Playoff Record: 7-0-2
How They Got Here:
First they swept the Humboldt Broncos in three games. Then they defeated Flin Flon in six games. They won the first three, lost two in overtime and then won 3-1 at home in Game Six.
Who's Up Front:
The La Ronge Ice Wolves have a ton of talent up front, and it is very well spread throughout their lineup. Doug Lindensmith is a pure goal scorer, and he has tallied 11 points in nine games for the Wolves. Rookie of the year finalist Marc-Andre Carre has nine points in nine games, and Ben Findlay has scored five goals and has eight points so far in nine games played. The Stars will have to find a way to neutralize the above three if they want to get off to a good start in the series.
Who's On D:
Even when the La Ronge forwards aren't clicking offensively, Bob Beatty has a number of offensive weapons on the back-end. Mike Alexander has tallied 10 points so far in the playoffs for the Wolves and finished the SJHL regular season as the leading scorer for defenceman. Wolve's captain Dustin Stevenson is no slouch offensively, and former North Star defender Kirk Moore has shown some offensive flair so far in the playoffs. What's even more impressive about the above three is the fact that they are all reliable in their own zone too. The Stars need to find a way to take them out of the game. You do that one of two ways: You hit them and force them to take penalties.
Who's in Goal:
One of the many interesting storylines surrounding this series is La Ronge goaltender Adam Bartko. Bartko is a North Battleford product, and started last season in the Battlefords. A tough decision had to be made, and Bartko was the odd man out with both Graham Hildebrand and Kyle Birch in the fold as well. Bartko was released, and ended up in Notre Dame. After a brief stint in Wilcox, Bartko ended up in La Ronge prior to the regular season this year, and hasn't looked back since. Bartko has been the epitome of consistent for the Wolves. He boasts an impressive GAA of 2.00 and has an astounding save percentage of .942%. Is the best yet to come? We'll soon find out. If Bartko falters, he's got a capable guy behind him in Joel Danyluk.
X-Factor:
Two former Humboldt Broncos have the chance to show their experience leadership tomorrow night. Taylor Pillar and Leo Lacourciere will be in charge of keeping the Ice Wolves calm. They've played in front of big crowds before during previous Royal Bank Cups, and both are the type of gritty player who can thrive in the playoffs. A strong outing from either of these two could go along way in giving the Wolves a 1-0 series lead.
Playoff Record: 4-1
How They Got Here:
After losing Game One against the Melfort Mustangs, the Stars rattled off four consecutive victories and defeated the Melfort Mustangs in five games.
Who's Up Front:
The Star's biggest strength during the regular season was their depth, and so far through five post-season games nothing has changed. How good is their depth? The only forward without a playoff point is Dane Muench, and Dane has played since the 7 minute mark of the third period of Game One. Chad Filteau and Blake Peake averaged a point-per-game during Round One, and both will be relied upon to get the crowd going tomorrow night. With the pressure mounting with each passing game, it's up to the veteran forwards like Filteau, Peake, Wall, and Watt to create energy and offense.
Who's On D:
So much of the talk heading into this series has been about how strong the La Ronge defense is and how tough they are. But the Star's are no slouch defensively either. The Stars only surrendered 13 goals in five games which averages out to 2.6 goals a game. If the Stars can keep the Ice Wolves to a similar total they'll be in good shape. Jesse Lebreton and Cody Folstad were probably the most dependable twosome defnsively in Round One, but towards the end of the series we saw tremendous outings from the likes of Coleman Brodbin and Brody Malek. Similar to the forwards, it will be up to the veteran defencemen like Lebreton, Brodbin, Malek and Fahnhorst to calm things down for the Stars.
Who's in Goal:
We won't know for sure until after the morning skate tomorrow but Graham Hildebrand is the likely favourite to get the call. Having won his last four starts in a row, it would make the most sense for 'Hildy' to get the call. But then again, I'm no coach, and I have no reason to doubt the thought process of Ken Pearson. I don't think we've seen the last of Kyle Birch in these playoffs, and maybe Pearson throws a curve-ball at the Ice Wolves in Game One.
X-Factor:
Brett Miller quietly had himself a productive first-round series. He scored three goals in the last four games of the series and really seemed to get better as the series progressed. A strong Game One from Brett Miller could go along way in allowing the Stars to get an early lead in the series.
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A quick photography note. If there are any fans, players or parents interested in purchasing specific photo prints from the 09-10 regular season and post-season, you can e-mail Julie at julie_larson@hotmail.com
Her rate is reasonable, and her photos are outstanding. She'll do all of the work, you just need to let her know what you'd like and when you'd like it by. She'll even mail them if need be.
Remember to wear your black and white with pride tomorrow. We'll see you at the rink.
DO.
1 comment:
Well it is go time, friday night game should mean no less than 1800 fans tonight and we need to be loud as the wolves fans will be out in force. I have heard enough of how good LA are they beat a bad humbolt team and a bomber team that was playing for the name on the back and not the crest on the jersey. The one tough thing will be should i hackle Bartko when i know his dad well heat of the moment.
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