NAHL announces Combat Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week

Press Release

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending October 14, 2012.  The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2012-13 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions as nominated by their respective teams.

Central Division Star of the Week: Brandon Wahlin, forward, Austin Bruins
Austin forward Brandon Wahlin, 20, helped his Bruins to another perfect weekend as they took over 1st place in the Central Division with a 7-2-0 record.  The native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, recorded four points in the two weekend wins (1 goal, 3 assists) as the Bruins picked up a road win on Friday in Brookings and a home win on Saturday against Bismarck.  Wahlin (5’9/175) had a goal and two assists (including on the game-winning goal) in Friday’s 3-2 win in Brookings.  On Saturday, Wahlin would assist on Austin’s first goal in a 4-2 win over the Bobcats.  His 13 points lead the team on scoring.  “We faced a big test in Brookings on Friday with 1st place in the line and Brandon responded,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “He has been a great leader this year and it showed this weekend because he really fired up his teammates for the two wins against two really good opponents.”
2nd Star: Patrick Moore, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cody Dixon, defenseman, Austin Bruins – Cody Marooney, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Filip Starzynski, forward, Bismarck Bobcats.

North Division Star of the Week: Brett Skibba, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues
Out of the nine goals that Springfield scored this weekend in their weekend home sweep of 1st place Port Huron, forward Brett Skibba, 19, registered five of them, which included a game-winner.  The native of Verona, Wisconsin, helped the Jr. Blues out of the North Division basement with their first back-to-back wins of the season.  On Friday, Skibba (5’11/185) recorded a hat-trick, including the game-winning goal, in a 5-3 win over the Fighting Falcons.  On Saturday, he would chime in for two more goals in a 4-2 win, completing the weekend sweep.  Skibba was also a +6 over the weekend and leads the Jr. Blues in scoring with 14 points.  He had 17 all of last season. “Brett is buying into the things that are going to make him improve and make his team successful,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tony Zasowski.  “He really works hard to get the puck and will shoot from anywhere.  He plays really good two-way hockey which translates into offensive success.”
2nd Star: Luc Gerdes, forward, Jamestown Ironmen
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Luc Boby, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Robin Hoglund, forward, Soo Eagles – Brock Kautz, goaltender, Janesville Jets – Terry Leabo, defenseman, Springfield Jr. Blues – Reid Mimmack, goaltender, Jamestown Ironmen – Alex Okicki, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Jared Van Wormer, forward, Soo Eagles – Austin Vieth, forward, Janesville Jets.

South Division Star of the Week: TJ Sarcona, forward, Amarillo Bulls
The Amarillo Bulls have quietly put together a tie for the second best record in the NAHL through nine games this season and this weekend’s sweep of Odessa helped the cause, in large part thanks to veteran forward TJ Sarcona, 20.  The Niagara University recruit and native of West Islip, New York, had two goals (including a game-winner) and two assists over the weekend as the Bulls handled the Jackalopes at home.  On Thursday, Sarcona (5’11/185) had the game-winning goal in a 5-2 win.  On Friday, he recorded a goal and two assists in a 6-1 win.  Sarcona leads the Bulls with 11 points this season.  “TJ did a good job in helping lead the team this weekend, but he really works hard and that rubs off on his teammates,” said Bulls head coach Dennis Williams.  “He is so good on the defensive side of the puck and really takes responsibility at all times when he is on the ice.”
2nd Star: Sean Gaffney, forward, Topeka RoadRunners
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brandon Hawkins, forward, Texas Tornado – Anthony Mousseau, defenseman, Texas Tornado – Matt Sieckhaus, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Spencer Viele, goaltender, Topeka RoadRunners.

West Division Star of the Week: Garret Clemment, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fairbanks forward Garret Clemment, 19, helped his team to a three-game home sweep of the Fresno Monsters to move to within a point of 1st place in the West Division.  The native of Mosinee, Wisconsin, increased his point streak to seven games by registered at least a point in all three wins.  For the weekend, Clemment (5’10/170) recorded five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the three games.  On Thursday, he scored a goal in a 4-3 win.  On Friday, he had a goal and two assists (including on the game-winning goal) in a 3-1 win and on Saturday, he had another goal in a 5-3 win.  Clemment is currently third on the team in points with 12.  “Garret had some good chemistry with his linemates this weekend and that really helped their production,” said Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart.  “He did a good job of finishing when he had the chances.  Garret is a world-class skater and uses his speed to his advantage.”
2nd Star: Blake Roubos, forward, Wenatchee Wild
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jono Davis, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Kyle Lee, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs.


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)