Stars - Terriers Preview

Something scary just dawned on me. I haven't watched a game from the North Battleford Civic Center since November the 8th. The previous two home games were held on Fridays. The first Friday I was calling NSRHL, and last Friday I was in Ontario preparing for a funeral. As I begin typing this preview, I'm starting to get those familiar pre-game jitters before a North Star's game.

The Yorkton Terriers are in town for their first battle of the season, and although this is a non-conference battle for these teams, the two points at stake are important for both teams. The Stars are trying to climb their way towards Flin Flon while seperating themselves from Humboldt and La Ronge. Yorkton is in a dog-fight right now with Melville and Notre Dame, and a two-point effort from the Terriers tonight would likely go a long way to get them fired up for the upcoming SJHL Showcase.

Enough personal banter - Lets preview this sucker shall we!



Record: 12-11-3-0 (3rd in the Sherwood Conference)

Who's Hot Up Front:

The Terriers are a lunch-bucket, 'score by committee' team. Over the past three years, not a single Yorkton Terrier has scored more than 20 goals in a season. It looks as though Torey Stott may do so this year, but he's walking a fine line at this point. He's got 11 goals through 26 games and has always impressed me whenever I've seen him play. Stott will likely see lots of ice-time tonight, especially on the power-play. If the Stars want to be successful, they'll have to keep Stott off the score sheet because he is their best weapon offensively.

Who's on D:

Defensively the Yorkton Terriers are led by two different players. 17-year-old Austin Bourhis has performed exceptionally well so far for Ed Zawatsky's club. He's got 14 points so far this year, and leads all Terrier defenceman in scoring.

The second player is the lone 20-year-old on the backend, Shawn Shackleton. I remember watching him back in September and thinking, "This guy is one of the best skating defenceman in the SJHL." Maybe I caught him on a good night, because he's only got one assist this year, but that also brings me to the conclusion that he's a great shutdown guy.

Who's in Goal:

You'll have to flip a couple of coins to figure this one out.

YOR 30 Luke Boechler (90) 384 14 211 2.19 0.934 3-2-2-0 3 1.88

YOR 35 Joel Danyluk (90) 412 18 223 2.62 0.919 3-3-0-0 1 2.48

YOR 29 Devin Peters (90) 765 42 412 3.29 0.898 6-6-1-0 0 2.82


The Terrier's are still carrying three goaltenders. All are 19, all are talented, and all are playing at a similar capacity right now. I'm not even going to attempt to figure this one out. I'll leave that for the coaches.

X-Factor:

Clarke Breitkreuz has gained a lot of notoriety recently for his appearance with Team Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge in Summerside P.E.I. He's even garnered the attention of the NHL's Central Scouting. He's quick, he's tough, and he's got a good offensive knack to him. North Star fans will be impressed by this kid tonight. Mark my words.



Record: 15-10-1-0

Who's Hot Up Front:

Ward Szucki is currently playing his best hockey of the season. The 18-year-old was held scoreless Saturday in Humboldt, but is coming off a two-goal outing against the Estevan Bruins, and also scored two weeks ago in Melfort. Add Szucki's name to the long list of North Star forwards capable of being a difficult threat for Yorkton tonight.

Who's on D:

Look for Woody Klassen to have a strong game tonight for the North Stars. He had a tough game Saturday in Humboldt, but knowing Woody's character and ability, he's going to bounce back and play true to form tonight. Expect two or three big hits from Klassen tonight. I still remember watching Klassen last year during his North Star's debut (which happened to be against Yorkton) drilling Corey Silverson and immediately making an impression with the North Star faithful.

Who's in Goal:

Again, this is an area where I will simply avoid. Hilldebrand has won three straight games. Birch is an early season MVP candidate for this team. You're call Ken! Must be nice to have two very capable netminders at your disposal.

X-Factor:

The line of Dane Muench, Blake Peake and Mitch Wall as a whole will be my x-factor for tonight's game. These three have the capability to make life miserable for the opposition. Peake's speed, Wall's finesse and Muench's natural ability to score makes them one of the toughest lines to stop. A strong night from these three, and the Terriers are in tough tonight.

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You can catch tonight's broadcast on GX 94 out of Yorkton. I'll be joining my buddy Craig Stein on the radio tonight, providing some color to his play-by-play. I always enjoy my visits with Craig, and he calls a great game.

I'll be back to recap the game later tonight!

Cheers,


Dano