NAHL Announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced today the Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending November 24th, 2024. 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: Jack O’Hanisain, Forward, Minot Minotauros
Third-year Minot veteran, Jack O’Hanisain, had a career-high weekend. The 5’11 lefty played an instrumental role in the Minotauros sweep over the Mallards. In Friday night’s overtime thriller, he hit a season-high of two goals scored. Then the following night, he assisted in every goal except two in the 6-1 win over the Minnesota Mallards. On the weekend he hit his career-high with seven total points and finished the series with two goals and five assists.
The Great Lakes state native leads his squad in total points (27) and assists (21).
“Jack was very good for us this past weekend. Jack and his linemates created offensively in both games and were able to finish consistently,” said Minot’s head coach, Cody Campbell. “We are happy for Jack to get recognized and look forward to him continuing to help lead our team to success and earn a Division I opportunity.”
2nd Star: Gavin Reed, D, Aberdeen Wings
3rd Star: Mason Lebel, F, St. Cloud Norsemen
Central Division Star of the Week: Luke Janus, Forward, Maryland Black Bears
The ‘04 lefty, Luke Janus, showed up and showed out for the Black Bears sweep over the Hat Tricks. He had a season-high weekend in goals and total points. On Friday night, he played a role in the three goals scored in the second period. He first assisted Trey Hinton’s goal, then ten minutes later assisted Isac Nielsen’s goal before finding the back of the net for himself 30 seconds later.
On Saturday night, the 6’2 forward scored the first two goals for the Black Bears. He picked up his first power play goal and game-winning goal in this game. He ended the weekend with three goals, two assists, five total points and a +3 rating.
“It’s nice to see Luke get rewarded for his determination, and strong play. He’s a very talented player, and can be a difference maker every single night for us,” said Maryland’s head coach, Clint Mylymok. “Congratulations to Luke on this well-deserved league award!”
2nd Star: Logan Renkowski, F, New Jersey Titans
3rd Star: Landon Brownlee, F, Rochester Jr. Americans
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Charlie Menard, G, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
There was an upset in the land of the midnight sun. Charlie Menard shutdown the Anchorage Wolverines on Friday night. The 17-year-old saved all 17 shots in his first shutout of the season. This shutout was also the first time that the Wolverines could not find the back of the net in a game all season. The next night, the hometown kid saved 13 out of 14 shots leading the Ice Dogs to a sweeping victory over the Wolverines. Thanks to the 6’0 goalie between the pipes, the Ice Dogs have continued their hot streak to four consecutive wins. He wrapped up the weekend with a 0.5 goals against average and a .966 save percentage.
As one of the youngest players in the league, Menard leads his squad in wins (6), save percentage (.934), goals against average (1.74) and is the only Fairbanks goalie to have a shutout this season.
“We are excited for Charlie. It is well deserved. Being an ‘07 goalie in the league alone is tough, but he has transitioned very nicely and has done a phenomenal job so far. He brings an energy and personality into the locker room that is contagious, said the Ice Dogs’ head coach, Ryan Theros. “His success starts with that and continues with his work ethic on the ice! He competes and brings it everyday without question. We are really looking forward to his success. The guys love playing in front of him and our other goalie Mason McElroy. We look forward to both of them continuing to be consistent.”
2nd Star: Frank Murphy, G, Springfield Jr. Blues
3rd Star: Luke Baker, F, Wisconsin Windigo
South Division Star of the Week: Jackson Fuller, G, New Mexico Ice Wolves
Third-year Ice Wolf, Jackson Fuller was dominant in between the pipes against the Oklahoma Warriors. On Friday night’s win, he blocked 21 out of 23 shots. He then found a way to top his performance. On Saturday night, he produced his first shutout of the season. He saved all 23 shots by the Warriors. Thanks to his work in the net, he helped New Mexico continue their seven-game tear in the South division. Fuller finished his weekend with a goals against average at 1.0 and a save percentage of .955.
The 20-year-old leads his squad in wins (5), save percentage (.921), goals against average (1.985) and is the only Ice Wolf to have a shutout.
“We are happy for Jackson being recognized for his stellar play. It's not just him stopping the puck, he has really done a great job playing the puck and communicating with our D, said New Mexico’s head coach, Kevin Hartzell. “The experience gained playing in the NAHL is really showing and providing us a ‘rock’ back there from which the team is building.”
2nd Star: Nikola Goich, G, Shreveport Mudbugs
3rd Star: Elias Kumlin, F, Lone Star Brahmas
