Via Yahoo! Sports’ Buzzing the Net
No. 1 star: Juho Lammikko, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
The Finnish forward was very quick to introduce himself to a new league and new country, getting the third-period game-winner in his first game as the Fronts fended off a Peterborough Petes comeback to win 5-3. Lammikko (1G-2A, +2) showed off some supple hands on that goal 57 seconds into the final frame, going forehand to backhand to roof the puck over goalie Jason Da Silva.
That staked the Fronts to a 4-0 lead. A Lawson Crouse wraparound goal with allowed Kingston, which couldn’t finish Peterborough off after taking a 3-0 series lead in the first round last season, to avoid a late fade vs. the Petes. (The Petes had some fun with that on Twitter during the second period.)
Lammikko, a Florida Panthers third-rounder, also had the secondary assist on first-period by linemates Robert Polesello (1G-1A, +3) and Spencer Watson (1G-1A, +2). The trio, which comprise Kingston’s top line while Sam Bennett is away with the Calgary Flames, showed good pace and chemistry throughout the night as they delivered for new head coach Paul McFarland..
Petes captain Connor Boland, who broke his nose recently while playing for the Edmonton Oilers prospect team, had his first two-goal OHL game while sparking a comeback that came up just short. Boland had only six goals in his first three seasons.
No. 2 star: Alexandre Carrier, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Carrier, often hailed as the smartest defenceman on the ‘Piques, had his first multi-point night of the young season during a 5-4 overtime win over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, getting the first assist on the tying and winning goals. The interdivision matchup went back and forth all night before Carrier (3A, +2) set up Elie Bérubé for the decider 33 seconds into overtime.
Carrier, who turns 18 on Oct. 8, will bear watching this season. The Quebec City native nearly always makes the right call on where to go with the puck but his size, as a 5-foot-11, 168-pound defenceman, will draw scrutiny.
No. 3 star: Cameron Yarwood, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
The overage defenceman helped the Tigres start road trip off well by doubling defending champion Val-d’Or 6-3, spoiling Philadelphia Flyers prospect Nicolas Aubé-Kubel‘s season debut. Yarwood (3A, +1), had a great night creating opportunities for the Tigres forward, getting the first assist on the goals that opened 2-0 and 5-3 leads. His other apple came on Samuel Blais‘ game-winner late in the second. All in all, a nice night for the Detroiter who broke into the Quebec League with Moncton last season before being traded to Victoriaville.
Honourable mention: Ken Appleby, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Appleby (24 saves on 26 shots) copped first-star honours as the Generals opened with a workmanlike 5-2 over the Barrie Colts. Oshawa went down 2-0 in the first 13 minutes after Barrie overage Joseph Blandisi had a solo shorthanded effort, but Appleby settled in and his team scored four unanswered second-period goals. Vancouver Canucks prospect Cole Cassels (1G-1A, +1) was the lone Gen with more than one point and his goal was the empty-netter.
Potent notables — Cape Breton’s Kyle Farrell scored twice in Gatineau to become the first QMJHL player to reach 10 on the season.
Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.