3HL announces Combat Hockey 3 stars of the week
The North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) today announced the Three Stars of the Week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending February 19, 2012. The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-12 regular season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.
1st Star: Mike MacKinnon, forward, Metro Jets
Troy, Michigan native Mike MacKinnon, 19, had a good couple of games last weekend for the Metro Jets. On Friday, MacKinnon (6’1/195) recorded an assist as Metro defeated Battle Creek, 3-2. The on Sunday at the first day of the 3HL East Showcase, MacKinnon had himself a career game, as he recorded six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in an 8-3 win over Battle Creek. The six points tied a 3HL season-high and the memorable game took place in MacKinnon’s hometown. MacKinnon is tied for the Metro scoring lead with Steve Klisz, both with 61 points. MacKinnon’s 40 assists ranks 3rd in the 3HL this season.
2nd Star: Joe Olen, goaltender, Chicago Hitmen
The #2 star Joe Olen, 18, also played very well over the weekend as he helped earn Chicago a point in a 3-2 shootout loss on Friday against Minnesota. Olen made 32 saves in regulation and overtime, but could not solve the Flying Aces shooters in the shootout. Then on Sunday, the Lake Zurich, Illinois native made 26 saves in a 4-2 win over 1st place St. Louis. For the weekend, Olen (6’0/160) stopped 58 of 62 shots, posting a 1.92 goals against average and a 93.5% save percentage. For the season, Olen ranks in the top 10 in 3HL goaltending in games played, wins, goals against average and save percentage.
3rd Star: Liam Johnston, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces
Liam Johnston, 18, is 3rd in Flying Aces goal scoring thanks to stretches like this past weekend as Johnston helped Minnesota win three more games to increase their current winning streak to five straight games. On Friday, the native of Willmar, Minnesota had a goal in the Flying Aces 3-2 win in a shootout at Chicago. On Saturday, Johnston chipped in two more goals, including the game-winner in a 4-1 win at Quad City. On Saturday, Johnston (6’2/180) scored again to increase his goal-scoring streak to four games as Minnesota completed a sweep of the Jr. Flames. For the season, Johnston is 3rd on the Flying Aces roster with 18 goals this season.
Honorable Mention (alphabetical order): Ethan Baker, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Nicholas Bectel, forward, Michigan Mountain Cats – Jarrett Pfeiffer, forward, Minnesota Flying Aces – Matt Stirling, forward, Metro Jets – Collin Warner, forward, Chicago Hitmen.
