East Star of the Week: Nicolas Vrtiel – New Hampshire Mountain Kings
East Division Star of the Week: Nicolas Vrtiel, Forward, New Hampshire Mountain Kings
The 6-foot-1 forward from Bjonice, Slovakia, Nicolas Vrtiel, went on an offensive tear over the weekend for the Mountain Kings. Kicking things off on Friday night, Vritel showcased a season-high single-game performance. The matchup started with the Maine Nordiques striking first and taking the lead. However, a strong second-period push by Vrtiel helped the Mountain Kings to have the edge. The 20-year-old first provided the primary assist on Aidan Petroff’s one-timer. As the lead was cut in half, the first-year skater would tap in a power-play tally a little over a minute later. The Mountain Kings would take the lead heading into the final frame. The Nordiques would even the scoreboard in the final minutes of the game; however, Vrtiel had some more scoring to do. With 1:52 left in regulation, the Slovakia native scores off the face-off to give the Mountain Kings the lead and the eventual victory. His three-point performance marked a season-high night.
Heading into Saturday night, the Mountain Kings were looking for a weekend sweep on home ice, and they were able to get it done thanks to Vrtiel. The first-year skater opened the scoring in the first period with a power-play tally at the 6:19 minute mark. As the contest progressed, the Nordiques would score three goals between the first and second period, securing themselves the lead heading into the final frame. However, New Hampshire showcased a third-period push with a four-goal frame. Just like the night before, Vrtiel would score the game-winner in the same fashion. Midway through the period, the first-year forward would score off the face-off to give his team the lead in the third period. The Mountain Kings would end the night with a 5-3 win and a weekend sweep.
The ‘06 skater was drafted this year in the 2025 NAHL Entry Draft by the Mountain Kings in the first round, 13th overall. This weekend marked a dominant five-point weekend, featuring back-to-back two-goal nights. Vrtiel scored the game-winner in both games, lifting his team to an exciting sweep over the Nordiques. This past weekend marked his best weekend performance in the NAHL.
Head coach of the Mountain Kings, Cam Robichaud, explains what it means to see Vrtiel be named to the honor.
“Vrtiel had a huge weekend for us, and we are happy to see him get rewarded for his work! He has been a constant for us all year and is really growing and adapting to the North American style of play. Looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes the rest of the way.”