NAHL Announces Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced today the Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending March 15, 2026. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Player of the Week awards.

 

Central Division Star of the Week: Adam Dybal, Goaltender, Aberdeen Wings

The 6-foot-2 netminder from Ostrava, Czechia, Adam Dybal, dominated between the pipes over the weekend. The Wings are in the hunt for a playoff push, and Dybal delivered against a top Central Division opponent, the Bismarck Bobcats. Kicking things off on Friday night, Aberdeen was the visitor, and the team was looking to extend their winning ways against the Bobcats. Bismarck snatched the lead with a late first-period goal and a tally midway through the second frame. However, following those two goals, the Wings got to work offensively, and Dybal spotlighted a come-from-behind victory in the blue paint. Aberdeen evens the scoreboard with a tally in the second frame and halfway through the third period. With the contest tied, the game would move into overtime and an eventual shootout. Dybal would take the victory in the shootout, helping to lift his team to a 3-2 victory, thanks to his 36-save performance.

Moving into Saturday night, the ‘05 netminder featured a season-best performance in the crease. The matchup kicked off with Bismarck striking first with a goal midway through the first frame. However, following that early lead, Dybal would dominate and be perfect in net for Aberdeen. The Wings would score four goals over the second and third period to help skate away with a decisive 4-1 win. The second-year goaltender spotlighted a season-best .973 save percentage, stopping 36 shots.

For the weekend, Dybal notched a .960 save percentage and 1.44 goals-against average. The series against Bismarck marked the first lone weekend sweep between the pipes this season. His work on the ice this season earned him the recognition of being named a Top Prospect for the Central Division roster this season. For the year, Dybal features a 2.56 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. He is also currently riding a four-game win streak in net.

Head coach of the Wings, Scott Langer, shares why Dybal was influential this past weekend for the team.

“Adam is an elite goaltender through all his preparation. He was completely on top of his game this weekend and a big reason for our success.”

2nd Star: Brody Dustin, F, Aberdeen Wings

3rd Star: Mason Gudridge, G, Watertown Shamrocks

 

East Division Star of the Week: Jason Cai, Goaltender, New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Extending his winning ways in net, Jason Cai recorded his third and fourth consecutive victories against the Maine Nordiques over the weekend. The Garden State native started his weekend off on Friday night with a 17-save performance. The 6-foot-1 netminder lifted his team to a 5-3 victory. Moving into Saturday night, the ‘05 goaltender featured one of his best nights between the pipes with the New Hampshire Mountain Kings. In a tight battle between the two East Division teams, both teams found twine. New Hampshire struck first with a power-play tally in the second frame, with Maine scoring short-handed in the final minutes of regulation. As the contest was forced into overtime, both teams traded chances, and the game would then be pushed into an eventual shootout. Cai would turn away both shootout attempts, lifting his team to a 2-1 shootout victory. This contest marked the New Jersey native’s second-best performance in net. He stopped 32 out of 33 shots, spotlighting a .970 save performance.

For the weekend, Cai notched a .924 save percentage and a 1.92 goals-against average. His two wins extended his team’s winning ways to five-straight wins. The 6-foot-1 goaltender was acquired in the 2025 NAHL Entry Draft by the Mountain Kings in the fourth round, 126th overall.

Head coach of the Mountain Kings, Cam Robichaud, went into detail on Cai’s work ethic and determination this season.

"We're very proud of Jason and his accomplishments since joining the team for the second half of the season. It took a lot of determination and discipline on his end to work through a difficult injury this summer. Jason has been stellar the last couple of weekends with a 4-0 record in his last four appearances. He's been a leader between the pipes, making timely saves when the team needed a backbone to lean on.  His ability to defend the crease is nothing but a product of his work ethic, attitude, and professionalism on and off the ice."

2nd Star: Brendan Giles, F, Rochester Jr. Americans

3rd Star: Adam Gionta, F, Rochester Jr. Americans

 

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Kai Weigel, Goaltender, Anchorage Wolverines

The 5-foot-11 netminder from North Dakota, Kai Weigel, showcased back-to-back key performances against the Janesville Jets over the weekend. Kicking things off on Friday night, Weigel turned aside 32 out of 33 shots on net, lifting his team to a 3-1 victory on home ice.  Moving into Saturday night, the Bismarck, North Dakota, native allowed just one lone goal again, helping his team earn the 5-1 win at the Sullivan Arena. Both nights, Weigel’s lone goals allowed were scored on the man advantage by the Jets.

For the weekend, Weigel featured a .958 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average against the Janesville Jets. His defensive work between the pipes played a key role in helping the Wolverines sweep and their team’s push for the playoffs.

Head coach of the Wolverines, Mike Aikens, shares more on the impact Weigel has had this season.

“Kai has been great for us all season. It is great to see him recognized for his efforts. He is the best puck-handling goalie I have ever coached, and his preparation and attention to detail are like a pro. He gives us a chance to win every game, and he has been a huge part of our team’s success as we make the push for the playoffs.”

2nd Star: Luc Bydal, F, Anchorage Wolverines

3rd Star: Matthew Volkman, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

 

South Division Star of the Week: Jackson Silverberg, Goaltender, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Earning his second South Division Star of the Week honors, Jackson Silverberg played a crucial role in net both nights for the Ice Wolves. Starting things off on Friday night, the 5-foot-9 netminder turned aside 32 shots on net, securing his team a 5-3 victory over the Shreveport Mudbugs. That Friday night contest was Silverberg’s fifth consecutive game making 30 or more saves for New Mexico. The ‘06 goaltender continued his defensive dominance in the blue paint on Saturday night, saving a season-high number of shots. The California native allowed one early goal by the Mudbugs, and then showcased a near-perfect performance between the pipes.  He stopped 43 shots on net, securing a dominant .977 save percentage from that lone game. His work in the crease helped the Ice Wolves secure a weekend sweep against the Mudbugs.

For the weekend, Silverberg secured a .949 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average. This award marks his second time being recognized this season. For the year, the Los Angeles, California native spotlights a .918 save performance and 2.60 goals-against average from his 37 games played.

Head coach of the Ice Wolves, Kyle McKenzie, shares more on why Silverberg deserves the honor.

“Jackson has been lights out for us. His approach and work ethic day in and day out are impressive. He deserves all the credit.”

2nd Star: Trace Day, F, Oklahoma Warriors

3rd Star: Dylan McFadden, F, Lone Star Brahmas