Klippers - Stars Preview (January 3, 2010)

It's the first game for each squad in 2010, and given how well these two teams have played one another so far this year, I would suspect that we are in for another treat. Now it's certainly possible that both teams will be shaking off some rink-rust, and the first half or the game could be a little sloppy.



Record: 19-14-2-2 (42 points and third in the Sherwood Conference)

Who's Up Front:

If the Stars want to be successful tonight they must stop Andrew Dommett. He has 27 goals, and he torched the Stars at the SJHL Showcase. His linemates are also very skilled: Braedon Adamyk and John Calkins provide Dommett with a couple of good offensive options around him, and let us not forget that Jordan Braid, Sanfred King and Taylor Duzan are equally as effective. Good defence and discipline will be the ultimate key for the North Stars tonight.


Who's On D:

If there is an area of weakness on this Kindersley team it may be on the back end. Justin Perraulx is no longer with the team, and his absense will definitely be felt on the ice. However Kurt Leedahl and Steven Turner provide the Klippers with some solid offence and defence from the back-end, and rookie D-man Sean Flanigan seems to get better with each passing game.

Who's in Goal:

Josh Thorimbert is still making a solid case for "Rookie of the Year" honors in the SJHL. His record as a 17-year-old is 16-9-1-1. That being said, Thorimbert has struggled this year against the North Stars. If Thorimbert can play up to this ability tonight, the Stars will have a very difficult time scoring goals.

X-Factor:

Tonight's Kindersley X-Factor is 18-year-old forward Taylor Duzan. Duzan is third in the team in scoring, and has proven to be one of the best kept secrets in the SJHL. Don't let his small size fool you, he's incredibly tough and very offensively gifted.



Record: 20-14-1-2 (43 points and second in the Bauer Conference)

Who's Up Front:

The line of Blake Peake, Josh Daley and Shay Neufeld are all healthy, and are likely chomping at the bit to kickoff 2010. Blake Peake always seems to bring out his best stuff against Kindersley, and after a couple of tough games in December I look for Blake to have a solid start to 2010 tonight.

Who's on D:

Collectively the North Star's defence has been better as of late, and they'll have to be on their 'A-Game' tonight. Woody Klassen leads the way for the Stars on D with 20 points. Klassen's versitility will be vital tonight. I'm also hoping that tonight will mark the SJHL debut of 20-year-old D-Man Grant Fahnhorst.

Who's in Goal:

Flip a coin.

X-Factor:

Once David Lawrence scores his first as a North Star, I can almost assure you that they'll come in bunches. I think this is the night that he gets off the schnide.



Enjoy the game tonight. It's a 7:00 start, with the pre-game show at 6:45. Matt Ryan and I will have the call for you on CJNB/CJNS and www.cjnb.com