Brandon Gray (Grand Forks Border Bruins), Grady Sterling-Ponech (Princeton Posse) and Blake Sittler (Princeton Posse) have been selected as the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League 3 Stars of the Week for the period ending Dec. 8/24.
Gray – Top Forward- The Okotoks, Alta., native scored four goals and added three assists in two games to help the Border Bruins win both its games. In their 5-2 win over the Kimberley Dynamiters on Dec. 6, Gray had a goal and two assists – one on the insurance goal. On Dec.7, in their 10-6 win over the Kelowna Chiefs, Gray had a hat-trick, including a short-handed goal, and an assist. In 22 games, Gray has 31 points, which ranks him third on the Border Bruins and among all KIJHL rookies.
Sterling-Ponech – Top Defenceman – The Lethbridge native had three goals and one assist in three games for the Posse, helping them win two of their three games. He was also plus three, while playing an average of 22:07 a game. In a 5-2 win over the Kelowna Chiefs on Dec. 3, the 5-11, 180-pound blueliner had a goal and an assist. In their 4-1 win over the Nelson Leafs on Dec. 7, Sterling-Ponech scored twice, including the opening goal, and assisted on the insurance goal. It’s the second time this season that Sterling-Ponech has been named the Top Defenceman. Sterling-Ponech has established a new season high in points with 28 in 27 games.
Sittler – Top Goalie – The Dodsland, Sask., native won both his starts for the Posse last week, stopping 56 of 59 shots for a 1.50 goals against average and a .949 save percentage. In a 5-2 win over the Chiefs Dec. 3, Sittler saved 25 of 27 shots. Then in their 4-1 win over the Leafs on Dec. 7, Sittler stopped 31 of 32 shots. Sittler has 13 wins in 15 games with a league best .938 SP and a 1.78 GAA that is also tops in the league.
