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 January 25, 2026. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Player of the Week awards.

Central Division Star of the Week: Noah Ziskie, Defenseman, Bismarck Bobcats

Dominating from the blue line once again, Noah Ziskie produced a season-high five-point weekend. Starting on Friday night, the alternate captain had a season-high three-assist night. He notched back-to-back assists in the third frame for the Bobcats before producing the setup for Eddie Revenig’s overtime goal. His play-making in the third period continued into Saturday night. The 6-foot-2 defenseman provided the assist on both Bismarck goals in the third, helping his team send the matchup to overtime. The Bobcats would fall 4-3; however, his work on the ice helped his team secure a point for divisional standing purposes.

Ziskie is not new to the spotlight, earning his second Star of the Week honors this season. The last time he was named was October 13, 2025. During that month, he was also named the Defenseman of the Month for his 13-point performance. For the season, Ziskie ranks second overall in the NAHL among defensemen with 11 goals on the season. In addition, the Michigan native is the leading blueliner on the Bobcats with 33 total points on the season.

Head coach of the Bobcats, Garret Roth, explains why Ziskie has continued to develop his game with Bismarck.

“Noah has continued to elevate his game on the defensive end for us. He has done a great job offensively for us all season long. We are really proud of the strides Noah has made with his development on the defensive side of the puck and feel he has put himself in a great spot to play Division I hockey.”

2nd Star: Mikey Coleman, F, Austin Bruins

3rd Star: Brody Dietz, D, North Iowa Bulls

 

East Division Star of the Week: Logan Poulin, Forward, Northeast Generals

The 5-foot-10 lefty from Truro, Massachusetts, Logan Poulin, played a big role against a tough competitor over the weekend. On Friday night, the first-year skater picked up an assist on Spencer Hirsch’s tally in the third frame. The next night, Poulin was a driving force in helping the Generals secure their first win against the Black Bears this season. The ‘06 skater would tally the first goal of the game less than four minutes into the opening period. He would then light up the lamp again with a power-play goal midway through the middle frame. Poulin would show up on the scoresheet once again with a primary assist on Braydon Hudtloff’s goal in the final frame. Thanks to Poulin’s three-point performance, the Generals skated away with a big 7-2 victory.

For the weekend, Poulin produced a four-point performance, tallying two goals and two assists. The 5-foot-10 forward ranks second on his roster for the season with 15 goals, while sits fifth overall with 25 total points on the season.

Head coach of the Generals, Bryan Erikson, explains why Poulin was a key player for Northeast over the weekend.

“Logan has been nothing short of sensational for us. He is a big, strong power forward who is a true goal scorer. He has a pro shot. After a lengthy absence due to an injury, Logan has been what we needed back in the lineup. Against a very good Maryland team, he was fantastic. He hit on every shift, defended well, and also led the scoring charge with two goals and two assists on the weekend. After failing to score on Friday, Logan stepped up big on Saturday and was a huge factor in the win. An amazing young man who is loved by his teammates. He is a big-time player.”

2nd Star: Jensen Carlstrom, G, Rochester Jr. Americans

3rd Star: Mikey Conlon, D, Philadelphia Rebels

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Joey Hyten, Forward, Janesville Jets

Lighting the lamp multiple times this past weekend was Joey Hyten. The 6-foot captain played a crucial role in lifting his team to success against the Springfield Jr. Blues. Starting things off on Friday night, the Illinois native would show up on the scoresheet twice, thanks to his second two-goal performance of the season. Both tallies were scored in the second frame within five minutes of each other. The Jets would skate away with a big 5-1 victory. Moving into Saturday night, the game was much tighter, featuring a battle between the two rosters. Hyten would first show up on the scoresheet with a goal at the 4:16 minute mark of the opening period. He would then provide the setup to Murray Marvin-Cordes’ shorthanded tally in the second frame. The ‘06 skater would show up on the scoresheet once again, providing an assist on Hans Hedlund’s goal with 40 seconds left on the clock in the third. Despite the Jets falling 5-4 to the Jr. Blues, Hyten was crucial in keeping the contest tight.

For the weekend, the Edwardsville, Illinois native scored three goals while notching two assists. His offensive production has now extended to five-straight games of showing up on the scoresheet. This season, the second-year veteran leads his roster with 22 goals, 26 assists, and 48 total points.

Head coach of the Jets, Lennie Childs, shares more about Hyten’s leadership qualities.

“Joey has been the most consistent player in our lineup the entire season. He not only wears the ‘C’ for what he does on the ice, but also for how he carries himself away from the rink. He has shown game after game why he can play at the Division I level.”

2nd Star: Noah Dziver, F, Minnesota Wilderness

3rd Star: Dean Andrews, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

 

South Division Star of the Week: Jack L’Esperance, Defenseman, Odessa Jackalopes

Tearing it up from the blue line, Jack L’Esperance notches his second South Division Star of the Week honors this season. The 5-foot-11 righty from Michigan kicked off his weekend on Friday night against the Corpus Christi IceRays. The alternate captain notched a two-assist performance, marking his eighth one this season. Moving into Saturday night, the third-year NAHL veteran played a crucial role in lifting his team to a 4-3 overtime victory. He first provided a primary assist on Caden Ghiossi’s second goal of the contest. As the IceRays tied up the game 3-3 in the third period, L’Esperance would be the hero in overtime, scoring in buzzer-beater fashion. The Jackalopes would skate away with a 4-3 victory thanks to the Michigan native’s quick hands.

For the weekend, L’Esperance tallied a game-winning goal while producing three assists. Over his last 10 games, the blueliner has shown up on the scoresheet in nine of them. The alternate captain ranks first on his roster with 46 points on the season, with a team-leading 33 assists. L’Esperance ranks first overall for defenseman in the League of Opportunity with 13 goals and his 46 points on the season.

Head coach of the Jackalopes, Scott Deur, went into detail on the development side he has seen from L’Esperance this season.

“Jack was really good this weekend. He’s been a leader for us on and off the ice. With his defensive ability getting better every week, his offensive side continues to take off. He’s really developing into a full defenseman, and we are glad to see that happen. As an organization, we are happy to see him get recognized as this week's star.”

2nd Star: Caden Ghiossi, F, Odessa Jackalopes

3rd Star: Johnny Maruna, F, Corpus Christi IceRays