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Jayrome · 10-09-2020, 03:43 PM

Ever since I signed with Kelowna, I always noticed in the team's history the infamous Trifecta. 4 Star Cup Champions for three years in a row. I figured a deep dive could honor the legacy of the Knights alumni who led the franchise to playoffs domination during S40 to S42.

S40

The season that led to the Trifecta saw many outstanding players pop out statistically for Kelowna. First and foremost, Daddy Mack recorded 24 goals and 24 assists, which was outstanding after his previous season of 16 points. Mikhail Petrikov (Defense) also recorded a strong season with 44 points, bringing an important offensive aspect to Kelowna's defense. As for plus/minus, S40 saw Richard Physt, Deku Izuku and Fenton Uriel record above +10 differential. And of course, Damien Blackfyre (Goalie) led Kelowna with a robust 2.44 GAA, playing 45 games and winning 31 of them.

In the playoffs, none other than FOUR players had a point per game or more : forwards Dorty, Lokitonov, Loks and Uriel. It's a very even series against Colorado, but Kelowna manages to get the series win in 6 games. It's then an offensive showdown against Detroit, and Kelowna wins the cup in 4 games against them.

This season saw very few rookies play, but the combination of strong and consistent offensive players, responsible and hockey smart guys with above average differentials and great goaltending, led Kelowna to the first of three championships.

S41

Season 41 saw 2 players break the barrier of 50 pts : Jacob Dorty and Daddy Mack. Mack not only scored 29 goals, but maintained an oustanding shooting percentage of 19%! The team did not see the surprising average plus/minus in the team, but rookie Darren McCarty led the team in that category, with a very good +18. Michael O'Dowd is named captain after proving his worth in the past playoffs, and Mikhail Petrikov plays for almost 24 minutes of TOI, leading the team in that category.

The playoffs start with Detroit again, and again this series is won in 4 by Kelowna, in an offensive loaded series. On an absolute roll, Kelowna wins in 4 in the next round against the Scarecrows, and get ready to face Montreal, for a tough series. It ends in Game 7 for a win for Kelowna, with Mack and Dorty shooting relentlessly against Montreal to secure their second straight cup.

Clearly, this season was very offensive minded. Kelowna opted to focus on their overpowered offense and the plus/minus did pay the price for it, but it ended in a record-shattering season and a huge statement across the league : Kelowna is number one.

S42

The Last Dance. Just like Jordan and the Bulls, this was going to be Mack's last hurrah with the Knights, Dorty being gone. Mack averages almost 23 minutes of ice time, and posts a plus/minus of +12, giving all he has left in the tank for Kelowna. Captain O'Dowd, Izuku and McCarty also post a +14 or higher, showing dedication towards this final iconic season. Forward James Dekens will lead the team in +/- with a ridiculous +22. Kata Vilde proudly assumes Blackfyre's responsibilities and 29 wins with an above average 2.50 GAA. The Knights are ready to capture the third championship.

Kelowna faces Anchorage in their first playoffs matchup. It ends in 4, as the Knights charge towards the Armada with great fervor. They face the Whalers next, who can match their offense, and every game is played with a 1 or 2 goal differential. It's a tight series, and tempers are rising entering Game #6, as Kelowna led 3-2. The game starts in the Whaler's favor, leading 2-1 in the first period. However, Matej Elias scores in the second to tie it, and the pressure is palpable entering the third period. Shots are 10-9 in the third, but no goals scored. Kelowna is at home and they need this overtime win. The shots are even and then.. Ryan Gardiner has an open shot.... HE SCORES!!! KELOWNA WINS IT IN OVERTIME, THE TRIFECTA IS COMPLETE!!! Knights

Kelowna wins another cup, Mack recording more than 24 TOI and 15 points in 10 games, but more impressive is Kata Vilde, winning 8 of 10 games and recording a once in a life time performance of 1.71 GAA.

What happened next?

Daddy Mack would stop his career after the Trifecta, leaving the SHL with his SMJHL legacy.

Deku Izuku would play a whole season in the SHL after 5 years with Kelowna, and then leave the SHL.

Kata Vilde would be drafted 14th overall by Calgary after the amazing performance he had in that last cup for Kelowna. He will go on to play 8 seasons in the SHL, playing in 382 games.

845 words

APPROVED! +5 TPE @Jayrome

*CptSquall* · 10-09-2020, 04:12 PM

Oh man the memories, if only Toronto didn’t need Physt for S41, I may have had two 4stars

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