Stars - Broncos Preview.

Record: 8-1

Who's Up Front:

Humboldt boasts three of the top forwards in the entire league, and could be poised for a big game tonight. The 'Killer B' trio of Justin Buzzeo (Player of the Week), Spencer Braaten, and Jeremy Boyer are all capable of taking over a game. The Stars defence will have their hands full if they get the necessary time and space.

Who's on D:

Only one defenceman has more points than the Star's Woody Klassen and that's Humboldt's Josh Roach. Roach has 11 points in nine games and will need to be silenced if the Stars want to win. Roach will no doubt see lots of power-play time. Humboldt's powerplay is ranked fifth with a 25% success rate.

Who's in Goal:

Pick your poison. Matt Hyrnkiw has the best numbers in the SJHL (4-0 1.96 GAA and a .%93), and Andrew Bodnarchuk (4-1, 3.76 GAA and %.877) is the reigning league MVP. Tough call for Dean Brockman to make.

X-Factor:

Former North Star Ward Szucki will be facing his team for the first time since he was dealt to Estevan this past summer. Since joining the Broncos, Szucki has scored twice, and has added two assists in his first four games.



Record: 1-5-1-1

Who's up Front:

If the Stars are going to win, they'll need to be physical and use their size to their advantage. Tony Oak and Brandon Esposito are two forwards that the Stars may lean on heavily tonight to make an impact. Tony Oak scored the first goal of the game for the Stars on Friday and had his best game of the season.

Who's on D:

Chris Neurauter had a solid debut with the Stars. He made safe plays, good passes, and used his strength when neccessary. The Stars need Neurauter to help keep the younger defencemen calm under pressure. I bet he's up to the task. He's also recorded four assists so far this year.

Who's in Goal:

My money is on Graham Hildebrand, but that's because he beat La Ronge on Friday. Maybe Ken Pearson is going to play a hunch, but I doubt it.

X-Factor:

Special teams, plain and simple. The Stars will need to score at least once on the power-play and keep Humboldt in check when they get their opportunities. If the Stars win the special-teams battle, they could very well win the game. Heading into tonight's game the Stars have a %15.9 powerplay (11th) and a %64 penalty-kill (12th).