3 Stars For Week Ending October 23, 2011

The votes are in for the OHL Draft Eligible Players for the week ending October 23, 2011.

1st Star - Dane Fox - London Knights : Fox helped lead his Knights to a perfect 3-0 record last week. it started with a 6-3 win over powerhouse Mississauga on the road where he notched a goal. He followed that up with a goal and 2 assists in a 4-0 victory over Belleville and ended the week with a goal and assist in a 6-3 victory over Windsor. Fox was not on the ice for a 5 on 5 goal against.

2nd Star - Matt Rupert - London Knights : Rupert began the week with a 2 goal 1 assist performance over Mississauga. He followed that up with 1 goal over Belleville and closed the week off with 1 goal and 1 assist over Windsor. Like his teammate Dane Fox, Rupert was not on the ice for a 5 on 5 goal against.

3rd Star - Gemel Smith - Owen Sound Attack : It's been an up and down season for the Attack but Smith has been a model of consistency. Although Owen Sound went 1-1-0-1 on the week, we couldn't overlook Smith. In Owen Sounds lone victory, 4-2 in Barrie, Smith notched an assist. In a 7-4 loss to the Soo Greyhounds, Smith was in on every goal for Owen Sound with a goal and 3 assists. He was held off the scoreboard in a 2-1 shootout loss to Sudbury

Honorable mentions : Radek Faksa, Kitchener and Ryan Rupert London.

For a list of previous weeks winners and a list of voters, click on the 3 stars tab at the top of the page.

The Knights' Rupert Twins

The Rupert Twins will never be compared to the Sedin Twins of the NHL but they will open some eyes at the OHL level.

Just 3 short games into the season, both Matt and Ryan are atop the Knights' scoring race with 6 points each and have played a very important role in the Knights' 3-0 start.

Here's a look at the twins:

Ryan Rupert - London Knights

5' 9" - 186 LBS
D.O.B. June 2, 1994

Ryan was a third round pick, 49th overall in the 2010 OHL Priority Draft. In his rookie season he posted 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points in just 39 games after finishing his season with the Lambton Shores Predators of the GOJHL with 15 goals and 21 assists in 25 games.

Ryan has put up very good offensive numbers at every level he has played at. He finished with 90 points in 57 career AHMMPL games, 38 points in 29 career GOJHL and to date has 29 points in 41 OHL games.

Ryan is an excellent skater with a very high hockey IQ. He has great vision on the ice with quick and accurate hands. Although on the small side, he will not shy away from the physical game.

Matt Rupert - London Knights

5'9" - 178 LBS
D.O.B. June 2, 1994

While Ryan has been the more consistent point producer, Matt is holding his won. Last season Matt registered 4 goals and 4 assists in 22 games. Matt was a 4th round pick in the same draft year.

But Matt compiled a career 34 goals and 39 assists in 55 AHMMPL games and 38 goals and 29 assists in 51 career GOJHL games.

Ryan may not posses the skating that Matt does, or the IQ, but the passion is the same. Where Matt could be considered the set up man, Ryan could be considered the finisher. But just 3 short games into the season, it's been just the opposite.


Neither of the twins made NHL Central Scouting's list of players to watch for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. But as fans in London will tell you, keep your eyes and ears opened. Matt and Ryan will make some noise.

Photos courtesy of lfpress.com and londonknights.com