3 Stars For Week Ending January 15, 2012

Here are your 3 stars for the week ending January 15, 2012 as voted on by our panel.

1st Star - Eric Locke - Saginaw Spirit : Locke came into the season highly touted and struggled out of the gate with the Barrie Colts but seems to be finding his groove with Saginaw since his trade there. He began the week with a goal in a 5-4 win over the Soo Greyhounds. He followed that up with another goal in a 5-4 loss to the London Knights. He closed out the week with a 2 assist effort, both on the powerplay, in a 4-2 win over Mississauga.

2nd Star - Jake Dotchin - Owen Sound Attack : Dotchin is a defenseman who doesn't get much of the limelight. however, he's been playing steady in a limited role for Owen Sound and thanks to some injuries, got the chance for some more ice time, including on the first powerplay unit. He played in two games, both against Erie. In the first matchup he registered two assists including on the game winner which came on the powerplay. In the rematch he registered another assist, which was also on the powerplay.

3rd Star - Warren Steele - Kingston Frontenacs : Steele doesn't get much credit playing on an inexperienced Frontenacs squad but he has been one of the steadiest Fronts from day one. He had a goal and an assist in an upset win in London, a 4-1 victory. He was held off the score sheet in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Sarnia Sting but was a force defensively. The Fronts then lost 5-2 against the Kitchener Rangers in which he picked up another assist and was once again a force defensively finishing with a plus 1.

As always, you can find previous weeks stars and a list of voters by clicking the 3 stars tab at the top of the page.

Warren Steele

Warren Steele - Kingston Frontenacs

6' 190 LBS
D.O.B. May 16, 1994

During the 2009-10 season, Steele captained the Upper Canada Cyclones Minor Midget AAA squad where he registered 12 points in 30 games. After his season, he was selected in the 4th round of the OHL Priority Draft, 64th overall. He was also selected 3rd overall by the Smiths Falls Bears of the CHL (Tier 1).

Steele played for the Bears during the 2010-2011 season where in 62 games he scored 3 times and added 25 assists. He got a 7 game call up to the Frontenacs (the maximum allowed under OHL rules) where he went pointless and did not play in their one round of the playoffs.

Steele is very quietly going about his business in Kingston this season and starting to attract some attention. Through the Fronts first 12 games, he has 3 goals and 4 assists. His minus 8 is not indicative of his play and is more about a very young and somewhat inexperienced Kingston squad. He is among the leaders of draft eligible players on defense in goals, assists and points.

Steele is an extremely intelligent player who brings out the best in his teammates. His best asset is his skating which is excellent and has plenty of speed, both in first steps and overall. His passing is crisp, clean and accurate and his stick handling is excellent, two weapons he possesses to help clear his own zone. he can quarterback the power play but doesn't have an overwhelming shot. It's accurate and on target and is meant more to produce rebounds.

Defensively, Steele is solid. He positions himself well and is active with his stick. He battles hard to regain possession of the puck. His speed enables him to get back and recover in the event he makes a mistake.

An early season shoulder injury to Alex Gudbranson left an opening for Steele to get top 4 minutes. He's run with that opportunity often leading his defensive mates in ice time.