EIHL Three Stars: Game Week 1
Each game week of the Elite Ice Hockey League season our beat writers will be nominating players to be awarded our Three Stars from the weekend’s games. Here’s who got the award in week one.
ADAM KEEFE (Belfast Giants)
Belfast Giants skipper Adam Keefe is a player who opposition fans love to hate. They heckle him from the stands, but would have him on their team in a heartbeat. Keefe has skill, toughness and knows the right moment to aggravate the opposition into taking penalties. He gets into their minds and under their skin.
The forward, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, faced off against Edinburgh Capitals Saturday evening at home and steered his team to a 5-0 win, scoring the fifth goal. On Sunday, the Giants travelled to Cardiff where Keefe played an influential role in the overall result of the match. Keefe dropped the gloves with Brad Plumton in the first period; however it was an event in the second session that changed the game and ultimately led to the Giants winning 7-2. The 200lbs winger scored twice during the third period, including an outstanding shorthanded goal.
Adam Keefe has returned with attitude and Giants fans can expect another season of action from their Captain.
MATT FRANCIS (Nottingham Panthers)
Scored two goals away at Sheffield on Sunday to take his season tally to six points after just two games having notched one and added three assists against the Hull Stingrays just a day before.
Francis was everywhere on the Ice, helping out on defence numerous times whilst being a constant menace up top. Threatening not only with the puck on his stick, but with his bright movement as well, Francis found holes in the defence again and again, twice exploiting the space to add to his side’s total.
His two goals were taken clinically, providing the surgical precision that the Steelers were missing all night, with his goals ultimately being the difference between the two sides.
TYSON MARSH (Cardiff Devils)
Since returning to the Welsh capital for his second stint with the Cardiff Devils, defenceman Tyson Marsh has impressed the Red Army fan base.
Marsh is certainly fitter, stronger and looks like he’s worked hard over the summer months to keep in shape. This past weekend, his passion for the club and his teammates has been evident, playing a dedicated, gritty, no-nonsense brand of hockey.
The 6’1” Canadian was prevalent on the ice Saturday evening in Fife, where he earned an assist and subsequently aided the Devils to a 5-2 win. On Sunday, with back-up netminder Joe Myers between the pipes, Marsh stepped up exceptionally well to defend against an ever pressing Giants squad. For this reason he was crowned Man of the Match and deservedly so.
Tyson Marsh has certainly been a stand out player in the first weekend of Elite League action and is one to watch in the future.