3 Recognized for Awards in Midwest Division
April 27, 2016 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Coulee Region Chill News Release
Defenseman Nico Luka and Chad Sasaki, along with former head coach AJ Degenhardt, have been recognized for their accomplishments during the 2015-16 season.
Luka was one of two defenseman named to the All-Midwest Division Team after a great season, most notably the 2nd half of the year while the Coulee Region Chill were making a run for the 2016 Robertson Cup Playoffs. The native of Bartlett, IL finished the season with seven goals and 31 assists for 38 points which was good for 2nd highest on the team.
Sasaki was given the Midwest Division Academic Achievement Award for the work he did off the ice. The Colorado College (NCHC, D1) commit proved that it's just as important to excel in the classroom as it is on the ice, and he represented the organization well. In his first season in junior hockey he compiled two assists for the Chill.
Degenhardt was awarded Midwest Division Coach of the Year after leading the Chill to a turnaround no one would've ever expected. After starting the season 10-17 Degenhardt made a trade at the Christmas break sending team captain Michael Wilson to the Minnesota Magicians for forwards Alex Lambacher, Kevin Dineen and Larry Jungwirth. The trade proved to rejuvinate a young Chill roster as they finished the season with a 33-26-1 record, clinching a playoff spot in the 2nd-to-last game of the season against the Janesville Jets. The Chill's season ended last weekend in game four against the top seed Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 27, 2016
- Amarillo Bulls Win South Division Community Service Award - Amarillo Bulls
- Rebels Win Numerous NAHL's East Division Awards - Philadelphia Rebels
- Sjodahl, Kiraly and Russell Honored by NAHL - Odessa Jackalopes
- Jets Campbell Accepts U16 Job in Colorado - Janesville Jets
- 3 Recognized for Awards in Midwest Division - Coulee Region Chill
- NAHL Announces 2015-16 Divisional Awards - NAHL
- Bobcats Win Five Divisional Awards, Place Four on All-Central Team - Bismarck Bobcats
- Topeka Forward Earns League Honor - Topeka Pilots
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