NA3HL Announces Bethel University Stars of the Week
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) is pleased to announce the Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending February 22nd, sponsored by Bethel University. This weekly award recognizes the top-performing players from each of the league’s six divisions, as nominated by their head coaches, for their outstanding contributions on the ice.
Central Division Star of the Week: Sam Ahl, Goaltender, West Bend Power
West Bend turned in a dominant performance during their home-and-home series with Wausau, sweeping the weekend with a pair of convincing wins.
At the center of it all was netminder Sam Ahl, who got the start in both games and continued building an already impressive resume in his first season with the Power.
Friday night at Marathon Park ended in a 7-3 West Bend win, but Ahl stayed busy between the pipes throughout the contest. The Cyclones fired 37 shots his way, and he answered with 34 saves while shutting down all five Wausau powerplay opportunities.
Game two brought another strong outing from the ‘06 goaltender, as West Bend secured a 4-0 win. Ahl turned aside all 21 shots he faced to earn his second shutout of the season, once again helping hold Wausau scoreless on the man advantage.
Now a perfect 16-0 on the season, Ahl ranks fifth overall in wins among NA3HL goaltenders and backed it up this weekend by turning aside 55 of 58 shots for a .948 save percentage.
For West Bend Head Coach Jason Woods, Ahl’s performance this weekend was no surprise saying: “Sam has been rock solid for us not just this weekend, but all season long. This series was a great example of the consistency he’s brought in his rookie year. His record speaks for itself, but it’s the way he shows up every day that stands out. He’s earned this, and he’s only getting better.”
2nd Star: Mason Decker, F, Rochester Grizzlies
3rd Star: Danny Jurcich, F, West Bend Power
East Division Star of the Week: Peter Alfano, Goaltender, Norwich Sea Captains
Peter Alfano has been a steady presence in the Norwich lineup, now in his third NA3HL season with the Sea Captains. This weekend, the ‘05 netminder delivered in a big way, backstopping Norwich to a two-game sweep over Maine.
Friday night was a thriller that required a shootout to decide a winner. Alfano was sharp throughout regulation and overtime, turning aside 25 of 26 shots. When the game moved to the shootout, he continued to stand strong, denying all three shooters to seal the victory.
Saturday brought another strong performance in a 3-1 win. The West Haven, Connecticut native faced even more rubber, stopping 36 of 37 shots to complete the sweep.
By the end of the weekend, Alfano had faced 63 shots and allowed just two goals, posting a stellar .968 save percentage and a 0.96 goals-against average, numbers that prove just how dominant he was between the pipes.
Norwich Head Coach Kevin Cunningham had nothing but praise for Alfano after the sweep: “Peter was truly outstanding for us this past weekend in our sweep of the Maine Nordiques. Our team has so much confidence in his ability to give us a chance to win every night. On Friday he kept us within a goal to allow Jake Wilkerson to tie the game late and then shut the door in the shootout, setting up Henry Pinkerman’s game winner. Then on Saturday he was a brick wall in the first period when Maine put on a strong push, making 18 saves to keep the game scoreless in the opening frame and allowing us to take the lead in the second period. I am beyond proud of how well he has played and how his work ethic and leadership have helped set our standard throughout the season.”
2nd Star: Eli McCarthy, F, Long Beach Sharks
3rd Star: Samuel Barnard, F, Long Beach Sharks
Frontier Division Star of the Week: Carter Kilen, Forward, Badlands Sabres
Carter Kilen is no stranger to the NA3HL, now in his third season with the Sabres, and this weekend, the ‘05 forward had one of his best showings yet as Badlands took care of business against Yellowstone.
Game one was a thriller, with the Sabres narrowly escaping with a 4-3 win. Kilen got the scoring started within the first five minutes, putting Badlands up 1-0. He didn’t stop there, assisting on the powerplay goal to Wyatt Pink that gave the Sabres a 3-1 lead early in the second. Yellowstone fought back to tie the game midway through the third, but Kilen responded just 13 seconds after the Quake’s third goal, netting the eventual game-winner.
Saturday brought a more dominant effort from Badlands, as they cruised to a 6-2 victory. Kilen made his mark again in the final period with two assists, finishing the weekend with an impressive five-point total.
For Head Coach Brooks Mitzel Carter’s evolution has been impossible to miss: “Carter is in his third year with us and is playing the best hockey I’ve seen him play. He can play in every situation, and has been a huge part of our team's success this year. He is a leader in our locker room and he will be a big piece for us trying to clinch a playoff spot.”
2nd Star: Blake Chapman, F, Helena Bighorns
3rd Star: Jeffery Hershberger, F, Helena Bighorns
South Division Star of the Week: John Scharf, Forward, Texas Brahmas
The Texas Brahmas made a statement on home ice, completing a sweep of the Rhinos and extending their win streak to 10. Coming off an appearance at Top Prospects, John Scharf returned to regular-season action and proved why he was selected to represent Texas.
As the team’s leading scorer, Scharf delivered once again. In game one, Texas overcame an early 1-0 deficit to secure a 5-2 victory. Scharf got the Brahmas on the board and added two assists, finishing with three points on the day.
Saturday brought another strong performance, with Texas cruising to a 6-2 win to complete the sweep. Scharf contributed a powerplay assist in the first period before turning the middle frame into his own show, scoring two goals, including a shorthanded tally, to cap off a fantastic weekend.
With six points over the two games, the Mastic, New York native now averages 1.36 points per game, totaling 53 points on the season.
Brahmas Head Coach Micahel Rooney summed up Scharf’s weekend perfectly: “John had himself another great weekend. He has been a model of consistency for our team. He is leading our team through his work ethic and calm demeanor. This weekend he put on a show with his poise and control with the puck. He added some extra flare to his game as well with his short handed tally. Overall he’s been a pleasure to coach and is coming into his best form as we prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.”
2nd Star: Jayani Benson, F, Texas Brahmas
3rd Star: Caelen Cross, F, West Texas Wranglers
Southeast Division Star of the Week: Denis Portnoy, Forward, Bayou State Rougarou
Denis Portnoy continues to dominate the Southeast Division, leading Bayou State to a three-game sweep over Atlanta on the road.
Game one was a statement win, as the Rougarou rolled to a 7-1 victory. The ‘08 forward was electric, scoring four goals, one in the first, one in the second, and two in the third, marking his second four-goal performance of the season.
Game two was tighter, ending in a 5-2 final. With Bayou State trailing 2-0 after the first period, Portnoy helped spark the turnaround by netting the team’s fourth goal, continuing to shift momentum in the Rougarou’s favor.
The series finale looked familiar, with an 8-3 final score. Once again, Bayou State fell behind 2-0 early, and once again Portnoy responded, getting the Rougarou on the board before adding the third goal of the game. From there, he shifted into playmaker mode, dishing out three assists to finish with five points in the contest.
By the end of the weekend, Portnoy had piled up 10 points in three games. The Canadian forward now sits at 59 points in just 21 games, ranking second overall on the team.
2nd Star: Marlon Derksen, F, Pelham Prowlers
3rd Star: Ethan Tierman, F, Bayou State Rougarou
West Division Star of the Week: Ty Smith, Forward, Granite City Lumberjacks
Ty Smith takes home weekly honors for the second consecutive week after leading the Lumberjacks to a two-game sweep over the Wilderness.
Game one was a statement, with Granite City rolling to an 8-1 victory. Smith wasted no time making his mark, scoring twice in the first period, including a shorthanded tally, to set the tone early.
The momentum carried into game two, as the Jacks skated to another dominant 8-3 win. The Chaska, Minnesota native once again shined in the opening frame, this time showcasing his playmaking ability with two first-period assists. He added another assist and a goal in the second period to extend the lead to 6-1, before closing out the night with one final helper to cap a five-point performance.
With another explosive weekend, Smith continues to be one of the most consistent players in the league, and a driving force behind Granite City’s surge.
2nd Star: Garrett Plaude, F, Granite City Lumberjacks
3rd Star: Brady Johnson, F, Minnesota Moose
