Foreurs forwards held in check by Guelph’s top pairing – Monday’s 3 Stars

Co No. 1 Stars - Matt Finn and Nick Ebert, Guelph Storm

The Quebec league's top scorer Anthony Mantha hasn't had much difficulty invading enemy territory this season. After being very visible against London in the opener and scoring a gorgeous goal that turned out to be the winner, Mantha was uncharacteristically quiet against the Storm in Val-d'Or's 6-3 loss, registering a single powerplay assist.

The reason? Well, all of Val-d'Or's top offensive threats were completely shut down by the two-headed monster that is the Guelph Storm's top defensive pairing. The Maple Leafs prospect Finn and the LA Kings prospect Ebert played big minutes and slowed down every Foreurs offensive weapon. It wasn't until early in the second period that Guelph goaltender Justin Nichols had to stop a shot from any dangerous scoring area.

Finn picked up two assists during the game, while Ebert managed one, and the group were +4 against the Foreurs top players.

No. 2 Star - Jason Dickinson, Guelph Storm

The Dallas Stars prospect Dickinson picked up the highlight of the night award for his dipsy-doodle through the Foreurs defence Monday night:

Sam Henley, number 14 in green, doesn't look too good at the end of this play. Nor does number 2, Randy Gazzola, who actually wound up having Dickinson's shot bank in off him. Initially it looked like Dickinson's setup led to a Scott Kosmachuk goal, who had been parked in front, but Dickinson in fact finished off his own play, and earned second star honours.

No. 3 Star - Zack Mitchell, Guelph Storm

Nobody in the Cup has better eyebrow game than the Minnesota Wild signee Mitchell, who had a goal and an assist within the first 5:50 of Monday's game, adding a second assist on Robby Fabbri's goal later in the game.

After Kerby Rychel made it 1-0 for Guelph, Mitchell cut in just minutes later on his own and wired a hard wrist shot and beat Antoine Bibeau on the far side. He chipped in on half of the offence in Guelph's 6-3 win, with the other half coming from Kosmachuk, who assisted on Guelph's other three goals.

Game Grade: C. Unfortunately, not a lot of drama. The game was 3-0 before it was six minutes old, but it was nice to see Guelph put on another strong performance after dominating Edmonton. Hopefully they look this good against London Wednesday. While the game technically doesn't mean anything to the Storm, who have already clinched a spot in the final, they have a chance to knock their rival London out of the MasterCard Memorial Cup in their own building—something I'm sure fans of 19 OHL teams want to see.