Three Stars of the Week (Sept 9-15)

The first week of the season saw three goaltenders rise above the rest, earning them Three Stars of the Week honors.

Leading the charge as the First Star is Kael Campbell of the Cole Harbour March & Mill Co. Hunters. In his Nova Scotia U18 debut, Campbell was flawless, stopping all 23 shots that came his way. His composed play helped secure a 1-0 victory over their opponent—a historic win not just for him, but for the Hunters as a franchise, marking their first-ever win. Campbell's performance was defined by his calm demeanor under pressure, making difficult saves seem routine in a tightly contested matchup.

The Second Star goes to Jake Poirier of the Cape Breton West Islanders, who delivered a standout performance against the defending league champions, the Halifax Macs. Walking into the Macs' home opener was a daunting task, but Poirier rose to the occasion. Facing a barrage of 34 shots, he stopped all but one, leading his team to a 2-1 victory. Poirier’s quick reflexes and ability to shut down dangerous cross-crease plays frustrated the opposition and helped his team secure an early-season upset.

Rounding out the week’s top performers is Will Cole of the Jr A Valley Wildcats, earning the Third Star. At just 16 years old, Cole was trusted with the responsibility of starting the Wildcats' home opener—a rare opportunity for a player his age. He rose to the challenge, stopping 27 of 31 shots to collect his first Junior A win. Cole’s ability to handle the pressure of the moment bodes well for his season ahead, as he’s already proving himself capable of competing at a high level.

These three netminders stood tall in their respective debuts, each playing a pivotal role in their teams' successes and setting the tone for an exciting season ahead.