Game-Day Preview. (One Last Shot)

Tonight the Battlefords North Stars roll into Humboldt to wrap up their pre-season. So far the Stars have a record of 1-4-0-1 and no doubt would love to wrap up end on a high note. At this point I don't have lineups for either team, but I'm going to do my best to preview this game from a North Star's position battle stand-point.

Who's Up Front:

The Stars have quite a few question-marks up front heading into tonight's game. Without naming names, I'm off the opinion that 10 players can be considered 'locks' while six forwards are left auditioning for only three or four spots. Last night on the Sports Fix, Ken Pearson stressed that this game tonight will be the last chance for certain players to make an impression. I anticipate that a lot of the bubble players will be given every opportunity to make an impression. The goal-scorers need to score, the grinders need to grind and the tough guys need to answer the bell when asked.

Who's on D:

Defensively the Stars have four locks on 'D' with four others auditioning for three spots. I would anticipate that Humboldt will be icing a lot of their regulars, so the defense will certainly be under the microscope tonight. Justin Buzzeo, Spencer Braaten and a slough of other talented forwards could make life difficult for the Stars tonight.

Who's in Goal:

Garrett Montour will likely get the start tonight for the Stars. Ken Pearson said last night on the Sports Fix that the Stars have appealed Kyle Birch's suspension, but I have yet to receive any new information.

X-Factor:

In a situation like this, it's almost impossible to pick one specific player so instead I'm going with the collective group of defencemen. In order to win tonight, the defense needs to play a simple, responsible and physical game. If not, Garrett Montour will be in for a busy night.

Catch the broadcast tonight live from Humboldt starting at 7:15 with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show. The game starts at 7:30 and you can catch all of the action on 1050 CJNB/ 102.3 FM CJNS or www.cjnb.com.