McCourt, McMichael and Merkley named to Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for Nov. 18-24

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 10th edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Nov. 18-24.

Headlining the forward ranks is Lethbridge Hurricanes centre Logan Barlage who finished with nine points counting three goals and six assists over three appearances. His top performance came with a season-high five-point effort against the Red Deer Rebels on Saturday in which he finished with one goal and four assists in an 11-2 win that earned him third-star honours. For his efforts, Barlage was recognized as the WHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Also up front is London Knights centre and Washington Capitals first-round pick Connor McMichael whose week saw him finish with eight points counting three goals and five assists over a trio of appearances. McMichael, who is currently riding a 14-game point streak, put up his best showing of the week with a four-point night against the rival Kitchener Rangers on Friday in which he recorded a hat-trick and added one assist to power his squad to a 5-1 road victory and claim first-star honours.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Kamloops Blazers right-wing Zane Franklin who impressed over three contests in collecting five goals and two assists for seven points. With all three performances seeing Franklin record at least two points, his best showing came against the Prince George Cougars on Friday as he notched two goals and added one assist in the 4-3 final that saw him claim third-star recognition.

On the blue line, Flint Firebirds rearguard Riley McCourt shined across three appearances as he finished the week with three goals and five assists for eight points. Against the Sarnia Sting on Wednesday, McCourt was a top performer for his squad as he tallied four assists – three of which came on the man advantage – in the 6-4 final. That performance helped McCourt earn recognition as the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Rounding out the beck end is Knights blue-liner and San Jose Sharks first-round pick Ryan Merkley, who has continued to impress in his first season in London as he finished the week with two goals and five assists for seven points across three games. His best showing came against the Rangers on Friday as he finished with three assists and third-star recognition in the eventual 5-1 road victory.

Between the pipes, Victoriaville Tigres rookie netminder Nikolas Hurtubise was nearly unbeatable across his first two appearances of the season as he stopped a combined 64 shots over 120 minutes to come away with a pair of victories. His most impressive effort came in a 30-save outing against the Quebec Remparts on Saturday in which he recorded his first career shutout in a 2-0 win. In all, Hurtubise wrapped up the week with an incredible 0.50 goals-against average and .985 save percentage, earning him recognition as the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.