Monday, March 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 March 27.

SBK HOCKEY/NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
A.J. White - Michigan Warriors

Michigan forward A.J. White connected for two goals and three assists as the Warriors fashioned a 2-1 mark against Janesville. After being held scoreless on Friday - a 1-0 loss - the Dearborn, Mich., native picked up a goal and a pair of assists, including one on Brad Chapman’s game-winning marker, the next night in a 3-2 victory. On Sunday, the 19-year-old scored another goal and assisted on Kevin Gibson’s game-winner as the Warriors bested the Jets, 2-1. He was also a plus-3 on the weekend.

“A.J continues to grow as a player and was a key component in three tough games last weekend,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “We’re glad to see that his hard efforts are paying off for him."

HONORABLE MENTION: Port Huron forward Logan Lemirande

SBK HOCKEY/SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jordan Davis - Topeka RoadRunners

Topeka forward Jordan Davis came though with two goals and three assists as the RoadRunners split a two-game series against Amarillo. On Wednesday, the Devlin, Ontario, native recorded a goal and an assist in a 3-2 loss. The next night, the 20-year-old put home a goal and two assists, including one on Davey Middleton’s game-winning marker, as the RoadRunners doubled up the Bulls, 4-2. He was also a plus-5 for the week.

“Jordan played very determined hockey both nights and really made clear that he can lead this team in every aspect,” said RoadRunners assistant coach R.J. Enga. “He was good in every area both nights, from faceoffs to special teams, and his attention to detail was evident and the rest of the team followed.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Texas defenseman Mico Solorzano; Topeka forward Davey Middleton; Wichita Falls forward Dakota Klecha

SBK HOCKEY/CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nardo Nagtzaam - Alexandria Blizzard

Alexandria forward Nardo Nagtzaam struck for two goals and five assists as the Blizzard skated to three wins and the Central Division regular-season title. On Friday, the Netherlands native notched a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory over Coulee Region. The next night, the 20-year-old racked up three more assists, including one on Tucker Coborn’s game-winning goal, as the Blizzard downed the Chill 4-3. Nagtzaam picked up another goal in a 5-4 overtime victory over the Bismarck Bobcats on Sunday. The Mercyhurst College recruit was also a plus-3 on the weekend.

“Nardo has shown us the last few weeks why he’s one of the top players in the league,” said Blizzard assistant coach Jeff Crouse. “He’s set personal and team goals over the last month and has gone out there and accomplished them. We’re looking forward to watching his success continue into the playoffs.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Bismarck forward Frankie DeAugustine

SBK HOCKEY/WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matt Friese - Alaska Avalanche

Alaska forward Matt Friese rang up three goals and two assists as the Avalanche fashioned a 2-1 mark against Fairbanks. On Thursday, the Wasilla, Alaska, native recorded an assist in a 6-4 victory. The next night, the 18-year-old scored the Avalanche’s lone goal as Alaska fell to the Ice Dogs, 5-1. Friese racked up two more goals and an assist in a 5-3 triumph on Saturday. He was also a plus-3 for the weekend.

“Matt scored some big goals for us over the weekend, but, more importantly, was an impact player the entire series,” said Avalanche head coach Brian Huebel. “Matt thrives off of playing with energy and that trend continued last weekend. We fully expect him to put forth those types of efforts going into playoffs."

HONORABLE MENTION: Alaska forward Andy Pearson; Dawson Creek defenseman Josh Hartley

SBK HOCKEY/GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Robert Tadazak - Michigan Warriors

Michigan goaltender Robert Tadazak backstopped the Warriors to a 2-1 record against Janesville, turning aside 88 of 92 shots. On Friday, the Lapeer, Mich., native made 27 saves in a 1-0 loss. The next night, the 20-year-old old steered aside 25 shots as the Warriors bested the Jets, 3-2. The Army recruit put forth a 36-save effort in a 2-1 triumph on Sunday.

“Robert made the big saves for our team last weekend when we needed them," said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. "I can't say enough about his leadership on the ice, as well off it, throughout this season."

HONORABLE MENTION: Alaska’s Landon Peterson; New Mexico’s Marco Wieser; Port Huron’s Peter Megariotis; St. Louis’ Tom Comunale; Texas’ Jimmy Kruger; Wichita Falls’ Tyler Green

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

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