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 5, 2023. 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.
Central Division Star of the Week: Ryan Manzella, Goaltender, St. Cloud Norsemen
St. Cloud goaltender Ryan Manzella, 19, started and won both games this past weekend as the Norsemen posted a weekend sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness. The 5’11/165 lbs. native of Eagan, MN, posted shutouts in back-to-back games, stopping all 62 shots that came his way in the process. On Friday, Manzella made 32 saves in a 4-0 home shutout of the Wilderness. On Saturday, he made 30 saves in a road shutout. For the season, Manzella has a 6-0-4 record with a 1.02 goals against average and a .959 save percentage. “Ryan has been very good for us all year and certainly had a big impact on our success this past weekend,” said Norsemen head coach Corey Millen.
2nd Star: Austin Salani, F, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Hudson Blue, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Leonid Bulgakov, F, Aberdeen Wings – Kyle Doll, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Adam Dybal, G, Aberdeen Wings – Joel Lehtinen, F, Minot Minotauros – Jack O’Hanisain, F, Minot Minotauros – Tamas Toth, F, Bismarck Bobcats
East Division Star of the Week: Zach Aben, Forward, Johnstown Tomahawks
Johnstown forward Zach Aben, 19, had a big weekend as the Tomahawks picked up a weekend road sweep of the Northeast Generals to move into 4th place in the East Division. The 5’10/180 lbs. native of Shavertown, PA, recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in the two wins. On Saturday, Aben had a goal and an assist in a 6-1 win. On Sunday, he recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win. For the season, leads the Tomahawks in scoring with 21 points in 18 games played. “Zach had a great weekend for us on the road leading our team to two very important road wins. He contributes offensively, as well as plays a great 200-foot game. He has been the ultimate leader for us and his production over the last few weeks has taken off tremendously, which is a testament to his unwavering drive to succeed. Zach is an exceptional person that will no question be a great add to an NCAA Division I program in the future,” said Johnstown head coach Mike Letizia.
2nd Star: Nick Bernardo, D, Maine Nordiques
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Grant Dietz, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Trayce Johnson, D, Maryland Black Bears – Charles Tardif, F, Maine Nordiques – Jeremi Tremblay, F, Maryland Black Bears – Nick White, F, Johnstown Tomahawks
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Jake Cameron, Forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks veteran forward Jake Cameron, 19, helped his club to a weekend road split in Kenai River against the Brown Bears. The 5’10/175 lbs. native of Victoria, MN, totaled five points in the two games, including three goals and two assists. On Friday, Cameron had a goal and an assist in a 6-2 win. On Saturday, he factored in on all three goals, scoring twice and adding an assist in a 6-3 loss. For the season, Cameron currently has 11 points in 18 games played. “Jake had a great week and really is a player that looks to make plays and possesses the puck well. We are looking forward to his continued success and leadership out of him,” said Ice Dogs head coach Ryan Theros.
2nd Star: Max Martin, F, Wisconsin Windigo
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Nick Blood, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Marko Giourot, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Zach Howard, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Joe Manning, D, Kenai River Brown Bears – Caden Morgan, D, Chippewa Steel – Zephyr Tangri, D, Wisconsin Windigo
South Division Star of the Week: Ivan Zadvernyuk, Forward, Lone Star Brahmas
Lone Star Brahmas forward Ivan Zadvernyuk, 19, had a good weekend as the Brahmas split their road series against the El Paso Rhinos. The 6’1/190 lbs. native of Moskva, Russia, had three goals in the two games. On Friday, Zadvernyuk had the lone goal in a 2-1 loss. On Saturday, he scored two goals in a 5-0 win. For the season, Zadvernyuk is tied for the team scoring lead with 17 points in 19 games played. “Ivan is putting himself in great position to score goals because of his skating and skill set, and he had a great weekend on converting on his chances and making his shots count,” said Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong.
2nd Star: Zach Boren, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Connor Bergeron, F, Lone Star Brahmas – Tommy Chunchukov, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Lucas Deeb, F, Shreveport Mudbugs – Carson Dorfman, G, Shreveport Mudbugs – Tory Lund, F, El Paso Rhinos – Michael Manzi, G, El Paso Rhinos – Connor McNaughton, F, Amarillo Wranglers – Andy Vlaha, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves
