Monday, December 31, 2012

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 December 30, 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: Chris Fischer, forward, Austin Bruins
The Bruins kept rolling along with their weekend home sweep of the Aberdeen Wings and forward Chris Fischer was front and center for a lot of offense produced.  The 20-year-old from Apple Valley, Minnesota, had a five-point weekend, which included four goals and an assist as the Bruins outscored the Wings 10-1 in the two wins.  On Friday, Fischer (6’0/185) had two goals in a 5-0 shutout win.  On Saturday, Fischer scored twice again, which included the Bruins first and last goals in a 5-1 win.  He was also a +4 over the weekend and had 10 shots.  For the season, Fischer has 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in 32 games played.  “The big thing for Chris was not only did he play week, but so did his entire line,” said Bruins head coach Chris Tok.  “He went hard to the net and finished.  He is getting himself in great position to score goals and create opportunities for his linemates.”

2nd Star: Stanislav Dzakhov, forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Collin Abitz, forward, Minot Minotauros – Kevin Becker, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Aidan Cavalinni, forward, Brookings Blizzard – Jared Docken, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard – Tim Donohue, forward, Minot Minotauros – Andy Faust, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Mac Jansen, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Nick Lehr, goaltender, Austin Bruins.

North Division Star of the Week: Brandon Adams, forward, Soo Eagles
Soo Eagles forward Brandon Adams, 20, made the most of his fresh start this past weekend.  Having spent the Fall semester at NCAA Division I Holy Cross, the native of Prospect Heights, Illinois, decided it was best for him and his family to go back to junior hockey.  In his return with the 1st place Eagles, Adams (5’11/200) helped Soo to a weekend sweep of the Port Huron Fighting Falcons with three goals.  The three goals all came in Friday’s 4-2 win, in which Adams recorded a hat-trick which included the game winning goal.  Adams didn’t score in Saturday’s 4-3 win, but did record two shots.  He was also +2 on the weekend in his first pair of games with the Soo.  Adams spent six games playing for Corpus Christi during the 2011-12 season.  “Brandon and his family were looking for a better situation and we were looking for another goal scorer, so the timing was good,” said Eagles head coach Bruno Bragagnolo.  “Brandon has really good hockey sense, he is a good two-way player and has very impressive speed and strength.”
2nd Star: Chris Waterstreet, forward, Soo Eagles
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): None

South Division Star of the Week: Andrew Mayer, forward, Texas Tornado
Texas Tornado forward Andrew Mayer, 19, has been on a torrid pace the last eight games.  It is no coincidence that in those eight games, Mayer (6’0/200) has scored in seven of them, with all seven being Tornado wins.  That included a great performance this weekend for the Troy, Michigan, native as the recorded four points (3 goals, 1 assist) as the Tornado posted a home sweep of the Corpus Christi Ice Rays.  On Friday, Mayer scored on his only shot and added an assist in a 6-1 win.  On Saturday, he posted two goals, including the game-winner in a 4-1 win.  Mayer, who is averaging close to a point per game, broke his wrist the first game of the season and didn’t see action again until early November.  His return to the line-up has been a welcome presence according to Tornado head coach Tony Curtale.  “We are happy to see Drew back and at 100%.  He is an important part of our team and glad to have him back in the line-up and healthy,” said Curtale.  “He plays a unique style of power forward, but also has a finesse part to his game.”

2nd Star: TJ Sarcona, forward, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Brandon Brossoit, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Nick Deery, goaltender, Odessa Jackalopes – Colin Delia, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Hunter Leisner, goaltender, Texas Tornado – Kyle Sharkey, forward, Topeka RoadRunners.

West Division Star of the Week: Mitchell Snyder, forward, Fresno Monsters
The Fresno Monsters got back on track this weekend with two wins in a three-game home series against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.  Chiming in with points in all three games was 18-year-old rookie forward Mitchell Snyder.  The native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, totaled four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in the three games.  On Friday, Snyder (6’1/190) had an assist on Fresno’s first goal in a 4-2 win.  On Saturday, Snyder scored Fresno’s first goal in a close 5-4 loss to the Ice Dogs.  On Sunday, Snyder saved his best game for last as with the Monsters trailing 2-0, he scored two 3rd period goals to tie the game, which Fresno would ultimately win 3-2 in a shootout.  For the season, Snyder is second on the team in points with 18 in 27 games played and ranks first in +/- with a +9 rating.  “Mitchell has played very well this season and doesn’t play like a rookie.  He has a good shot and a lot of skill,” said Monsters head coach Eric Ballard.  “It was good to get some recognition because he has been playing well.  I think we have a team that is better than our record indicates and we hope to use the positive weekend against Fairbanks to move forward with more wins.”

2nd Star: Brad Duwe, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jayson Angus, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Lonnie Clary, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Josh Hartley, defenseman, Wenatchee Wild – Alex Jackstadt, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Blake Roubos, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Matt Salituro, forward, Fresno Monsters.


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

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