NAHL’s Three Stars of the Week – Oct. 17

First Star of the Week: JT Osborn – Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Osborn, 20, continued to add to one of the strongest starts to a season by a player in recent NAHL history with another memorable week, garnering 1st star honors.  On Wednesday, Osborn lit the lamp for two goals, including the game-winning goal, and assisted on the other two as Fairbanks edged out the Fresno Monsters, 4-3.  The next night, the Alpine, California, native scored early in the 3rd period for the eventual game-winning goal in a 3-1 Ice Dogs win over the Monsters.  For the weekend, Osborn had three goals, including both game-winners, two assists and was +2.  His 24 points are tops in the NAHL.  “I think JT has been an incredible leader for us and that has translated to his play on the ice,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart.  “He is really firing on all cylinders right now and more importantly, his goals and assists are coming at key times in the game.”

See previous stars of the week here

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Second Star of the Week: Joe Ballmer – Jamestown Ironmen

Ballmer, 19, was solid between the pipes as the Jamestown Ironmen swept the Chicago Hitmen over the weekend.  In total, Ballmer allowed just one goal in two games, stopping 51 of 52 combined shots.  On Friday, Ballmer made 28 saves in a 7-1 win as his shutout bid was spoiled late in the 3rd period.  On Saturday, the Kalamazoo, Michigan, native came into the game in a relief appearance after Chicago had gone up 3-1.  Ballmer stopped all 23 shots the rest of the way, helping Jamestown to come-from-behind for the 4-3 win.  Ballmer has played more minutes and faced more shots that any NAHL goalie so far this season, and his save percentage is right around 92% for the season.  “Our team goes as far as Joe is going to take us, he is that important,” said Jamestown head coach Dan Daikawa.  “He has been the guy to keep us consistent and really played a big role in both our wins this past weekend.”