Comment One:

Glutes Media's Three Stars Of the Game

Note: These stars may be different from those determined by the sim.

First Star: Barry Batsbak (KEL)
The sim had Xena and Dick Clapper as the first and second stars of the game, but I couldn't help but disagree. Barry Batsbak was far and away the first star of the game -- coming off a 0 point first game, the rookie was able to bounce back and make a big impact with a goal and an assist in his second ever SMJHL game, all while playing center on the third line with no powerplay time. To top that off, Barry's 0.647 faceoff percentage (11/17) is unbelievable for a rookie and that's why he is the clear pick for first star.

Second Star: Xena (ANC)
The SMJHL veteran was able to put up great stats for her second game of the season, but performances like this are almost to be expected from the Armada's star center, which is why she was narrowly bested by Batsbak for first star of the game. Xena had an all-star performance this game, scoring 1 goal and 1 point and taking full advantage of her first line minutes. Like Batsbak, Xena also recorded a 0.647 faceoff percentage (11/17), making the race for first star neck and neck if it weren't for the fact that Batsbak is a rookie. Regardless, Xena definitely impressed and is fitting well into her star role on the Armada for her third season in the J.

Third Star: Dick Clapper (KEL)
The third line of the Knights was on fire tonight, and Dick Clapper was a big reason why. The shoot-first rookie winger recorded two primary assists tonight, showing that his playmaking abilities aren't too shabby either. After coming off a pointless first game of the season, the rookie came into this game with something to prove, and it showed in his game. Clapper also registered a monster hit on Mike Mayfield in the first period after the Knights gave up an early goal, swinging the momentum of the game back towards the Knights for the eventual equalizer in the first.


Comment Two:
Episode Two: Attack of the Knights
After a disappointing loss to the Armada in the first game of the season, the Knights bounce back and take game two in this five game head-to-head streak against Anchorage. Despite conceding an early goal and getting outshot 28 to 18, Kelowna was able to barely edge their way to victory thanks to two consecutive goals late in the second period. The Knights relied on their superior depth scoring and neutralizing the stars of the Armada to bring this win home. Though they managed to take the W, the Knights will need to work on their weak shooting in their games going forward, as it may come to bite them in the future.


Comment Three:
Goalie of the Game: Vivian Leblanc (KEL)
This pick is a no-brainer. Leblanc averaged a 0.893 save percentage, letting in 3 goals on 28 shots. The Knights left Leblanc out to dry in the first period, and no one can blame her for letting in 2 goals out of 15 (FIFTEEN!) shots in the first. However, it wasn't all because of the Kelowna defense, as Vivian allowed 5 rebounds herself just in the first period. Her game leveled out in the later periods, and this stability rallied the Knights to a hard-fought 4-3 victory. Rebound control will definitely be a skill in need of improvement for Leblanc in the future, but she is not looking too shaky for her second game back after a long offseason.