Photo Credit: Hope Magelky for Linus Vieillard, Scott Adamson for Porter Bayer, Hector Acevedo for Josh Sardo

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced today the Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week for the week ending October 18, 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: Linus Vieillard, Goaltender, Bismarck Bobcats

The 6-foot-1 goaltender from Berlin, Denmark, Linus Vieillard, spotlighted a dominant weekend in the blue paint for the Bismarck Bobcats over the weekend. Starting on Friday night, the ‘06 netminder turned aside all 18 shots on net, securing his first shutout of the season. Moving into Saturday night, Vieillard turned aside 23 out of 24 shots and an overtime frame by the Austin Bruins to notch the sweep over the divisional foe.

For the weekend, the first-year NAHL netminder posted an impressive 0.49 goals-against average and .976 save percentage from the weekend set.

Head coach of the Bobcats, Garrett Roth, states how impressive Vieillard was in the blue paint for Bismarck over the weekend.

“Linus had a fantastic weekend for us in net and played a huge part in helping us get our two wins. He was extremely calm and poised during the two-game set, which allowed our guys to play to our strengths. Linus has shown early on this season the caliber of goaltender that he is, and we are pleased to see him get honored this week for the work he has put in. Linus continues to shine in big moments, which has become a regular occurrence for him with the experience he has had at the junior level. He is proving on a daily basis how ready he is to get the opportunity at the college level and prove he can match the success that he has displayed up to this point in his career.”

2nd Star: Brenden Espenell, D, Bismarck Bobcats

3rd Star: Thomas Lahtinen, D, Minot Minotauros

East Division Star of the Week: Sam Esposito, Forward, Johnstown Tomahawks

The 5-foot-8 lefty from Westfield, New Jersey, Sam Esposito, recorded a NAHL career-high weekend with the Johnstown Tomahawks over the weekend. The ‘06 forward spotlighted a six-point weekend against the Philadelphia Rebels. His high-scoring weekend started on Friday night with a three-point night. Esposito would break the scoring deadlock with a power-play tally with three minutes on the clock in the second frame. His next point of the night would come midway through the third period as he regained the Johnstown lead for his team. His final point of the night would come in the overtime period as the Garden State skater provided the primary feed to Conor Griffin’s overtime tally. He skated away with his first two-goal and multi-point contest as a Tomahawk. In addition to recording an NAHL career best, he also contributed to every goal in the Tomahawks’ 3-2 overtime victory.

Moving into Saturday night, the second-year NAHL skater recorded his second three-point contest, this time recording one goal and two assists. His first point would be notched with an assist on Conner Maione’s power-play tally two minutes into the second frame. Later on in the period, Esposito found twine in the second frame with a wrist shot from the point to even the score 4-4 on the power play. His final point of the night would also come on the man advantage by providing another assist on Conner Maione’s goal in the final frame. The Tomahawks skate to a 6-4 victory and a sweep on the weekend.

Head coach of the Tomahawks, Geoff Beauparlant, explains the value that Esposito brings to the team.

“Sam joined us in the offseason, and we knew he would eventually be an offensive threat for our club. It did take a bit for him to adjust, but he has found his groove and excelled over the past couple of weekends.”

2nd Star: Conor Griffin, D, Johnstown Tomahawks

3rd Star: Conor O’Brien, G, Elmira Aviators

Midwest Division Star of the Week: Jakeb Lynch, Forward, Minnesota Wilderness

The NAHL’s top point-getter, Jakeb Lynch, earns his second Midwest Star of the Week honors thanks to a seven-point performance against the Janesville Jets. The ‘07 forward on Friday night recorded an NAHL career-high five points in the Wilderness’ 6-1 victory. He recorded his first point in primary assist fashion less than a minute into the contest. He provided the feed to Ferry Netusil’s opening-period goal. Later in the frame, Lynch scored his first goal of the night in one-timer fashion to extend the lead to 2-0 for the Wilderness. Moving into the second period, the Nebraska native would set up Cole Cheeseman’s power-play tally and record his third point of the night for the Wilderness. Lynch would not be done showing up on the scoresheet as he lights the lamp in backhanded fashion with a little over five minutes left in the second period. The final dagger of the night would come in one-timer fashion for the ‘07 forward as he found twine a few minutes later on the power play. Lynch secured his first hat trick of the season and played a vital role in lifting the Wilderness to a big 6-1 road win.

Moving into Saturday night, the Miami University commit continued to showcase his playmaking ways at the Mercyhealth Arena. Lynch helped to get the scoring started early into the contest as he provided an assist on Cole Cheeseman’s tally four minutes into the contest.  It would take until some of the final moments in the third frame for Lynch’s name to show up on the scoresheet. While the Wilderness were 5-on-3 in the final period, the ‘07 forward found twine in one-timer fashion to help cut the Wilderness deficit. The Nebraska skater ended his night with a two-point performance, contributing to two out of the three goals scored by the Midwest Division club.

Head coach of the Wilderness, Sam Graham, went into detail on what it means to see Lynch earn recognition.

“It’s only October, and Lynch has already earned his second honor! I don’t see him slowing down anytime soon. He’s a competitor who puts in the work every single day, and it’s great to see him get recognized for it. We’re lucky to have him, proud of what he’s accomplishing, and excited for what’s to come for him.”

2nd Star: Ryan Lucarrelli, F, Minnesota Mallards

3rd Star: Matthew McGovern, F, Janesville Jets

Mountain Division Star of the Week: Joshua Sardo, Forward, Idaho Falls Spud Kings

The 5-foot-10 Illinois native, Joshua Sardo, played a big offensive role on the ice in Idaho Falls’ sweep over the Billings Cattle Punchers. The NAHL veteran got his eight-point performance started with an assist on Jackson Stocker’s tally onFriday night. The ‘06 righty moved into Saturday night recording an NAHL career-high four points for the Spud Kings. His name would show up on the scoresheet in back-to-back fashion when he provided an assist on Jackson Stocker’s two goals in the second frame. Less than three minutes later, Sardo would provide the setup to Tyler Atchison’s power-play goal. His final point of the night would come from the Illinois native lighting the lamp and extending the Spud Kings’ lead to 6-0. Idaho Falls skated to a dominant 9-2 victory.

Moving into Sunday afternoon, the ‘06 forward recorded his first multi-goal performance of the season. His playmaking kicked off in the second period as he provided the primary assist on Jackson Stocker’s tally 90 seconds into the frame. Sardo would go on to score back-to-back goals in the period for the Spud Kings. His first tally would come in speedy fashion as he finds twine backhanded and in diving fashion. The ‘06 forward would then score in one-timer fashion on the power play 10 minutes later to extend Idaho Falls’ advantage to 6-0. The Spud Kings skated to a weekend sweep thanks to Sardo’s eight-point weekend.

Head coach of the Spud Kings, Anthony Bohn, described how impressive Sardo was over the weekend.

“Josh had a great weekend; his personality and drive match his goals. I am super proud of how he has developed since we first met when he was a U15 player. This is very well deserved, and we hope he can continue developing.”

2nd Star:  Jackson Stocker, F, Idaho Falls Spud Kings

3rd Star: Max Kogler, G, Pueblo Peppers

South Division Star of the Week: Porter Bayer, Forward, New Mexico Ice Wolves

The 6-foot forward from the State of Hockey, Porter Bayer, played a huge role in lifting the Ice Wolves to a weekend sweep over the El Paso Rhinos. The first-year skater kicked off his weekend scoring both goals in the 2-1 overtime win on Friday night. His first tally of the night would be scored in the final minutes of regulation as he found the net off a rebound in front of El Paso’s net. His next goal would come in the extra frame as he scored in breakaway fashion for the Ice Wolves. Moving into Saturday night, the Blaine, Minnesota, native showcased his third-period scoring once again, this time with 1:19 left on the clock. Bayer finds the twine by scoring over the shoulder of El Paso’s netminder, forcing the game into overtime once again.

Bayer skated to a three-goal weekend, contributing to every goal but one in New Mexico’s sweep over El Paso.

Head coach of the Ice Wolves, Kyle McKenzie, described seeing Bayer earn recognition.

“We’re thrilled to see Porter being rewarded for his hard work. It can be frustrating for players stepping into junior hockey and not having instant success, but Porter’s mindset and willingness to stick with the process have helped his game”

2nd Star: Leo Gabriel, G, Lone Star Brahmas

3rd Star: Kristers Plepis, G, Shreveport Mudbugs