The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced their Divisional Stars of the Week, presented by Bauer Hockey, for the week ending September 30, 2024 ... which included the NAHL Showcase event in Blaine, MN.
Two graduates of the Pittsburgh Star's program were recognized as the top player in divisional play for their performance at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, MN. Defenseman Ian Norkevicus, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, and goaltender Nikita Volski, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, were honored as the top players in their respective divisions.
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Ian Norkevicus, Defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Second-year defenseman and Pittsburgh Stars graduate and Pennsylvania native Ian Norkevicus was elite on the blueline throughout the showcase for the Ice Dogs, helping them sweep their trio of games at the Super Rink. Ian found his scoring touch early, rattling off a pair of goals on Wednesday against the New Jersey Titans, including the eventual game-winner midway through the second period. He one-upped his Wednesday performance on Saturday against the undefeated Amarillo Wranglers. The Ice Dogs found themselves down 2-1 heading into the third period, and Norkevicus made it his mission to turn the tides. Ian picked up an assist on Luca Ricciardi’s game-tying goal and, 14 seconds later, found the back of the net to give the Ice Dogs the lead. He later added his second of the game and fourth of the season to seal the victory.
"Ian’s work ethic and attention to detail is top notch. He has enjoyed a great start in his second season with us both on the ice and in the locker room as a leader," said Fairbanks head coach Ryan Theros. "Looking forward to his success throughout because of his team-first attitude!!
South Division Star of the Week: Nikita Volski, Goalie, Corpus Christi IceRays
Once again in the South Division, a stellar goaltending performance from a netminder in Texas earned him a Star of the Week honor. Belarussian native Nikita Volski headed into the showcase 3-1 and was determined to continue adding wins to his record. On Thursday against Danbury, Volsky was lights out between the pipes, stopping all but one of 36 shots the Jr. Hat Tricks sent his way. Nikita and the IceRays returned the following evening to face the Springfield. Jr Blues, where he kept out all 27 shots to earn his first career shutout in the NAHL in Corpus Christi’s 3-0 victory. Between the two games he appeared in, Nikita held a 0.50 goals against average and an impressive .984 save percentage.
“So happy for Nikita; he’s been a brick wall for us,” said Corpus Christi head coach Sylvain Cloutier. “He’s one of the reasons we had the start we had.”