The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending October 8, 2023. The Divisional Stars of the Week is an award given each week of the regular season to the top performing players in each of the five divisions of the NA3HL as nominated by their head coaches.
Central Division Star of the Week: Collin Lemanski, Goalie, Wausau Cyclones
Cyclones netminder Collin Lemanski was perfect between the pipes picking up back-to-back wins including one shutout victory. The Midland, WI native turned away 27 of the 30 shots he faced to open up his weekend against Peoria. The following night, The 6-foot-2-inch goaltender posted a shutout after stopping all 36 Mustang tries. Lemanski has appeared in 5 games this season with a 4-1 record, 1.600 GAA and a .950 SV%.
2nd Star: Erick Bachtle, F, Oregon Tradesmen
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): John Kritz, F, Wausau Cyclones – Parker Murn, D, Oregon Tradesmen
East Division Star of the Week: Gabe Vijuk, Forward, Northeast Generals
Northeast Generals forward Gabe Vijuk made his presence known in a one game showing. The Oak Park, IL native netted two goals in his lone game of the weekend to earn the East Division Star of the Week. Vijuk’s two goals helped the Generals to a 5-3 win over the Norwich Sea Captains. Vijuk has appeared in 5 games for the Generals this season, where he has scored 5 goals on the year.
2nd Star: Payton Fobes, F, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): George Hinds, F, New Jersey Titans – Tony Morran, D, Norwich Sea Captains – Chris Panza, G, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – Trevor Riggs, D, Northeast Generals – Brody Trew, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Adam Severson, Forward, Gillette Wild
Gillette forward Adam Severson put up huge numbers in two games to earn the Frontier Division Star of the Week. In those two games, the Roseau, MN native combined for 9 points with 3 goals and 6 assists. Severson has played in 8 games this season with the Wild where he has totalled 17 points.
2nd Star: Kelton Chadwick, D, Helena Bighorns
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Ty Brander, D, Great Falls Americans – JP Johnson, F, Gillette Wild – Braden Koliha, F, Bozeman Ice Dogs – Dimitri Kuleshov, F, Great Falls Americans – Ty Moore, F, Helena Bighorns
South Division Star of the Week: Owen Zenone, Goalie, New Mexico Ice Wolves
New Mexico goaltender Owen Zenone was an impenetrable force between the pipes after earning back-to-back shutout wins. Zenone opened up the weekend stopping 39 shots in his first shutout win, followed up by posting a 15 shot shutout victory. The Ridgeville, OH native has played in 5 games this season where he is undefeated.
2nd Star: Chase Forry, F, Texas Brahmas
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Malzone, F, Texas Brahmas – Braeden Whitesell, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves
West Division Star of the Week: Nick Kurtiak, Goalie, Rochester Grizzlies
Rochester Grizzlies goaltender Nick Kurtiak had a weekend to remember after posting back-to-back shutout wins, dishing out an assist, and scoring a goalie goal. Kurtiak kicked off the weekend with a bang after taking a 4-0 shutout win where he stopped 24 shots. On top of that, the Swartz Creek, MI native erupted his bench after scoring a goalie goal. The following night, Kurtiak picked up right where he left off helping his team to a 7-0 victory, stopping all 23 shots he faced, and dishing out an assist on Twanne Haisma’s third period goal. Kurtiak is undefeated this season with a 3-0 record and has combined for a 1.00 GAA and a .955 SV%.
2nd Star: Dominic Thomas, F, Mason City Toros
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Drew Blake, G, Mason City Toros – Ashton Ericksen, F, Granite City Lumberjacks – Eli Fletcher, F, Alexandria Blizzard – Matt Haun, D, Rochester Grizzlies – Carson Strapon, F, Granite City Lumberjacks