Press Release
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its Players of the Week, sponsored by SBK Hockey, for the week ending Feb. 13.
SBK HOCKEY/NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kevin Gibson - Michigan Warriors
Michigan defenseman Kevin Gibson struck for two goals and an assist as the Warriors celebrated a two-game sweep over Chicago. On Friday, the Grosse Pointe, Mich., native recorded an assist in a 4-0 victory. The next night, the 21-year-old notched a pair of goals, including the game-winner, as the Warriors bested the Hitmen, 7-2. He was also a plus-3 on the weekend.
HONORABLE MENTION: Janesville forward John Olen; Motor City forward Petus Sipila
SBK HOCKEY/SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nathan Sliwinski - Texas Tornado
Texas forward Nathan Sliwinski rang up a goal and three assists as the Tornado put together a 2-0-1 mark last weekend. On Thursday, the Castle Rock, Colo., native notched the game-winning goal (shorthanded) and a pair of assists in a 6-3 victory over Corpus Christi. The next night, the 20-year-old recorded another assist as the Tornado downed the IceRays in overtime, 4-3. An NAHL Top Prospects Tournament selection, Sliwinski, who was held scoreless in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Amarillo Bulls on Saturday, was a plus-1 on the weekend.
“Nate has been one of most consistent players the past couple of months," said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale. "He's a threat to score every time he steps on the ice, but has also developed into one of our best two-way players.”
HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo forwards Cody Freeman and Zach Smoot; Topeka forwards Justin Hussar and Michael Hill
SBK HOCKEY/CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Alex Altenbernd - Alexandria Blizzard
Alexandria forward Alex Altenbernd connected for four goals and an assist as the Blizzard split a two-game series with Aberdeen. On Friday, the Moorhead, Minn., native unleashed for four goals in a 6-3 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old picked up an assist as the Blizzard fell to the Wings, 5-3. He was also a plus-2 on the weekend.
“Alex has really picked up his game during the second half of the season and has been a leader for us, on and off the ice,” said Blizzard assistant coach Jeff Crouse. “We’re look forward to him continuing his success the rest of the season.”
SBK HOCKEY/WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jacob Barber - Wenatchee Wild
Wenatchee forward Jacob Barber recorded a hat trick and assisted on Blake Saylor’s game-winning goal in the Wild’s 6-0 triumph over Fresno on Thursday. The 19-year-old from Dardenne Prairie, Mo., who was held scoreless the next night - a 2-1 loss to the Monsters - was also a plus-2 on the weekend.
“Jacob has been a great fit with our group since arriving last weekend (in a trade from Alaska),” said Wild head coach John Becanic. “He brings energy, passion and an obvious scoring touch to our group of forwards.”
HONORABLE MENTION: Fairbanks forward John Stampohar
SBK HOCKEY/GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Jimmy Hamby - Motor City Metal Jackets
Motor City goaltender Jimmy Hamby backstopped the Metal Jackets to a two-game sweep over Port Huron, turning aside 58 of 60 shots. On Friday, the Ann Arbor, Mich., native made 29 saves in a 4-1 triumph. The next night, the 20-year-old put forth another 29-save effort as the Metal Jackets again bested the Fighting Falcons, 4-1.
“Jimmy has been providing us with solid, dependable goaltending lately,” said Metal Jackets head coach David Cole. “He’s coming up with a lot of big saves and his teammates are playing with a lot of confidence in front of him.”
HONORABLE MENTION: Amarillo’s Nikifor Szczerba; Janesville’s Tony Kujava; Texas’ Jimmy Kruger; Topeka’s Eric Rohrkemper
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Monday, February 14, 2011
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