The NAHL has announced that the South Division Star of the Week is Odessa Jackalopes goaltender Ben Vatis.

Making a statement in the blue paint against the division leader and former team, Vatis stood tall in the net over the weekend for the Jackalopes.

“Ben has been good for us since he came back to us,” said Jackalopes head coach Scott Deur. “He has given us a chance to win each and every game. We are happy to see him back and can not wait to see what the rest of the season is going to look like for him.”

The 6-foot netminder and Phoenix native started his weekend off with a thrilling shootout victory on Friday night. Vatis stopped 27 out of 30 shots during regulation, before turning aside all three shootout attempts by Lone Star.

The ‘06 goaltender continued his dominance in the crease into Saturday night. The second-year veteran dominated between the pipes, shutting out the Brahmas with a 34-save performance. The 19-year-old is the only goaltender in the division to have shut out Lone Star this season.

For the weekend, Vatis secured two wins, spotlighting a 1.30 goals-against average and .954 save percentage.

Since returning to the NAHL in January, the Jr. Coyotes alum has been on a tear for Odessa. He has won four of his five games played with the Jackalopes this season, with his lone loss coming in overtime.

— NAHL Staff

(February 2, 2026)