NAHL 3 Stars of the Weeks has a Southwest Flavor

All the NAHL Stars of the week has a Southwest Flavor which includes Dallas Native & Wenatchee Wild Goalie Robert Nichols who was named the Top Star of the week. In addition to being named the Top Star of the Week, he's been among the league's top goaltenders all season long with an impressive 1.48 GAA and a strong 13-2-3 record and an impressive 6 Shutouts this season.

He's a '92 birth year and would still have one more season of Junior Egilibity remaining after this season. But he's also hot on the tail when it comes down to being looked by NCAA Teams. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if he announces a NCAA Commitment at some point this season

In addition, Corpus Christi Icerays Goalie Anthony Stolarz continued an impressive run after being ranked in the NHL Draft Rankings. He was named the #2 Star of the week after he looks to continue his dominate run and help carry the Ice Rays to the Playoffs for the 1st time in the NAHL Era. While New Mexico Mustangs Forward & the team's scoring leader Adam Chapie was the #3 Star of the week as well in one of the team's better weekends of the season.

NAHL 3 Stars of the Week Press Release

By NAHL Staff: The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced the Three Stars of the Week ending January 15, 2012. The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-2012 regular season that honors the top performing players of the regular season nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Robert Nichols, Wenatchee Wild Goaltender: Having already earned 3rd star honors back on September 27th, Wenatchee Goaltender Robert Nichols, 19, put together a perfect weekend in goal as he was able to post shutouts in back-to-back starts and help the Wild to a three game road sweep of the Dawson Creek Rage. On Friday, the Dallas, Texas native stopped all 27 shots in a 2-0 win. On Sunday, he made 13 saves in a 3-0 win over the Rage. Nichols (5'11" 180) set a new individual single-season Wenatchee Record for shutouts with his sixth of the season, Nichols surpassed Brandon Jaeger, who recorded five shutouts last season.

For the week, Nichols was perfect stopping all 40 shots he saw. Nichols continues to have a record breaking season. He currently leads in the NAHL in both goals against average (GAA) and save percentage (94.3%). "It makes it easier for the entire team when Robert is playing like he is. He is a smart goalie and can play the puck as well as anyone I have ever seen." said Wild Head Coach John Becanic. "To have the goalie tandem like we do really sheds some light on how well these guys are playing in goal and hopefully it leads to some NCAA Division 1 Opportunities."

2nd Star: Anthony Stolarz, Corpus Christi Icerays Goalie: Corpus Christi netminder Anthony Stolarz, 17, who recently committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the WCHA, arguably had his best weekend of the year as he helped the Ice Rays to three wins over the weekend to continue their current winning streak and keep a firm grip on a playoff spot in the South Division. On Friday, the Jackson, New Jersey Native allowed just one goal on 30 shots as the 'Rays beat Odessa 2-1 in a shootout. The next night, Stolarz (6'5" 200) stopped all 40 shots that came his way as Corpus Christi shutout the Jackalopes, 3-0.

On Sunday, Stolarz started his 9th consecutive game and made 33 saves in a 4-1 defeat of the Texas Tornado. For the weekend, Stolarz stopped an amazing 102 of 104 shots good for a 98.1 save % for the week and 0.64 GAA. "He delivered a complete weekend for us and continues to give us a chance to win each game," said Ice Rays head Coach Justin Quenneville. "Since his commitment to Nebraska-Omaha he has been playing his best hockey of the season. "I think he is still out to prove he is the best goalie in the country at this level."

3rd Star: Adam Chapie, New Mexico Mustangs Forward: University of Massachusetts-Lowell recruit Adam Chapie, helped the New Mexico Mustangs to their first weekend sweep since late November as the forward from Oxford, Michigan recorded five points (3G 2A) in a two game home-and-home sweep against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. On Saturday, Chapie (6'1 175) recorded a goal and two assists as the Mustangs picked up a big 5-2 road win in Wichita Falls. On Sunday, Chapie recorded two more goals, including the game-winner as New Mexico swept the Wildcats with a 7-4 win in New Mexico.

Chapie was also +5 on the weekend and scored his team leading fourth game-winning goal. Chapie leads the Mustangs in scoring with 35 points (19 Goals, 16 Assists) in 37 games played. "It has been a great year for Adam and he seems to be consistently producing every weekend," said Mustangs Head Coach Jason Kersner. "He has done a lot for the team in his two years and has stuck through it to make us feel we have the pieces in place to be a playoff contender this year."

Other players nominated were (Alphabetical): Gabe Antoni, Springfield Jr. Blues Goaltender -  Tyler Bruggeman, Austin Bruins Goaltender - Mike Fazio, Chicago Hitmen forward -  Alex Fons, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Goaltender -  Christan George, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Forward -  Jake Hebda, Minot Minotauros Goaltender - Logan Lemirande, Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons Forward - Zach Lindsay, Corpus Christi Icerays Forward - Jake Lynes, Topeka Roadrunners Forward - Ken MacLean, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Goaltender - Darren McCormick, Janesville Jets Forward - Ian Miller, Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons Forward - JT Osborn, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Forward - Shawn Pauly, Wenatchee Wild Forward - Jimmy Peplinski, New Mexico Mustangs Forward - Sean Reynolds, Chicago Hitmen Forward - Tyler Richter, Bismarck Bobcats Forward - TJ Sarcona, Amarillo Bulls Forward - Chris Sitler, Springfield Jr. Blues Forward - Castan Sommer, Bismarck Bobcats Forward - Trace Strahie, Topeka Roadrunners Defensemen