Monday, January 31, 2011

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 Jan. 30.

SBK HOCKEY/NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ross Mauermann - Janesville Jets

Janesville forward Ross Mauermann connected for three goals and two assists as the Jets skated to a two-game sweep over Chicago. On Friday, the Janesville native put home two goals, including the game-winner, in a 4-0 triumph. The next night, the 20-year-old tallied another goal and a pair of assists, including one on Pijus Rulevicius’ game-winning marker, as the Jets blanked the Hitmen, 6-0. He was also a plus-7 on the weekend.

“Ross had another great weekend for us,” said Jets head coach Dane Litke. “He’s elevated his play and has had a good start to the second half of his season thanks to his continued hard work, on and off the ice.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Motor City forward Cody Wydo; Port Huron forward Rudi Pino

SBK HOCKEY/SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Derek Hills - Amarillo Bulls

Amarillo defenseman Derek Hills picked up a goal and three assists for the Bulls as they fashioned a 1-2 record. On Thursday, the Campbell River, British Columbia, native tallied two assists in a 4-3 loss to the New Mexico Mustangs. The next night, the 20-year-old recorded another assist as the Bulls fell to Corpus Christi, 3-2. Hills then connected for the game-winning goal in a 4-1 triumph over the IceRays on Saturday.

“Derek is our captain and an extremely mature young man,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams. “He makes an impact in all three zones and will be a tremendous asset to a Division I program next season.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo forward Joe Kozlak; Texas forward Nate Sliwinski; Topeka forward Brian Christie

SBK HOCKEY/CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Charlie Adams - Austin Bruins

Austin forward Charlie Adams struck for a goal and five assists as the Bruins skated to a two-game sweep over Owatonna. On Friday, the White Bear Lake, Minn., native recorded a pair of assists, including one on Cory Ellis’ game-winning goal, in a 2-0 victory. The next night, the 18-year-old picked up a goal and three more assists as the Bruins downed the Express, 6-1. He was also a plus-2 on the weekend.

“Charlie was a huge offensive catalyst for us last weekend,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok. “That was an important series for us and he stepped up big. We’re hoping to see more performances like that from him down the stretch.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Alexandria forward Jordan Nelson

SBK HOCKEY/WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dakota Mason - Dawson Creek Rage

Dawson Creek forward Dakota Mason rang up three goals and three assists as the Rage celebrated a three-game sweep over Alaska. After being held scoreless on Thursday - a 3-2 victory - the Edmonton native came through with a one-goal, one-assist effort the next night in a 6-3 triumph. On Sunday, the 18-year-old tallied two more goals and a pair of assists as the Rage bested the Avalanche, 5-4. He was also a plus-3 on the weekend.

"Dakota has been one of our top offensive performers all season long and he proved that again last weekend," said Rage head coach Scott Robinson. "He's creative, dangerous, and he only continues to get better, which speaks well for his future."

HONORABLE MENTION: Wenatchee forward Tyler Hope

SBK HOCKEY/GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
A.J. Underwood - Austin Bruins

Goaltender A.J. Underwood backstopped the Bruins to a two-game sweep over Owatonna, turning aside 58 or 59 shots. On Friday, the Grand Rapids, Minn., native made all 21 saves in a 2-0 victory. The next night, the 19-year-old stopped 37 shots as the Bruins downed the Express, 6-1.

“The entire season A.J. has been working hard and patiently waiting for his opportunity, and last weekend he definitely rose to the challenge,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok. “It’s great to see a player of such high character have success.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Alexandria’s Jacob Meyers; Janesville’s Tony Kujava; Michigan’s Robert Tadazak; Port Huron’s Peter Megariotis; Texas’ Jimmy Kruger; Topeka’s Rasmus Tirronen; Wenatchee’s Brandon Jaeger; Wichita Falls’ Tyler Green

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

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