Stars - Klippers Preview (From a Blackberry)

The next three games are going to be very interesting from a North Star's perspective. Aside from pride and stats, the team doesn't have anything 'tangible' to play for down the stretch, and I'm curious to know which North Star's team shows up tonight. Do we see a hungry, inspired team who wants to improve upon their habits and compete at the highest level? Or do we see a team who's simply going through the motions and trying not to get hurt?

I for one will be very dissapointed if tonight's game is a 'stinker.' The Stars have played too well, and have come too far in their improvement to let the next three games slip away. It's key to head into the post-season on a high note, and I'm certain that the coaching staff will be harping on this during the morning skate today.

Thankfully, the three remaining games happen to feature opponents who I would consider to be the Star's two greatest rivals. The Kindersley Klippers can force a tie for second place in the Sherwood Conference with a win against the Stars tonight, and no doubt the Stars would like to do some 'spoiling.'

KINDERSLEY

Record:  30-20-3-3 (66 points. Two points back of Notre Dame for second place in the Sherwood Conference.)

Who's Up Front:

The Kindersley Klippers have outstanding depth, and boast two lines that are equally as dangerous. Not only do the Stars have to concern themselves with stopping the likes of Jordan Braid, Taylor Duzan and Sanfred King/Jordan Hoffman, but the line of Braedon Adamyk, John Calkins and Andrew Dommett is fantastic. Dommett in particular has been brilliant against the Stars. Who could forget his four-goal effort on November 28th at the SJHL Showcase? In speaking with Kyle Birch yesterday, he confessed that he may be one of the toughest shooters to face in the entire league.

Who's on D:

Steven Turner leads the way defensively for the Klippers with 31 points in 55 games. He's reliable at both ends, and is a key cog in the Klipper's power-play. Kurt Leedahl, Jonothan Sonntag and Sean Flanagan are also quality players who can make an impact if given the opportunity. Offensively though, the two biggest threats in my opinion are Turner and Flanagan.

Who's in Goal:

In a game of such importance, it is almost a foregone conclusion that we'll the 17-year-old Josh Thorimbert. Thorimbert is my choice for SJHL Rookie of the Year. If Jordan Braid and Andrew Dommett don't play for Kindersley, Thorimbert is the team's MVP. Thorimbert has been dynamite for the Klippers this season. His save percentage is very impressive at .917% and his GAA is not too shabby at 2.65. Thorimbert has been streaky though against the Stars this season. On January 3rd he looked brilliant in a 3-1 Kindersley victory, but has looked human against the Stars in other instances this season.

X-Factor:

Taylor Duzan. He's only 18 but he's in the midst of a fantastic season for the Kindersley Klippers. He's listed at 5'4 and 163lbs, but he plays like he's 6'4. His 42 points in 55 games are nothing to sneer at, and he's only going to get better with time. This kid could lead the SJHL in scoring when he's 20 if he keeps up this type of play. If the Stars can limit his time and space, they'll give themselves a better chance to win.

BATTLEFORDS


Record: 33-18-1-3 (Clinched second place in the Bauer Conference.)

Who's Up Front:

The Stars depth was once again on display Wednesday night in their 3-1 win over Melville. Mitch Wall (14), Woody Klassen (9) and Ward Szucki (16) were the goal scorers, and all will be expected to bring a similar effort tonight. The line of Josh Daley, Blake Peake and Shay Neufeld may have been the most dangerous combination Wednesday, as they had chance after chance to score. I look for those three to bring another strong effort tonight.

Who's on D:

Tonight it's all about developing good work-habits. If the Stars collectively can stop the likes of Braid, Dommett, Duzan, they'll find success. Perrault and Brodbin need to be physical, Fahnhorst needs to use his size, Folstad needs to make good passes and Woody and Jesse need to establish a presence at both ends tonight. No one clear defenceman will be under the microscope tonight, it will definitely be a 'committee'type' effort tonight for the Stars to be successful on the road.

Who's in Goal:

So, what did you think about Canada/Switzerland game last night????

(That is me, dancing around this subject.)

X-Factor:

I haven't used this one yet this year, so here it goes - Coaching. Ken Pearson and Blair Atcheynum are tonight's x-factor. They have the unenviable task of trying to motivate a team that is playing on the road, in a game where nothing is at stake. I have no doubt that both Ken and Blair are going to treat tonight's game with a real sense of urgency, and it's up to the players as well to 'buy in' and produce results.