Remember two years ago when a game against the Broncos meant certain defeat? Well times have certainly changed haven't they?
The Broncos and Stars had a great Itech Conference Semi-Final series matchup back in March, and if you honestly think that time heals all wounds, think again.
The Spencer Braaten goal with 23 seconds left in Game Five at the Elgar Peterson Arena on March 7th still gives me the shivers. I listened to my call of that goal maybe 12 times at work today, reliving that moment of devastation for the North Stars. All anybody in our newsroom could talk about today was the game tonight!
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Stars @ Broncos - Game Preview
Start Time - 7:30 (Sasktel Pregame Show at 7:15)
Tonight the Battlefords North Stars (4-3-1) welcome the defending SJHL champion Humboldt Broncos (4-3-0-1). The last time these two teams met was Wednesday Sept, 30 in Humboldt, where the Stars earned a 5-4 victory.
Who's Hot:
Cameron Gibson was the best Bronco on the ice when these teams squared off last Wednesday. Gibson had a goal and two assists, and could have had more had it not been for Kyle Birch. Humboldt play-by-play guy Darryl Skender calls Gibson the 'most improved' Broncos, and he'll be a threat tonight for sure. Combine Gibson with Justin Buzzeo and Spencer Braaten, and you've got the makings for a solid line.
Who's on D:
Cade Kimery and Kyle Cowan stood out the most to me when I was in Humboldt on Wednesday. Kimery is a smooth skater who can dish the puck. Cowan is a physical defenceman with a lot of offensive upside. You will likely see these two anchoring the Bronco's powerplay.
Who's in Goal:
Andrew Bodnarchuk has NEVER lost to the Battlefords North Stars in two years. Matt LaRochelle on the other hand has had very little success. But, in saying that, Dean Brockman is a tough coach to read, and we could very well see LaRochelle. I'm not even going to attempt to get inside of his head.
X-Factor:
Spencer Braaten. This guy absolutely devoured the North Star's last year and last Wednesday. Braaten had two goals and an assist. If the Stars can stop Braaten, they have a great chance to win tonight.
Who's Hot:
The North Stars sticks were stymied by Melfort's Charlie Pogue on Saturday, but have still managed to score more goals then any other team in the SJHL so far this season. They've been able to do so with incredible depth and consistency. The hottest North Star forward though? Probably the tandem of Blake Peake and Josh Daley.
Who's On D:
Tonight I'm looking at Jesse Lebreton, it's been five games since he's scored a goal, and I've got a hunch that tonight could be the night.
Who's in Goal:
Kyle Birch was tremendous in Melfort on Saturday night, and had it not been for the luckiest board bounce I've seen in three years, the Star's fortunes could have been different in Melfort. Given Graham Hilldebrand's recent struggles, a long with a lengthy road trip coming up, I predict another Kyle Birch start tonight, and I expect him to play well.
X-Factor:
The crowd. The weather sucks, it's Tuesday night. What else are you going to do with your time? Get your kiester to the Civic Center and cheer on your team! The Stars haven't had a home game with less than 700 fans yet, but they haven't hit the 1000 mark yet either. Lets get a thousand people in the Civic Center tonight and really give these boys something to play for! As if first place wasn't enough.
What are your thoughts/predictions heading into tonight?
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