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 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: Gus Elbert, Defenseman, Austin Bruins

The Austin Bruins were singing “O Captain! My Captain!” as Gus Elbert delivered a four-point performance last week. The 6-foot-1 defenseman is a veteran of the Bruins organization and is in his final season of junior hockey wearing the gold and black. Starting on Thursday night, the North Dakota native helped to even the score against the St. Cloud Norsemen, providing a secondary assist on Tevin Stukel’s game-tying goal. Moving into Friday night, the ‘06 defenseman provided another assist, this time on Victor Nilsson-Dalsjo’s tally late into the second period. As the matchup was tied 2-2 and forced into overtime, the two Central Division foes exchanged chances during the entire frame. With 10 seconds remaining on the clock, Elbert would get the opportunity to light the lamp on a penalty shot. With the game on his stick, Elbert delivered for the Bruins and sealed the 3-2 overtime victory at the Riverside Arena. His two-point night marked his third multi-point game of the season.

Heading into Saturday night, the North Dakota native produced his final assist of the weekend, this time with a primary feed on Victor Nilsson-Dalsjo’s second-period goal. For the week, Elbert skated to a four-point performance thanks to his work from the blue line.

Head coach of the Bruins, Steve Howard, describes how valuable Elbert has been to the Bruins organization on and off the ice.

“Gus had a big weekend for us and helped us get four of a possible six points. He is playing in his third season with the Bruins, and it has been great to see the growth in his development as a player, a leader, and a person. He does things the right way, and we are happy that he’s been recognized as the Player of the Week.”

2nd Star: Mark Evans, F, Bismarck Bobcats

3rd Star: Kirill Borodulin, F, Watertown Shamrocks

 

East Division Star of the Week: Jack Sullivan, Forward, Johnstown Tomahawks

Making an offensive mark on the scoresheet in his second weekend back as a Johnstown Tomahawk, Jack Sullivan had a seven-point performance for the Pennsylvania-based club. Starting on Friday night, the New York native helped to get the Tomahawks scoring started with a primary assist on Jacob Duval’s first-period tally. The ‘06 defenseman would show up on the scoresheet again, this time carrying the puck across the full sheet of ice early into the third period and found twine with a wrist shot to regain the Tomahawks’ lead. His final point on Friday was scored in empty-netter fashion with a minute on the clock for Johnstown. Thanks to his help on the ice, the Tomahawks skated to a 7-4 victory.

Moving into Saturday night, the Johnstown veteran helped to extend the East Division's club lead with a helper on Alex Gomes’ first-period tally. Moving into the second period, the New York native would provide the setup to Ethan Coots’ power-play goal, helping to add to the Johnstown lead. As the contest progressed into the final frame, Sullivan would light the lamp from the slot with 9:30 left on the clock. The ‘06 defenseman would end his night with one more helper, this time on Charlie Zetterkvist’s short-handed empty-netter. The Tomahawks skated to a 6-3 win thanks to a four-point performance from the second-year defenseman.

For the weekend, Sullivan registered seven points, tallying three goals while recording four assists for the East Division team.

Head coach of the Tomahawks, Geoff Beauparlant, explains how Sullivan has been a critical piece in their success as of late.

“When Jack rejoined our group a few weeks ago, we felt we were adding a piece to the overall puzzle. He adds another dynamic element to our attack from our backend. He is all gas.”

2nd Star: Nate Porter, F, Northeast Generals

3rd Star: Brent Beswick, F, Danbury Hat Tricks

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Roman Batih, Goaltender, Minnesota Mallards

The 6-foot-5 netminder from Ukraine, Roman Batih, showcased a dominating performance in the blue paint for the Mallards. Starting on Friday night, the ‘06 goaltender turned aside 37 out of 38 shots by the Fairbanks Ice Dogs to help his team to a tight 2-1 victory at the Big Dipper Ice Arena. The lone Fairbanks goal was scored late into the third period on the power play. From that lone contest, Batih recorded a single-game best .974 save percentage and 1.00 goals-against average.

Moving into Saturday night, the Minnesota Mallards had another tight battle with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, this time being forced into extra minutes and an eventual shootout. The second-year NAHL veteran faced a career-high 47 shots by the Ice Dogs and, in the process, stopped a career-high 45 shots by the Alaska-based club. As the matchup went into a skills contest, Batih stood tall in the blue paint, recording his second shootout win of the season.

For the weekend, the ‘06 netminder posted a 1.44 goals-against average, a .960 save percentage, and back-to-back wins in the crease for the Mallards. He made 82 saves in 85 shots faced across the two games played.

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The General Manager of the Mallards shared more on how valuable Baith has been to the Minnesota-based club.

“Roman became available to us about three weeks ago, and he has helped calm things down. One of his biggest attributes is his compete level; not only in games, but in practice, he always is the best player on the ice. He gives us a chance to win each night.”

2nd Star: Wyatt Dyck, F, Janesville Jets

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

 

Mountain Division Star of the Week: Daniel Dmitrievsky, Goaltender, Billings Cattle Punchers

Standing tall in the blue paint over the weekend was Daniel Dmitrievsky for the Billings Cattle Punchers. The 6-foot netminder from New Jersey recorded his first shutout on Saturday night. The ‘06 goaltender turned aside all 32 shots by the Pueblo Peppers to notch his second win of the 2026-27 season. This lone contest marked his best performance of the season.

Head coach of the Cattle Punchers, Steve Haddon, describes what type of athlete Dmitrievsky has been for the organization.

“Dan has been a true professional and a great teammate while he has been waiting for his opportunity in the net. His patience and his focus, along with his preparation each day, have helped him be ready for when he is called upon. We are extremely happy to see him have success. We know he will be successful at the next level.”

2nd Star: Cooper Struckel, F, Ogden Mustangs

3rd Star: Micah Seery, D, Billings Cattle Punchers

 

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

Hailing from the Grand Canyon State, Ben Vatis showcased back-to-back dominating performances in the blue paint for the Odessa Jackalopes over the weekend. Vatis is a veteran of Odessa, playing with the South Division club in his final season of junior hockey. Starting on Thursday night, the ‘06 netminder played a critical role in keeping the Jackalopes tight in the contest with the El Paso Rhinos. The 6-foot-1 goaltender turned aside 35 out of 37 shots, helping to lift his team to a 4-2 win on home ice. His 35-save performance is the second-most amount of saves he has made in a lone contest this season.

Moving into Saturday night, Vatis would secure the series win for the Jackalopes, this time recording a 22-save performance for the Texas-based team. He registered a 1.00 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage from the matchup.

For the weekend, the Arizona native recorded a 1.50 goals-against average, a .955 save percentage, and two wins for Odessa. In addition to his work on the ice, Vatis was named as an alternate captain for the South Division club.

Head coach of the Jackalopes, Brian Sherry, went into detail on what it means to have Vatis on the team.

“Ben is off to a great start; his work ethic and leadership have played a major role in our team's early success.”

2nd Star: Tyler Wilmoth, F, Oklahoma Warriors

3rd Star: Olivier Laverdiere, F, Oklahoma Warriors