Canada is going to beat Germany in Men's Olympic hockey. If you agree with me, take a quick look around you. Make sure nobody's looking, and raise your hand in front of your computer screen, and give me a quick nod.
Now that we have that out of the way, and now that we know that Canada is going to win tonight - You have no excuse to NOT be at the Civic Center for tonight's regular season finale between the Stars and Broncos.
The North Star's are the most improved team in the SJHL, and have already won 19 more games this season than they did last year. These men deserve your support and applause as they wrap up their regular season tonight.
Add the fact that the Humboldt Broncos are in town, and this gives fans one last chance in the regular season to see this rivalry rekindled.
Lets get to the preview before I receonsider posting a prediction on the blog:
Record: 24-25-1-7 (Fifth place in the Bauer Conference. They're facing La Ronge in the Bauer Conference Survivor Series starting Friday in La Ronge.)
Who's Up Front:
If Humboldt dresses a full lineup they'll be very difficult to defend. The trio of Justin Buzzeo, Spencer Braaten and Cameron Gibson have been very consistent for Dean Brockman's team this year. Buzzeo leads the way with 53 points and could challenge the likes of Josh Thorimbert and Marc-Andre Carre for rookie of the year honors.
Who's on D:
Kyle Cowan is the main offensive weapon for Humboldt on the backend. He leads the team in defensive-scoring with 21 points. Cowan has an underrated supporting cast around him. Josh Roach will be a great defenceman in this league before too long, and Kenton Valliant and Colten Allan are both gamers who can log some key minutes for the 'Broncs.
Who's in Goal:
Call it a hunch, but I doubt we see Andrew Bodnarchuk in goal for Humboldt tonight. Kirk Croswell's numbers are nothing to scoff at either. He's 5-7-1 with a GAA of 3.07 and a save percentage of .907. Bodnarchuk will be relied upon to perhaps steal series for Humboldt when they face La Ronge, and Dean Brockman may want to give him a break before the playoffs. If not, the Stars are in tough because Andrew Bodnarchuk has ALWAYS had their number.
X-FACTOR:
I've never seen Kirk Belyk play, but in speaking with friends of mine from the AJHL, the kid has a good skill-set. His numbers are underwhelming since coming to the SJHL on January 10 (six points) but the Star's cannot afford to take anybody lightly, as the defending champs will never quit on anybody.
Record: 34-19-1-3 (Second place in the SJHL's Bauer Conference. They'll face Melfort in the Bauer Conference Semi-Final which starts March 6th.)
Who's Up Front:
Dane Muench returns to the North Star's lineup tonight and hopefully can make in impact. Muench's numbers are impressive given how few games he's played this season (28 points in 30 games) and he'll no doubt be relied upon for help fill the net for the Stars come the post-season.
Who's on D:
Woody Klassen and Jesse Lebreton are dead-even in points with 35 points. Will one of them leap-frog the other?
Who's In Goal:
Does it really matter? Either way we're golden.
X-Factor:
One more goal from Ward Szucki and he's got 20 on the season. I'd expect a gutsy effort from his line with Blake Tatchell and either Muench/Wakelin.
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