The NAHL announced Monday that Maryland Black Bears goaltender Michael Morelli has been named the East Division Star of the Week.

Morelli, 19, helped his team stay in playoff position with a weekend home sweep of the Northeast Generals.

“What can you say about Michael? He has been an ultimate competitor every time he steps into the net for us, and always gives a chance to win,” Black Bears head coach Clint Mylymok said. “He is not only a talented goaltender, but is also a very strong leader for us, and ultimate ‘team-first’ player. There is no one mentally tougher, and we can’t say enough good things about Michael and his work ethic.

“One of the most committed athletes I have ever been around.”

The Arvada native started and won both games, stopping 67 of 69 shots during the weekend. On Friday, Morelli stopped all 36 shots that came his way for his first shutout of the season in a 2-0 win. On Saturday, he made 31 saves in a 3-2 shootout win, also stopping three of four shooters in the shootout.

For the season, Morelli has a 13-11-5 record with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

During his youth hockey career, Morelli played for the Arvada Hockey Association all the way to Bantams, then one year with the Colorado Evolution and two seasons with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.

Photo/Jim Harding

(April 19, 2021)