The Austin Bruins are locked in a fierce battle for a Robertson Cup berth, but before hitting the ice for Games 3 and 4 of the NAHL Central Division Finals against Aberdeen, two of their standout players have already secured top honors. On Thursday, goaltender Jack Solomon was named NAHL Goaltender of the Year, while defenseman Nate Williams earned NAHL Defenseman of the Year—a testament to the team's depth as they head into a pivotal series tied 1-1.
Jack Solomon, an Air Force commit, has been nothing short of spectacular between the pipes this season. He led all qualified goaltenders with a remarkable 1.84 goals-against average, while finishing second in save percentage (.934) and tied for second in shutouts (6). Consistency defined his year—Solomon only faced one stretch without a win, a no-decision in November followed by a loss a week later. Down the stretch, he was unstoppable, winning all eight of his final appearances and posting five shutouts in that span, including one in each of his last three games.
In the Bruins' 16-year history, no netminder has delivered a season quite like this. Solomon's six shutouts tie Carl Axelsson for the most in a single season, while his 24 wins, .934 save percentage, and 1.84 goals-against average all rank among the top four for Bruins goaltenders. Over his two seasons in Austin, the St. Louis native has already shattered career records, holding the most wins (48) and shutouts (6) in franchise history, with a career 1.83 GAA and .933 save percentage that sit top three all-time.
On the blue line, Nate Williams has been a force to reckon with. The third-year defenseman led all NAHL blueliners in points (64), assists (54), power-play assists (37), and plus/minus (+39). Durability was key—Williams played in all 59 regular-season games, making him one of just three Bruins and one of eight NAHL defensemen to do so. His 17-game point streak from December to February, where he racked up five goals and 21 assists, stands as one of the most impressive in team history.
Williams, a Maryville University commit, was earlier named Defenseman of the Month for January after notching 15 points. His 64 points and 54 assists this season are the most ever recorded by a Bruins defenseman in a single campaign. Over 160 career games—seventh-most in team history—he holds the franchise records for career points (109) and assists (87) by a defenseman, ranking top ten overall in both categories.
As the Bruins gear up for a crucial road trip, Solomon and Williams are proving that individual accolades can fuel team success in the hunt for a championship.