Photo credit: Garrett James Photography
Nanaimo Clippers forward Sean Donaldson, Penticton Vees forward Josh Nadeau and West Kelowna Warriors goaltender Johnny Derrick have been named the BCHL 3 Stars of the Week.
1st Star – Sean Donaldson (F) – Nanaimo Clippers
Donaldson notched four goals over the first two games of his team’s series against the Chilliwack Chiefs, including two game-winners and a hat-trick performances on Saturday night.
On Friday, with the game scoreless to start the third period, the 21-year-old scored the second of Nanaimo’s two quick goals to start the frame in the Clippers 2-1 win in Game 1.
The next night, Donaldson scored three times in his team’s 6-3 victory. His hat trick goal came after he carried the puck into the offensive zone, circled around the net and into the slot and put a wrist shot by Chiefs goalie Grant Riley. He was named first star of the game.
His seven goals in six games are tied for the most in the BCHL playoffs. He also leads his team in scoring with nine points.
2nd Star – Josh Nadeau (F) – Penticton Vees
Nadeau piled up five points over two games last weekend, both wins for the Vees as they went up 2-0 in their second-round series with the Prince George Spruce Kings.
In a low-scoring affair on Thursday night, Nadeau set up his brother Bradley to tie the game in the final minute of the second period and then scored the game-winner himself with just five second remaining in the third to give Penticton the 2-1 win in Game 1.
After registering an assist in the first period of Saturday’s Game 2, Nadeau scored twice in the middle frame to give his team the lead. His goal would again stand up as the winner in a 6-2 victory. He was named first star in both games.
Nadeau has eight points in seven games this postseason, good enough to tie for second in team scoring. His five goals are the most by any Vees player in the playoffs.
3rd Star – Johnny Derrick (G) – West Kelowna Warriors
Derrick stopped 60 of the 63 shots he faced over two games last weekend to post a league-best .952 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average.
On Friday night in Game 1 against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, he stopped 32 of 34 shots en route to a 6-2 win. The following night, the 2001-born netminder made 28 saves on 29 shots to earn his sixth straight victory and give West Kelowna a 2-0 series edge.
Through seven postseason games, Derrick owns a .930 save percentage, which is third best among all qualified goalies. He has a 6-1 record and a 2.30 goals-against average, which is fifth-best in the BCHL.
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Honourable mentions:
Langley Rivermen G Ajeet Gundarah: 2GP – 2W – .949 SV% – 1.50 GAA
Penticton Vees F Bradley Nadeau: 2GP – 2G – 3A – 5PTS
Penticton Vees G Kaeden Lane: 2GP – 2W – .940 SV% – 1.50 GAA
Nanaimo Clippers G Cooper Black: 2GP – 2W – .944 SV% – 2.00 GAA
Wenatchee Wild D Mario Gasparini: 1GP – 3A – 3PTS
