Three Stars: Kory Sheets, Jermaine McElveen and Brandon Banks shine in division finals

Here's the next entry in our weekly Three Stars series, looking at the top offensive, defensive, special teams and Canadian players from Sunday's conference finals.

First star/offensive player of the week: Kory Sheets, running back, Saskatchewan Roughriders: There was plenty of competition for this award, as quarterbacks Darian Durant and Henry Burris also had tremendous weeks, as did Hamilton slotback Andy Fantuz and Saskatchewan wide receiver Taj Smith. However, Sheets' performance in the Riders' 35-13 win over Calgary Sunday stood out. He wasn't able to get far early on, but Saskatchewan stuck with him, and he finished the day with 177 yards on 28 carries (6.3 yards per carry). The Riders' offensive line certainly helped there, but there were multiple runs where Sheets grabbed a few yards initially thanks to blocking, then fought off tacklers for three or four further yards. He was crucial to Saskatchewan's triumph in a cold West Final, and he'll be critical to their chances of lifting the Grey Cup Sunday.

(Honourable mentions: Darian Durant, QB, Saskatchewan; Henry Burris, QB, Hamilton; Andy Fantuz, SB, Hamilton.)

Second star/defensive player of the week: Jermaine McElveen, defensive tackle, Saskatchewan Roughriders: The Riders' defensive game plan Sunday was to go after the ball and try and force turnovers in the slippery conditions, and McElveen did that with a terrific interception. He was also a key presence on the defensive line all night, recording five tackles and helping to contain star Calgary running back Jon Cornish. Not bad for a guy who was only starting thanks to an injury to Tearrius George.

(Honourable mentions: Deron Mayo, LB, Calgary; Tristan Jackson, CB, Saskatchewan; Simoni Lawrence, LB, Hamilton.)

Third star/special teams player of the week: Brandon Banks, punt returner/kick returner, Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Returns haven't always been an area of strength for the Tiger-Cats this season, but they were on Sunday, with Banks collecting 98 yards on four kick returns (an average of 24.5 yards per return) and adding 43 yards on five punt returns (an average of 8.6 yards per return). He helped give Hamilton excellent field position, which played an important role in their 36-24 comeback win.

(Honourable mentions: Swayze Waters, P/K, Toronto; Josh Bartel, P, Hamilton; Luca Congi, K, Hamilton.)

Bonus star/Canadian player of the week: Andy Fantuz, slotback, Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Fantuz came up huge for the Tiger-Cats in the East Final, recording a game-high 11 catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns. He managed to get open again and again and made some impressive catches. If he can show off those skills again against his old team in Regina Sunday, it could be a good day for the Tiger-Cats.

(Honourable mentions: Andre Durie, SB, Toronto; Sam Giguere, SB, Hamilton; Chris Getzlaf, WR, Saskatchewan.)

Have a candidate in mind for next week's Three Stars? Get in touch with me during the Grey Cup via Twitter or e-mail.