Monday, March 3, 2014

NOJHL announces three stars of the week

Press Release

SUDBURY – A pair of rookies and a veteran have earned Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League 3 Stars of the week laurels for the period ending March 2.

Garnering the accolades are Sudbury Nickel Barons netminder Andrew Lefebvre, along with forwards Jaren Bellini of the Soo Thunderbirds and Brandon Janke of the Espanola Rivermen.

ANDREW LEFEBVRE, (G) SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS – In his lone appearance during the week that was the 18-year-old Sudbury product turned in an incredible 51-save performance last Wednesday keeping his side in the game as they rallied for a 4-3 come from behind victory over the Elliot Lake Bobcats.

The 51 stops was a career single-game high for the rookie netminder, who has won his last four starts for the Nickel Barons as they gear up for the upcoming NOJHL postseason.

JAREN BELLINI, (F) SOO THUNDERBIRDS – The first-year forward saw action in the Thunderbirds lone game of the week and proceeded to dole out a pair of assists, including setting up the game-winner, as Sault Ste. Marie blasted North Bay 8-1 Friday.

His efforts helped his side wrap-up the regular season crown in the NOJHL and the No. 1 seed overall entering the postseason.

The Soo native currently tops the T-Birds in rookie scoring with 38 points as the 17-year-old has notched 10 tallies and provided 28 helpers in 53 games. 

BRANDON JANKE, (F) ESPANOLA RIVERMEN – Earning back-to-back weekly 3 Stars honours is Espanola’s Janke.

The 20-year-old forward, who hails from Huntsville, turned in another solid week registering seven points in three outings helping the Rivermen move back into third place in the NOJHL standings as well as guarantee themselves home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Running a consecutive game point streak to five Janke began by setting up the overtime winner in a 3-2 triumph over Kirkland Lake Friday.

He then followed that up with back-to-back three-point nights in games vs. Abitibi and North Bay, which included earning an assist in a 4-1 triumph over the Trappers Sunday evening in Mattawa.

His 74 points on the season tie him for fifth in NOJHL offensive production.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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