Monday, February 28, 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 Feb. 27.

SBK HOCKEY/NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Larkin Jacobson - Janesville Jets

Janesville forward Larkin Jacobson connected for two goals and an assist as the Jets split a two-game series with Springfield. On Friday, the Sioux City, Iowa, native tallied a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in a 4-1 victory. The next night, the 19-year-old University of Denver recruit picked up an assist as the Jets fell to the Jr. Blues, 3-2.

“Larkin played hard last weekend and has shown good leadership for us down the stretch,” said Jets head coach Dane Litke. “He’s battled some injury problems lately, but has been reliable nonetheless. We hope he’ll continue to lead us through our last nine games of the regular season.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Chicago forward Gabe Gervais; Motor City forward Cody Wydo; Port Huron defenseman Sean Gammage

SBK HOCKEY/SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matt Johnson - Amarillo Bulls

Amarillo forward Matt Johnson came through with a goal and four assists as the Bulls fashioned a 2-0-1 record. On Thursday, the Clinton Township, Mich., native recorded three assists, including one on Dan Sherer’s game-winning goal, in a 3-0 victory over the New Mexico Mustangs. The next night, the 19-year-old tallied a goal and another assist as the Bulls downed Corpus Christi, 7-3. Johnson, who was held scoreless in Amarillo’s 4-3 shootout loss to the IceRays on Sunday, was also a plus-5 on the weekend.

“Matt’s become a complete player this season,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams. “He plays in all situations and makes his teammates better every time he’s on the ice. He’s also an alternate captain who leads both vocally and by example.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo forward Zack Smoot; Topeka forwards Nathan Milam and Brian Christie; Wichita Falls forward Tanner Fahlstedt

SBK HOCKEY/CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Zac Frischmon - Coulee Region Chill

Coulee Region forward Zac Frischmon struck for three goals and two assists as the Chill skated to a two-game sweep over Bismarck. On Friday, the Blaine, Minn., native put home a goal and an assist in a 4-3 triumph. The next night, the 20-year-old tallied a pair of goals, including the game-winner, and an assist as the Chill bested the Bobcats, 6-2. He was also a plus-5 on the weekend.

"Zac has the speed and skill to play Division I hockey in any conference," said Chill head coach Garrett Strot. "He's a player who'll go to the high-traffic areas and wins the battles along the boards."

SBK HOCKEY/WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
John Stampohar - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Fairbanks forward John Stampohar rang up a goal and four assists as the Avalanche celebrated a two-game sweep over Alaska. On Friday, the Hibbing, Minn., native notched a goal and three assists, including one on JT Osborn’s game-winning marker, in a 5-2 victory. The next night, the 21-year-old picked up another assist as the Ice Dogs blanked the Avalanche, 3-0. He was also a plus-3 on the weekend.

SBK HOCKEY/GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Joe Phillippi - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Fairbanks goaltender Joe Phillippi backstopped the Ice Dogs to a two-game sweep over Alaska, turning aside 72 of 74 shots. On Friday, the Shoreview, Minn., native made 44 saves in a 5-2 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old stopped all 28 shots he faced as the Ice Dogs blanked the Avalanche, 3-0.

“Joe was outstanding for us last weekend,” said Ice Dogs head coach Josh Hauge. “He’s really stepped up and been a big part of our success and we’re counting on his solid play to continue down the stretch and into the playoffs.”

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

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