Saturday, September 18, 2010

Stars - Klippers Preview.

Tonight the Battlefords North Stars host the Kindersley Klippers at the Civic Center. Here is a preview for tonight's matchup:



Record: 0-0-0-0

Who's Up Front:

The Kindersley Klippers boast one of the best lines in the entire SJHL. The trio of Andrew Dommett, Braedon Adamyk and John Calkins are always tough to stop. Dommett in particular has haunted the North Stars in recent years. Dommett scored his first SJHL goal against the Stars back on January 4th, 2009 and has since continued to produce against the Black and White. The Kindersley captain scored 36 goals last year, and is easily a favorite to lead the league again this season. If the Stars want to win tonight - They'll need to contain Dommett and his linemates.


Who's on D:

Kurt Leedahl and Jonothan Sonntag provide the Klippers with a reliable defensive presence on the back-end. Leedahl will see lots of power-play time, and Sonntag is a big-body who will no doubt see a lot of minutes against some of the Star's big-guns. Another defenceman who I've always liked is Sean Flanagan. He's a year older, a year wiser, and could be due for a breakout season.


Who's in Goal:

Larry Wintoneak has a ton of confidence in 20-year-old Scott Hellyer, and tonight we'll see what Hellyer is all about. A strong performance from Hellyer would go a long way not only help Kindersley win, but also to silence some early critics from around the SJHL.


X-Factor:

Tonight's X-Factor for the Kindersley Klippers is 20-year-old forward Sanfred King. King has battled injuries throughout his Junior career, but when healthy he provides the Klippers with another solid offensive option. A solid game from King, and the Klippers may very well be 1-0 to start the season.




Record: 0-0-0-0

Who's Up Front:

Say what you will about Dommett,Calkins, and Adamyk - The Stars have a strong trio of their own which is destined for big things this year. Brett Miller and Blake Tatchell will play alongside newcomer Colin Phaneuf. These three developed a ton of chemistry during the pre-season, and Kindersley's defence will have a tough time containing them tonight. A strong game from the above three will put the Stars in a great spot to win this game.


Who's on D:

Woody Klassen, Cody Folstad and Jacob Chiblow are steady and consistent. From there it's a bit of an unknown for the Star's blueline. Cade Kimery, Zack MacLellan, Dakota Johnson, Taylor Egan and Myles Baptiste will all get their chance over the next few games to show that they belong. Tonight I look to a guy like Jacob Chiblow to come in and make his presence known. Chiblow played with a lot of aggressiveness, and is a good puck-mover. If Chiblow can elevate his game the Stars should be okay defensively.

Who's in Goal:

Alexandre Sirard is the unlikely starter for the Battlefords North Stars in tonight's game. Sirard was acquired in the middle of this week, and will be thrust into the spotlight tonight. The ultimate key for Sirard will be to keep things simple. He's 19 and has experience in both the WHL and SJHL. Who knows? A couple of good outings from Sirard will certainly complicate the goaltending matters moving forward for the Stars.


X-Factor:

Josh Daley and Shay Neufeld are two 20-year-olds that could be poised for a big game. Neufeld had a tough time scoring during the pre-season, but his play has improved tremendously. Daley owned the Kindersley Klippers last year - Especially at home. If Neufeld and Daley can find some chemistry together and score a goal or two, the Stars could very well be on their way to a 1-0 start to the season.


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Tonight's game will be broadcast live on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15 with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show. Make sure you check back tomorrow morning for a game recap and some photos.

Enjoy the game tonight.

2 comments:

Josh said...

Good work Dan. Who did they bring in to back up Sirard?

Saskgolf said...

Lets get it on, I heard 94 Tyler Cockburn is backing up siard tonight. Kid worked for me great kid excited for him.