Monday, March 21, 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 March 20.

SBK HOCKEY/NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ethan Nauman - Springfield Jr. Blues

Springfield forward Ethan Nauman struck for four goals and three assists as the Jr. Blues celebrated a three-game sweep over Port Huron. On Friday, the Mosinee, Wis., native recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-3 victory. The next night, the 19-year-old tallied the game-winning goal and an assist as the Jr. Blues doubled up the Fighting Falcons, 4-2. Nauman put forth a two-goal, one-assist effort in a 7-2 triumph on Sunday. He was also a plus-3 for the weekend.

“Ethan has become a complete hockey player this season,” said Jr. Blues head coach Joe Dibble. “He plays in all situations and makes his teammates better every time they’re on the ice with him. He has the speed and work ethic to play Division I hockey.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Port Huron forward Logan Lemirande

SBK HOCKEY/SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Taylor Herndon - Texas Tornado

Texas forward Taylor Herndon put home three goals and two assists as the Tornado fashioned a 2-0 record. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City native recorded a goal and an assist in a 6-1 victory over the Wichita Falls Wildcats. Three nights later, the 19-year-old potted two more goals, including the game-winner, and an assist as the Tornado blanked the Corpus Christi IceRays, 5-0. He was also a plus-5 for the week.

“Taylor has really stepped his game up and provides us with depth at scoring,” said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale. “Best of all, he plays both ways and has become a complete hockey player this season.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo forward TJ Sarcona; Topeka forward Justin Hussar

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

Coulee Region forward Zac Frischmon connected for two goals and three assists as the Chill skated to a 3-0 record. On Friday, the Blaine, Minn., native recorded an assist in a 3-2 victory over Janesville. After being held scoreless the next night - a 5-2 win over the Jets - the 20-year-old came through with a pair of goals, including the game-winner (shorthanded) and two more assists on Sunday as the Chill downed the Austin Bruins, 5-1. He was also a plus-3 for the weekend.

“Zac continues to prove why he’s one of the best forwards in the league,” said Chill head coach Garrett Strot. “He plays with great determination and is consistently one of the top players on the ice every night.”

SBK HOCKEY/WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matt Millis - Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Fairbanks forward Matt Millis rang up two goals and three assists as the Ice Dogs skated to a two-game sweep over Kenai River. On Friday, the Black River Falls, Wis., native picked up a pair of goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in a 4-0 victory. The next night, the 21-year-old collected two more assists as the Ice Dogs downed the Brown Bears, 5-1. He was also a plus-5 for the weekend.

“Matt’s been through a lot this year and, just five weeks since having a cancerous tumor removed, to have him back and playing so well says a lot about his character and work ethic,” said Ice Dogs head coach Josh Hauge. “He’s an inspiration in our hockey community and a leader in our locker room. He has a great scoring touch and is going to be a very good college hockey player.”

SBK HOCKEY/GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Aaron Davis - Coulee Region Chill

Coulee Region goaltender Aaron Davis backstopped the Chill to a pair of wins in his two starts, turning aside 75 of 78 shots. On Friday, the Mound, Minn., native made 28 saves in regulation and overtime and four of five in the shootout in a 3-2 victory over the Janesville Jets. Two nights later, the 19-year-old steered aside 47 shots as the Chill downed the Austin Bruins, 5-1.

“Aaron has worked hard all season and, when he’s been called on to play, he’s been focused and ready,” said Chill head coach Garrett Strot. “He tracks the puck so well and is playing with a lot of confidence."

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

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