MJHL Announces Three Stars of the Week

Press Release

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – The Metropolitan Junior Hockey League is pleased to announce its “Three Stars of the Week” for the period ending November 3, 2013. The three stars program is a weekly award given to the top performers in MJHL games, regardless of position, for the previous week. The awards are scored on a 5-3-1 point basis to assist in determining top performers for the year-end awards.

This week, Hartford Junior Wolfpack defenseman Will Gaspar (’96 birth year/Manchester, CT) is the league’s 1st Star, Northern Cyclones forward Viktor Karlsson (’96 birth year/Lutea, Sweedn) is the league’s 2nd Star and Philadelphia Revolution defenseman Brad Nolan (’93 birth year/Bridgeton, MO) is the league’s 3rd Star.

Gaspar had a strong offensive weekend for the Wolfpack as they swept the North Jersey Avalanche in a home and home series, picking up four points, further tightening the Mullen Division race. Gaspar had a pair of goals and assists over the two games, while anchoring a Wolfpack D that kept the high scoring Avalanche offense in check.

“Will has been great for us over the last two seasons and is someone we are looking forward to keeping in our program,” said Wolfpack Head Coach Chris Cerrella. “He is a top defenseman in the league and is going to have a chance to play hockey at the collegiate level one day. Sweeping the Avalanche was a huge weekend for us; I felt we have been under achieving a bit and it's amazing to see how this team has improved and Will has been a big part of that. Over the last 6 games we are 5-1 as we continue to show that we are a top team if we play up to our potential.”

The Cyclones played one game during the review period and Karlsson, the league’s second star took full advantage by picking up three points and the eventual shootout game winner as the Cyclones gave the Boston Bandits their second overtime loss of the season by the score of 7-6. Karlsson also had a power play goal and the game-tying goal with two plus minutes left in regulation for the Cyclones.

“Viktor has been adjusting to the play in North America,” said Cyclones Head Coach Frank O’Connor. “On Saturday, Victor proved that he is coming around by scoring two goals and getting the game winner in the shootout. He’s a highly skilled forward who has added physical play into his game.”

Closing out the accolades this week is Nolan, who picks up the third star this week, after being named the league’s first star earlier in the season. Nolan led the Revolution to a perfect three for three week with wins over the New Jersey Renegades and a two-game sweep of the Dowd Division leading Central Penn Panthers. Nolan picked up eleven points during the weekend and now sits atop of the points list among defensemen.

“What more can I say about Brad other thank he’s an awesome defenseman,” said Revolution Head Coach John Ambrefe. “Brad continues to stand out on both sides of the puck. One of his strengths as an offensive defenseman is being able to read plays, which allows him to create many turnovers. Brad was a huge asset to our wins this weekend.”

Receiving honorable mention this week:

    Metro Moose forward James Bobb (’93 birth year/Merrick, NY)
    Hartford Junior Wolfpack goaltender Kyle Carducci (’96 birth year/Rocky Hill, CT)
    Connecticut Junior Oilers goaltender Andrew Carlin (’96 birth year/Larchmont, NY)
    Philadelphia Junior Flyers forward Steve Cavaliere (’96 birth year/Springfield, PA)
    Boston Junior Rangers forward Tomas Dyrnyk (’96 birth year/Prague, Czech Republic)
    Philadelphia Junior Flyers goaltender CJ Lineman (’96 birth year/Warminster, PA)
    Philadelphia Revolution forward Nate Kohlenhoefer (’93 birth year/St. Charles, MO)
    Philadelphia Revolution goaltender Brandon Manquen (’93 birth year/Rolling Hills, CA)
    New Jersey Rockets goaltender Thomas Marigliano (’96 birth year/Seaford, NY)
    Philadelphia Junior Flyers forward Gary Matyok (’95 birth year/West Chester, PA)
    Philadelphia Little Flyers forward Justin Nugent (’93 birth year/Cinnaminson, NJ)
    Northern Cyclones goaltender Jimmy Poreda (’96 birth year/Tonawanda, NY)
    Brewster Bulldogs forward Andrew Schauer (’96 birth year/Pelham, NY)
    Jersey Junior Titans forward Andrew Yasenchock (’95 birth year/Little Egg Harbor, NJ)

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