Hot in the KI 3 Stars (Ending Dec. 31)

Fernie Ghostriders goalie Ethan Fitzgerald has earned the first star for the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s (KIJHL) Hot in the KI 3 Stars, period ending Dec. 31.

Fitzgerald, a Calgary product, played in both Christmas Classic games against the Kimberley Dynamiters turning aside 27 of 29 in a 2-1 loss, then stopped all 45 shots in a 2-0 win. He closed out 2019 with a 49-save effort against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in a 3-2 overtime win. Fitzgerland earned the game star in all three matches as he finished with a .968 save percentage and a 1.33 goals against average.

The 18-year-old rookie improved his record to nine wins and 10 losses with two shutouts. He has a 2.86 GAA and .911 save percentage.

The other two stars are Columbia Valley Rockies goalie Riley Wallace and Revelstoke Grizzlies defenceman Rider McCallum.

Wallace, of Oak Lake, Man., earned the second star after earning back-to-back wins (2-1 and 4-1) against the Thunder Cats. Wallace turned aside 58 of 60 shots for a .966 SPCT and a 1.00 GAA. Wallace was named the star of the game in the first match. In four games, Wallace is 3-1-0 with a 1.76 GAA and a .937 SPCT.

McCallum, a Revelstoke product, earns the third star following a three-point effort against the Rockies. McCallum set up the opening goal in a 7-1 win and scored on the power-play to put the Grizzlies up 6-1. McCallum’s efforts helped the Grizzlies close out 2019 on a 10-game winning streak.

In 24 games, McCallum has four goals and 19 points in 24 games. His 19 points are a new career high after putting up 18 in 44 games last year.