North Stars sweep NAHL weekly honors

Published on March 16, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


TRAVERSE CITY - A stellar weekend was capped with a pair of North American Hockey League honors for a pair of Traverse City North Stars on Monday, as Kyle Bonis was named North Division Player of the Week and C.J. Motte earned Goalie of the Week accolades.

Bonis, who is having the most prolific season in North Stars history with 29 goals, scored five of them in the team's first-ever series win at first-place Mahoning Valley. The Lindsay, Ont. native had a single salvo in a 9-2 loss on Friday, but led the rebound with two each in victories on Saturday (4-1) and Sunday afternoon (3-2). Bonis struck for the game-winner in both contests, and now leads the league with eight game-clinching tallies; His 29 goals is second among NAHL skaters. It was the third such honor for Bonis this season, having also won the award on Jan. 26 and Oct. 6, while he was an honorable mention for POW on Jan. 5 and Dec. 1.

"Kyle's had a ton of chances lately, and it was good to see him break through in such a huge way," said North Stars head coach Anthony Palumbo. "He's our captain, a leader, and gives us a spark at both ends of the ice."

Motte continues to rewrite the TC goalkeeping annuls, collecting both wins this weekend while stopping a combined 69 of 72 shots - including 40 on Sunday. The St. Clair, Mich. product owns the team mark for wins in a season (18), and is on pace to own the best single- season save percentage (.917) and goals-against average (2.32).

"C.J. has been absolutely sensational for us," said North Stars head coach Anthony Palumbo. "When we needed big saves, he was right there all weekend. In my opinion, C.J. is becoming one of the premiere goalies in the league right before our eyes."

Motte - who was also NAHL Goalie of the Week back on Jan. 26 and an honorable mention Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 26 - is sixth in the league on goals-against, and eighth in save percentage and victories.

Bonis, Motte, and the rest of the North Stars host the U.S. National Team Development Program's Under-17 squad this weekend at Centre ICE arena. Currently the #2 and #3 seeds in the NAHL North playoff race, the Friday-Saturday set could well offer a postseason preview. Both contests face-off at 7 p.m.

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North American Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2009


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