This week’s (Dec. 2-8) Hot In The KI 3 Stars are Revelstoke Grizzlies goalie Noah DeSouza, Kimberley Dynamiters forward Cam Russell and Columbia Valley Rockies defenceman Tristan Lambert.
Desouza, of Erie, Colo., improved his record to 10-2-0 with a 3-0 victory over the Kelowna Chiefs on Dec. 6 and 7-1 against the Summerland Steam, earning the first star. Desouza turned aside 51 of 52 shots for a .980 save percentage and a 0.50 goals against average. For the season, Desouza has a 1.50 goals against average and .938 save percentage.
“I felt I played personally throughout the two games this weekend to help give my team a chance to win,” says Desouza. “A shutout feeling I’m sure is the same as scoring a big goal or having a multi-point night so it feels pretty good. I couldn’t have done without the guys in front of me.”
Russell, of Calgary, Alta., the captain of the Dynamiters collected six points in three games earning the second star. Russell opened the scoring in their 4-2 win over the 100 Mile House Wranglers, and in a 7-3 victory over the Sicamous Eagles, collected an assist on Daniel Anton’s eventual game-winning goal. He finished with a goal and two assists. Against the Chase Heat on Dec. 7, Russell had a goal and two points and earned the game star in a 4-3 loss.
“I feel I played pretty well and the team was playing as a whole throughout the weekend which makes it so much easier, could be anyone getting those points when we are playing like that,” says Russell.
Russell is fourth on the Dynamiters in scoring with 11 goals and 30 points in 27 games.
Lambert, a rookie from Lethbridge, Alta., earned the game star in their 4-3 overtime win against the Nelson Leafs on Dec. 7. Lambert finished with two goals and four points, including setting up the winning goal for Brennan Nelson. Lambert gave the Rockies a strong start by scoring the first two goals.
Lambert is second in the Rockies in scoring with seven goals and 18 points in 21 games, which leads the team for defenceman. He’s ninth in the KIJHL for scoring among blueliners.
