The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending March 20, 2022. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2021-22 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Players of the Week award.
Central Division Star of the Week: Will Gilson, Defenseman, Aberdeen Wings
Aberdeen Wings defenseman Will Gilson, 20, helped his team to a weekend road sweep of the North Iowa Bulls to maintain their spot in second place in the Central Division. The 6’0″, 170 lb. native of Old Greenwich, CT, had five points in the two wins, which included two goals and three assists.
On Friday, the Alaska-Anchorage recruit had a pair of assists and the shootout-winning goal in a 4-3 shootout win. On Saturday, Gilson scored twice, which included the overtime-winning goal and an assist in a 4-3 overtime win.
For the season, Gilson leads all Wings blueliners with 33 points in 51 games played. His 33 points ranks in the Top 10 among all NAHL defensemen.
“Will had a strong weekend for us, delivering solid defensive performances while also leading our offense both nights,” Wings head coach Steve Jennings said. “His play has been steadily improving all year and has taken a significant step forward in the second half. He’s clearly established himself as a leader on the ice and in our room.”
2nd Star: Blake Mesenburg, F, St. Cloud Norsemen
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Logan Dombrowsky, F, North Iowa Bulls – Kyle Gaffney, F, Aberdeen Wings – Lassi Lehti, G, Minot Minotauros – Anthony Menghini, F, Austin Bruins – Sutter Muzzatti, F, Austin Bruins – Ryan O’Neill, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Adam Pietila, F, Bismarck Bobcats – Carter Rapalje, F, North Iowa Bulls – Ryan Taylor, F, Bismarck Bobcats