Leafs Noble scores KIJHL Three Star Honour
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Liam Noble of the Nelson Leafs joins a few teammates by earning league recognition as one of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Three Stars for the period ending January 30.
Nobel, a forward for the Green and White, is joined by defenceman Nick Morin of the Kelowna Chiefs and goalie Scott Thompson of the Columbia Valley Rockies.
The Dawson Creek native helped the Leafs earn three straight wins over the Castlegar Rebels, 4-2, Kimberley Dynamiters, 5-4, and the Grand Forks Border Bruins, 6-2.
The Kimberley win was huge for the Leafs as it gave the Green and White confidence heading into the post season.
Noble had three goals, including the winner against the Rebels, and four assists for seven points. Noble had two goals against Castlegar, two assists against Kimberley and a goal and three points against Grand Forks.
For the season, Noble has 16 goals and 28 points in 35 games, which ranks him second on the team in points.
Nelson opens a tough three-game week Tuesday in Fruitvale against the second-place Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
The Leafs currently hold an 11-point lead over the Hawks.
Nelson travels to Fernie Friday before returning to host Beaver Valley Saturday at the NDCC Arena.
Puck drop is 7 p.m.
Top Defenceman Nick Morin
The Calgary, Alberta native helped the Kelowna Chiefs earn two of three wins (5-2 win vs. Princeton, 7-4 loss to Summerland and a 6-3 win over Summerland). Morin had a goal and two points against Princeton, and an assist in each game against Summerland. For the season, Morin has eight goals and 17 points in 24 games with Grand Forks and Kelowna, which ranks him second among defencemen in points on the team. In 18 games with the Chiefs, Morin has six goals and 13 points.
Top Goalie Scott Thompson
The Winnipeg, Manitoba native earned a win in both games he played for the Columbia Valley Rockies, 2-1 against Golden and 4-1 against Fernie. Between the two, Thompson stopped 55 of 57 shots for a .965 SP and a 1.00 GAA. In 13 games this season, Thompson has 11 wins with a .922 SP and a 2.37 GAA.
