Former Vernon Vipers forward Will Schumacher is the B.C. Hockey League's Third Star of the Week after helping the Victoria Grizzlies reach the Coastal Conference Final.
Schumacher had eight points in four games last week with one goal and seven assists,
He picked up a pair of assists in a Game 3 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals, then piled up four helpers the following night in a Game 4 defeat. After being held scoreless on Friday, Schumacher bounced back in Saturday’s series clinching Game 6 win as he had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 victory to help his team advance.
The 20-year-old forward now has 10 assists in the playoffs, which ties him for the most in the league, while his 12 points are three back of top spot.
Schumacher was the Vipers' leading scorer when he was dealt to Victoria at the league's trade deadline.
Chilliwack Chiefs forward Caleb Elfering and Grizzlies forward Thomas Molson have been named the other NAPA Auto Parts 3 Stars of the Week.
The Grizzlies and Chiefs begin the best-of-seven Coastal Conference Final Friday, May 2, in Chilliwack. The best-of-seven Interior Conference final between the Penticton Vees and Brooks Bandits also starts Friday in the Peach City.
Former Viper Luke Bibby – also dealt at the deadline – is among three players tied for the Bandits' playoff scoring lead. Bibby has six goals and seven assists for 13 points in nine post-season games.
Penticton has yet to lose in the playoffs, sweeping the first two rounds. Ex-Vernon forward Georgios Stavrianeas has appeared in seven of the Vees' eight post-season games, but has not registered a point.
