Boris Hristov (Beaver Valley Nitehawks), Andrew Morris (Chase Heat) and Brendan Smith (Creston Valley Thunder Cats) are this week’s Kootenay International Junior Hockey League 3 Stars of the Week, for the period ending Oct. 6/24.
Hristov – Top Forward – The Calgary, Alta., product had a big performance against the Grand Forks Border Bruins on Oct. 4 in their 6-1 win. Hristov netted the game-winner and the insurance goal with three assists. In six games this season, Hristov has four goals and five assists for nine points and has two game-winners. He currently ranks fifth overall among all KIJHL point producers.
Morris – Top Defenceman – The Beaumont, Alta., product factored into the Heat’s offensive attack, collecting two goals and an assist in two games. In their 3-2 overtime win over the Sicamous Eagles on Oct. 4, Morris assisted on Josh David’s winning goal. In their 7-6 overtime loss to the Quesnel River Rush on Oct. 5, Morris scored twice on the power-play to give the Heat leads of 3-1 and 4-3. In seven games, Morris has three goals and two assists for five points, which ranks him ninth among KIJHL defencemen.
Smith – Top Goalie – The Kamloops product earned a win in two games for the Thunder Cats, stopping 44 of 46 shots for a .957 save rate. Smith earned his second win as a Thunder Cat on Oct. 4 in a 2-1 final against the Revelstoke Grizzlies, making 33 saves for a 1.00 goals against average and a .971 save rate. He followed that up by stopping 11 of 12 shots in 26:53 of action against the Eagles, as he came in relief at 11:38 of the second period. He had a 2.23 GAA with a .917 save rate. Smith has three wins in five games combined between the Thunder Cats and Kelowna Chiefs, with a 2.75 goals against average and a .923 save rate.
