Saturday’s 3 stars: Gallagher nets seven points with Guy Lafleur in the building

No. 1 star: Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

As a Montreal Canadiens prospect, Gallagher without a doubt wanted to impress Canadiens great Guy Lafleur as he took in tonight's action between the Giants and Portland Winterhawks in the Pacific Coliseum. A hat trick and four assists later, it's safe to say Gallagher turned Lafleur's head at least once or twice throughout the game.

The world junior bronze medalist made his mark on the man advantage. He scored all three of his goals on the power play. He also assisted four goals, including Jordan Martinook's shorthanded marker in the third period. This seven point night gives Gallagher 27 goals and 53 points on the year.

This 8-4 win gives the Giants 52 points on the year, three points behind the Western Conference's third-place Winterhawks. There seems to be no gaping holes in the Giants' roster. Their offense is stacked with Gallagher, Detroit Red Wings prospect Marek Tvrdon, and recently signed Russian winger Alex Kuvaev. Edmonton Oilers prospect David Musil has done a stellar job of anchoring their blueline. After acquiring overage goaltender Adam Morrison from the Saskatoon Blades in October, their goaltending has been solid. All that being said, with the trade deadline less than 72 hours away, one has to think the Giants are buyers. If they are indeed able to add a star like Regina Pats' Jordan Weal, there is definitely a strong possibility that the Giants could represent the Dub at the Memorial Cup.

No. 2 star: Charles Hudon, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

The puck touched Hudon's stick for all four of Sagueneens' goals in their 4-3 win over the Victoriaville Tigres. Hudon netted Sagueneens' first three goals and assisted Guillaume Asselin's game winner.

Hudon has broke out in his sophomore season as an elite scorer. He now has 20 goals and 50 points in 38 games, 10 points shy of his rookie season's point total. This puts him on pace for nearly 90 points.

Chicoutimi will need Hudon to keep on finding the back of the net for them to continue to climb the standings. They're now fifth in the East Division, four points behind the Tigres and only two points behind Rimouski Oceanic.

No. 3 star: Brendan Ranford, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Ranford put the Prince George Cougars behind the eight ball early on. He kicked off the night by scoring a power play goal prior to the five minute mark, followed by netting his second of night six minutes and one second later. The Philadelphia Flyers prospect wasn't done there - he went on to assist both of Bronson Maschmeyer's two goals. His two goals and two assists easily make him the first star in the Blazers 6-1 win over the Cougars

The Blazers are surging. They're second in the Dub's Western Conference standings with 59 points. They're only five points behind the first-place Tri-City Americans. Not bad for a team that didn't make the playoffs last season.

Honourable mention: Darian Dziurzynski, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

The Wheat Kings outscored the Prince Albert Raiders by eight goals (11-3) tonight in the Art Hauser Centre. A major reason for this lopsided game can be credited to Dziurzynski's hot stick. The Phoenix Coyotes prospect scored two goals and two assists.

To be fair, there's a handful of Wheat Kings who deserve a mention tonight. Michael Ferland scored two goals and an assist; Jens Meilleur netted two goals; and Eric Roy notched one goal and two assists.

Kelly Friesen is a Western Hockey League writer for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen (image credit WHL.ca)