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 February 1, 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: Cooper Anderson, Defenseman, Aberdeen Wings

The 6-foot-4 lefty, Cooper Anderson, could not be outdone this weekend for the Wings. The Quinnipiac commit played a huge role in Aberdeen’s sweep over the Bismarck Bobcats. He got his weekend started on Friday night at the Odde Ice Center. Anderson was crucial in the Wings’ battle-from-behind victory. He first showed up on the scoresheet when he provided an assist on Owen Pitter’s tally two minutes into the second period. The second-year veteran would notch another assist, this time on Matthew Martin’s goal at the 15:41 minute mark. As the contest was tied 3-3 heading into the final period, the Elk River, Minnesota, native would find twine in game-winning fashion for his team. With 15:47 on the clock, Anderson would score through traffic to give his team their first lead of the night. The Wings would skate away with a 5-3 victory thanks to his three-point performance.

Moving into Saturday night, Aberdeen was in the hunt to produce their first sweep over the Bobcats this season. The contest would be a low-scoring affair, with both teams tallying a goal each in the second frame. With the matchup being forced into overtime, the ‘06 blueliner would be the hero in extra minutes. With a power play getting ready to expire, Anderson got the work and scored on the man advantage with 1:15 left on the clock. The Wings would skate away with a big 2-1 overtime victory.

For the weekend, Anderson spotlighted a four-point performance, tallying two goals and two assists. Both goals marked his first and second game-winning goals in his NAHL career. Additionally, his three-point night on Friday marked the third three-point night of his NAHL career. On his roster, the 19-year-old is the leading defenseman in goals (7), assists (29), and total points (36). In addition, Anderson leads the Wings with 14 power-play assists.

Head coach of the Wings, Scott Langer, shares what he has seen from Anderson this season.

“Coop has been a big-time leader on our backend. He is a worker who makes a difference every night.”

2nd Star: Joe Rice, F, Watertown Shamrocks

3rd Star: EJ Paddington, F, Austin Bruins

 

East Division Star of the Week: Aidan Petroff, Forward, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Hailing from the Keystone State and serving as a keystone piece for New Hampshire’s sweep this past weekend, Aidan Petroff was critical in the Mountain Kings’ success. The 6-foot forward was key in keeping New Hampshire still in the fight on Friday night. With 45 seconds on the clock in the third period, the Mountain Kings were down 3-2. Amidst chaos in the final minute of the game, Petroff delivered the game-tying goal, allowing his team to force the contest into extra minutes. The Mountain Kings would skate away with a 4-3 overtime victory thanks to his offensive work in the final moments of the game.

Moving into Saturday night, the 19-year-old was a key piece of New Hampshire’s overtime win once again. Petroff first showed up on the scoresheet with a primary assist on Rogerio Cacciarelli’s power-play tally at the 14:50 minute mark of the second period. The 6’0 forward would continue with his clutch skating when he would keep the puck from crossing the blue line and then provide the primary assist to Ben Dias’ tally at the 3:28 minute mark of the second frame. As the contest moved into the third period, the Northeast Generals were able to battle back from a deficit and even the scoreboard at 3-3. As the game is forced into overtime, Petroff would be the hero in extra minutes for his team. The Pennsylvania native would come onto the ice during a line change, and six seconds later, Petroff would take the puck and find twine. His overtime goal marks his first game-winning goal in his NAHL career.

For the weekend, the ‘06 skater spotlighted a four-point performance, tallying two goals and two assists. Petroff is one of the top skaters on the New Hampshire roster, sitting tied in second with 17 total points on the season. The 19-year-old is an alumnus of the T1ER, playing two seasons with the Pittsburgh Stars organization. 

Head coach of the Mountain Kings, Cam Robichaud, describes what he has seen from Petroff this season.

"We're proud of Aidan as he continues to elevate his game this season. He's not only provided consistent scoring for the team, but also important goals as well, to help the team secure points since returning from Christmas break. We know this is only the beginning for him and look forward to continuing to watch him develop and grow in his rookie campaign."

2nd Star: Jaden Johnson, F, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

3rd Star: Owen King, F, Rochester Jr. Americans

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Kaenan Smith, Goaltender, Janesville Jets

Standing tall in the blue paint this past weekend, Kaenan Smith showcased a season-best in both nights against the Springfield Jr. Blues. The young 6-foot-2 netminder got his weekend started on Friday night. After coming off a loss to the Springfield Jr. Blues the weekend prior, the Jets were hungry to respond with a victory on Springfield’s home ice for the first time this season. Friday night featured the UMD commit tying a season-high of 35 saves in one game. Smith is one of the youngest netminders in the league, and he would continue his big performance between the pipes into the next night against one of the oldest rosters in the NAHL. On Saturday night, the Minnesota native would notch a NAHL career first, a shutout. Smith turned away all 31 shots on net, notching a perfect performance between the pipes.

For the weekend, he recorded a 2-0 performance, securing a 1.00 goals-against average and a .964 save percentage. Smith’s work in the crease has been continuous in the month of January, leading the league with 11 games played amongst goaltenders.

Head coach of the Jets, Lennie Childs, went into detail on what it means to see Smith reaping the benefits of his hard work.

“Kaenan is a special goalie and a fantastic teammate. He has endured injury adversity and has overcome it with flying colors. He gives our team a chance to win every time he is in the net. We are very happy that Kaenan is reaping the benefits of his hard work and dedication to the game and our team.”

2nd Star: Declan Burns, D, Wisconsin Windigo

3rd Star: Parker Newman, F, Kenai River Brown Bears

 

South Division Star of the Week: Ben Vatis, Goaltender, Odessa Jackalopes

Making a statement in the blue paint against the division leader and former team, Ben Vatis stood tall in the net over the weekend for the Jackalopes. The 6-foot netminder started his weekend off with a thrilling shootout victory on Friday night. Vatis stopped 27 out of 30 shots during regulation, before turning aside all three shootout attempts by Lone Star. The ‘06 goaltender from Phoenix, Arizona, would continue his dominance in the crease into Saturday night. The second-year veteran would dominate between the pipes because he would shut out the Brahmas with a 34-save performance. The 19-year-old is the only goaltender in the division to have shut out Lone Star this season.

For the weekend, Vatis secured two wins, spotlighting a 1.30 goals-against average and .954 save percentage. Since returning to the NAHL in January, the Arizona native has been on a tear for Odessa. He has won four of his five games played with the Jackalopes this season, with his lone loss happening in overtime.

Head coach of the Jackalopes, Scott Deur, explains what it means to see Vatis succeed so quickly.

“Ben has been good for us since he came back to us. He has given us a chance to win each and every game. We are happy to see him back and can not wait to see what the rest of the season is going to look like for him.”

2nd Star: Caden Hegarty, F, Amarillo Wranglers

3rd Star: Brock Fairbanks, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves