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 28, 2024.  The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2023-24 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. 

Earning NAHL weekly honors are Kie Vahakangas (Aberdeen Wings), David Utkin (Maryland Black Bears), Max Martin (Wisconsin Windigo), and Bryant Marks (Corpus Christi IceRays). 

Central Division Star of the Week: Kie Vahakangas, Forward, Aberdeen Wings

Aberdeen Wings forward Kie Vahakangas was a key factor in the Wings success over a weekend sweep against the North Iowa Bulls. The Helsinki, Finland native totalled 3 points in friday’s 8-3 win with two goals and an assist. In the following showing, Vahakangas dished out an assist in the Wings 4-1 victory. This season, Vahakangas has appeared in 24 games where he has combined for 19 points. “Kie has been an intricate part of our recent success,” Head Coach Scott Langer said. “His tools and size allow him to be a completely impactful player. Kie’s maturity on and off the ice has brought additional leadership to this team.”

2nd Star: Brady James, Goalie, Minot Minotauros 

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Sangyeob Kim, F, North Iowa Bulls -- Chad Muller, F, Minot Minotauros -- Stephen Peck, G, Bismarck Bobcats -- Riley Sharun, F, Aberdeen Wings -- Tamas Toth, F, Bismarck Bobcats -- Max Weilandt, G, St. Cloud Norsemen 

East Division Star of the Week: David Utkin, Forward, Maryland Black Bears

In his NAHL debut weekend, Maryland forward David Utkin combined for six points over two games. The Murmansk, RUS native made his debut against the New Jersey Titans where he handed out an assist in the Black Bears 4-2 win. In game two of the weekend, Utkin found his confidence on the ice adding two goals and two assists with the Black Bears winning 6-3. “David has been a welcomed addition to our lineup, and more importantly, has done a great job fitting in with his teammates, on and off the ice” Head Coach Clint Mylymok said. “He has gotten off to a great start and we look forward to seeing just how good of a hockey player he can become.”

2nd Star: Zack Ferris, Goalie, Johnstown Tomahawks 

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Zach Aben, F, Johnstown Tomahawks – Luke Janus, F, Maryland Black Bears – Brock Jones, F, Philadelphia Rebels – Ivan Korodiuk, D, Danbury Hat Tricks 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Max Martin, Forward, Wisconsin Windigo 

Wisconsin forward Max Martin posted six points over three games in the Windigo’s sweep in Fairbanks Alaska. Martin, a native of Tawas City, MI, kicked off his trip to Alaska with a three point game, adding a goal and two assists in the Windigo’s 3-1 win. In a 6-1 victory the following night, Martin added two points that included a goal and an assist. In the final matchup of the three game series sweep, Martin added an assist in the Wisconsin win, 6-3. Max has played in 40 games this season for the Windigo, where he has netted 31 goals and handed out 38 assists for 69 points on the season. “Max had another great weekend for us and demonstrated why he’s one of the best players in the league,” Head Coach Blake Hietala said. “He has come up big for us all year in tough situations and did so again in Fairbanks which can be a very hard place to play.” 

2nd Star: Reece Cordray, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Erick Comstock, D, Wisconsin Windigo – Nick Erickson, G, Minnesota Wilderness – Hadley Hudak, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Peyton Platter, F, Chippewa Steel – Connor Sullivan, D, Kenai River Brown Bears – Joey Sylvester, D, Chippewa Steel –Jack Thomas, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs –  Roope Tuomioska, F, Kenai River Brown Bears 

South Division Star of the Week: Bryant Marks, Goalie, Corpus Christi IceRays

Corpus netminder Bryant Marks earned the South Division Star of the Week after his two game showing over the weekend. In a high shooting afair on Friday, the Wasilla, AK native turned away 46 of the 48 shots he faced in a close 2-1 loss to Amarillo. Marks followed up the next night with a 35 shot shutout win. The University of Alaska-Anchorage commit has played in 22 games for the IceRays this season where he has combined for a 3.307 GAA and a .902 SV%. “He (Marks) was unbelievable this weekend,” Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier. “I’m so happy for him with all the hard work he’s put in. It's paying off. "

2nd Star: Eliot Segun-Lescarbeau, G, Shreveport Mudbugs

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ryan Burke, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Hayden Demars, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Nolan Gagnon, D, Amarillo Wranglers – Ryan Hintz, D, Corpus Christi IceRays – Jack Ivey, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Brock James, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Ryan Johnson, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Geno McEnery, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Drew Sutton, F, Oklahoma Warriors – Andy Vlaha, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Jack Wieneke, G, Lone Star Brahmas