Christy, F, Minnesota Magicians – Ryan Keyes, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Luc Laylin, F, Minnesota Magicians – Brendan Murphy, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Morgan Winters, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
South Division Star of the Week: Luke Johnson, Forward, Lone Star Brahmas
Lone Star Brahmas forward Luke Johnson, 19, helped the Brahmas stay in 1st place in the South Division with a weekend home sweep of the Odessa Jackalopes. The 5’11/165 lbs. native of St. Cloud, MN, had three goals and was +3 in the two wins. On Friday, he had a goal in a 3-1 win, and then on Saturday, he scored twice, including the game-winning goal in a 4-2 win. In 21 games so far this season, Johnson has recorded 17 points. “Luke is playing really well right now and he is doing the little things to enable him to score goals. He has a lot of talent and we look forward to watching him continue to improve and make an impact as the season continues,” said Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong.
2nd Star: Harrison Scott, F, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Andrew DeCarlo, F, Lone Star Brahmas - Braiden Dorfman, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Billy Feczko, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Jordan Venegoni, F, Amarillo Bulls
