The North American Hockey League announced that Philadelphia Rebels goaltender Ilja Nikitins has been named the East Division Second Star of the Week for the week ending Nov. 30, 2025.
Nikitins backstopped the Rebels to a weekend sweep of the New Hampshire Mountain Kings, stopping 66 of 69 shots across the two games. He opened the series on Friday with a 34-save performance in a 5β1 win, allowing just one goal on 35 shots. He followed with 32 saves on 34 shots Saturday to help Philadelphia close out the sweep.
π΅πππππππ πππππ πππ ππππ ππππ πππππππ !
After making 66 saves over two games, Ilja Nikitins has been named East Division Second Star of the Week!
π° https://t.co/7b8l7iCbyq pic.twitter.com/RRt9aYGfJN
— Philadelphia Rebels (@PhillyRebels) December 2, 2025
Across the weekend, Nikitins posted a 1.50 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage. The 2008-born netminder, who is committed to Merrimack College, has continued to solidify himself as one of the NAHLβs top young goaltenders.
Through 14 games this season, Nikitins holds a 7-5-0-1 record with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.Β
The Rebels return to action on Tuesday as they travel to face the Maryland Black Bears.
Season Awards & Honors (2025β26)
Here is a running recap of league-recognized player awards earned by the Rebels this season:
East Division Star of the Week β Second Star
Ilja Nikitins β Week ending Nov. 30, 2025
Brayton Frick β Week ending Nov. 16, 2025
Alex Lunski β Week ending Nov. 9, 2025
East Division Star of the Week β Third Star
Johnny Conlin β Week ending Oct. 6, 2025