NAHL announces Easton Divisional Stars of the Week

Press Release

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Easton for the week ending February 2, 2014.  The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2013-14 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Players of the Week award.

Central Division Star of the Week: Huba Sekesi, forward, Bismarck Bobcats

The Bismarck Bobcats picked up perhaps their biggest sweep of the year last weekend as they beat the Austin Bruins in Austin by scores of 4-2 and 7-0. 20-year-old forward Huba Sekesi led the charge offensively with four points in the two wins, which included three goals and an assist along with a +3 rating. On Friday, the native of Munich, Germany had Bismarck’s 4th goal helping to secure a 4-2 win. On Saturday night, Sekesi (6’1/200) had two goals, including the game-winner and an assist in a dominating 7-0 win. Sekesi is third in team scoring this season with 31 points in 43 games played and his 14 goals ranks 2nd. “I think once Huba got acclimated to the surroundings and the level of play in the NAHL, he really has been one of our more effective players. That was evident this weekend because at times he was dominating in his play and picking up four points in Austin is not an easy thing to do and hopefully we can build off the momentum from it,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie.

2nd Star: Connor Girard, goaltender, Brookings Blizzard

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Tyler Dunagan, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Colton Kramer, forward, Minot Minotauros – Jon Lizotte, defenseman, Minot Minotauros – Brandon Parker, defenseman, Brookings Blizzard

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Sam Becker, defenseman, Minnesota Magicians

It has only been five games since his trade from Wenatchee to Minnesota, but Magicians defenseman Sam Becker, 19, has fit right in with his new club, which included this past weekend in a series in Springfield against the Jr. Blues. The native of Roseville, Minnesota, totaled five points as the Magicians snapped their losing streak and picked up a weekend split. In Friday’s 4-1 loss, Becker (6’0/170) assisted on the lone Magicians goal. On Saturday, Becker scored a power play goal and assisted on three others in a 7-1 win. Since joining the Magicians, Becker has six points in five games with his new club. “Sam was really good for us this weekend. It took a bit of time for him to get used to some new teammates and some new systems, but once he did he has really turned into an elite defenseman. He plays in all situations and since he used to be a forward, he understands where guys are going to be and how to create offense for our team,” said Magicians head coach Scott Meyer.

2nd Star: Frank Oplinger, goaltender, Minnesota Wilderness

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Cam Bleck, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Adam Carlson, goaltender, Coulee Region Chill – Alex Fredberg, defenseman, Minnesota Wilderness – Brett Gervais, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Troy Loggins, forward, Wenatchee Wild – Bryan Nies, goaltender, Minnesota Magicians – Chase Perry, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild – Colton Wolter, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

North Division Star of the Week: Mitch Hall, defenseman, Johnstown Tomahawks

The Johnstown Tomahawks stayed in the thick of the North Division playoff race by taking three of four points in Port Huron against the 1st place Fighting Falcons. 21-year-old defenseman Mitch Hall was true to form as he chimed in with three more assists during the weekend as he continued to pace the Tomahawks offense from the blueline. The native of St. Could, Minnesota had an assist in a 3-2 overtime loss on Friday and on Saturday, Hall (5’10/180) had two more assists as Johnstown beat Port Huron, 4-2.  Hall’s 33 points to date is not only 2nd on the Tomahawks roster in scoring, but ranks 2nd among all NAHL defensemen as well. “I think Mitch’s play mirrored that of the team. Port Huron is a very good team and to take three of four points there was good for our confidence. Mitch is the type of player that is effective at both ends of the ice and plays really hard,” said Johnstown head coach Jason Spence.

2nd Star: Tyler Groat, forward, Michigan Warriors

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Vito Aluia, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Shane Bednard, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks - Max Kalter, forward, Springfield Jr. Blues – Chase Matson, forward, Soo Eagles – Max Milosek, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Mike Sabatini, forward, Soo Eagles – Jack Sloan, defenseman, Springfield Jr. Blues

South Division Star of the Week: Will Vosejpka, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats

In three games this past week, 19-year-old Wildcats forward and Air Force Academy recruit Will Vosejpka paced the Wildcats with seven points and helped his club win two out of three games. The native of Midland, Michigan began the week on a high note as he recorded two goals and two assists in a 7-2 win over the Lone Star Brahmas on Wednesday. Vosejpka (6’0/185) had one of the Wildcats two goals in a 9-2 loss on Friday against Odessa, and on Saturday he registered a goal and an assist as Wichita Falls got some revenge on the Jackalopes with a 7-5 win. For the 2013-14 season, Vosejpka ranks 2nd in Wildcats scoring with 30 points in 43 games played. “Will is going to be a very good NCAA Division I player at Air Force.  He understands and grasps the mental and physical toughness it takes to be successful on and off the ice,” said Wildcats head coach Paul Baxter. “Will also does a good job of getting to the puck first.  Has a great shot and skates really well.”

2nd Star: Chad Guderian, forward, Odessa Jackalopes

Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Paul Berrafato, goaltender, Amarillo Bulls – Rudy Junda, forward, Wichita Falls Wildcats – Jake Kamrass, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Brad LeLievre, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays – Dan Rzavsky, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Malo Ville, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays

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