For the first time this season, an IceRays player was named South Division Star of the Week in this week’s edition of Bauer Hockey Stars of the Week from the NAHL.
Nathan Butler was named the Star of the Week thanks to his play in Odessa this weekend. In Friday night’s overtime win for the IceRays, Butler scored the game’s opening goal deflecting one past Odessa’s goaltender. Saturday night, Butler doubled his goal total from Friday night getting two in the back of the net. His first goal on Saturday night was the game winning goal for Corpus Christi.
“Obviously Nathan had a big weekend offensively for us. For me it was his play away from the puck and dedication to playing the right way that was really impressive. It led us to team success on the weekend. He’s been working hard at it and it is helping him show up in big moments for our team,” said head coach Mike Lysyj in an interview with the league.
Butler, a native of Wylie, Texas, leads the team in both assists and overall points on the season. He is in his third season in the NAHL and first with the IceRays. In 27 games played, Butler has as many points this season as he had in his first two seasons combined with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
Braden Rourke was named an honorable mention for star of the week. Rourke assisted on three goals during the sweep against Odessa.
The league’s announcement of the Stars of the Week can be found here.