Monday, November 1, 2010

NAHL announces Players of the Week

Press Release

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its Players of the Week, sponsored by SBK Hockey, for the week ending Oct. 31.

SBK HOCKEY/NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tim Opie - Traverse City North Stars

Traverse City forward Tim Opie connected for five goals and two assists as the North Stars celebrated a two-game sweep over Port Huron. On Friday, the Troy, Mich., native put home four goals in an 8-5 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old notched another goal and two assists as the North Stars bested the Fighting Falcons, 7-3. He was also a plus-2 on the weekend.

“Tim has worked hard all season and has had many opportunities, but hadn't been able to really break through until last weekend,” said North Stars head coach Anthony Palumbo. “It was good to see his hard work rewarded.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Motor City forward Steve Brancheau; Port Huron forward Jackson Bray; St. Louis forward Chris Ciotti

SBK HOCKEY/SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ryan Frost - Wichita Falls Wildcats

Wichita Falls forward Ryan Frost rang up two goals and three assists as the Wildcats fashioned a 1-2 record. On Friday, the Corona, Calif., native tallied a goal and an assist in a 5-4 win over Corpus Christi. The next night, the 19-year-old scored another goal and added two more assists as the Wildcats blanked the IceRays, 5-0. Frost, who was held scoreless the next night - a 3-2 loss to the New Mexico Mustangs - was also a plus-4 on the weekend.

HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo forward Mitch Rogge; Texas forward Jack Prince; Topeka forwards Michael Hill and Justin Hussar; Wichita Falls forward Mac Olson

SBK HOCKEY/CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cory Ward - Aberdeen Wings

Aberdeen forward Cory Ward struck for two goals and an assist as the Wings skated to a two-game sweep over Coulee Region. On Friday, the Las Vegas native scored a goal and assisted on Tyler Poulsen’s game-winning marker in a 3-0 victory. The next night, the 17-year-old picked up another goal in regulation and one in the shootout as the Wings bested the Chill, 5-4. He was also a plus-1 on the weekend.

SBK HOCKEY/WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Brad Duwe - Kenai River Brown Bears

Kenai River forward Brad Duwe connected for two goals and three assists as the Brown Bears skated to a two-game sweep over Fairbanks. On Friday, the Soldotna, Alaska, native tallied two goals and two assists, including one on Raymond Stenehjem’s game-winning marker, in a 5-2 victory. The next night, the 18-year-old picked up another assist as the Brown Bears downed the Ice Dogs, 3-2. He was also a plus-3 on the weekend.

“Brad is an elite player in our league,” said Brown Bears head coach Oliver David. “At only 18 years old, he has the confidence and poise of a three-year veteran and he showed what he’s capable of last weekend."

HONORABLE MENTION: Fresno forward John Siemer

SBK HOCKEY/NAHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Frederick Leisner - Aberdeen Wings

Aberdeen goaltender Frederick Leisner backstopped the Wings to a two-game sweep over Coulee Region, turning aside 79 of 83 shots. On Friday, the Garland, Texas, native made all 41 saves in a 3-0 victory. The next night, the 18-year-old stopped 38 of 42 shots in regulation and overtime and four of five in the shootout as the Wings edged the Chill, 5-4.

HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo’s Nikifor Szczerba; Fresno’s Louis Puig; Kenai River’s Josh Benton; Texas’ Jimmy Kruger; St. Louis’ Tom Comunale

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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