Stars - Bruins Preview.

Lots of familiar faces on both sides of the ice tonight as the Battlefords North Stars continue their road trip against the Estevan Bruins. The Stars are winners of their last three games, the latest coming last night in Weyburn (6-5). Tonight's meeting between the Stars and Bruins is the first of the season. Last season the Stars went 3-1 against Estevan.

ESTEVAN BRUINS:

Record: 6-4 (Third in the Sherwood Conference)

Who's Up Front:

At the top of Estevan's stat sheet is a player that the Stars and their fans are familiar with. Ryan Andersen is off to a fine start in his 20-year-old season with Estevan. Through 10 games, Andersen has potted seven goals and leads the team outright with 13 points. Andersen has had some help though. Ben Findlay, Kyle Johnson and captain Troy Hunter have all recorded 10 or more points so far this season.

Who's on D:

Defensively the Bruins are led by 20-year-olds Joel Kott and Ty Arris. Kott was acquired earlier in the season from the Estevan Bruins and has provided Kerry Biette with some quality minutes. Kott's numbers aren't exactly stunning with only a goal and two assists, but anybody who's seen Joel Kott play before knows what he can do. Ariss can do it all. He's tough, he's smart, and he's got an offensive edge. Ariss leads Estevan's blueline with seven points.

Who's In Goal:

Shea Cooper started last night, meaning Joel Danyluk will likely get teh call in net tonight for the Bruins. Danyluk is 4-2 with a 3.31 Goals Against and has a save percentage of .903. Danyluk is a savvy veteran who has provided Kerry Biette with a reliable option between the pipes. The Stars shooters will be in tough tonight against Danyluk should he be given the start.

X-Factor:

18-year-old forward Dylan Smith has recorded seven points in eight games. He's shifty, has great vision, and is only going to get better. Defensively the Stars are going to have to be on their toes when Smith and his linemates are on the ice.


BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS:


Record: 3-5-1-1 (Eight Points. Sixth in the Bauer Conference.)

Who's Up Front:

The Stars forwards are starting to regain some confidence. The trio of Blake Tatchell, Keith Grondin and Colin Phaneuf were big factors in last night's win against Weyburn, but it also helped that Rob Newton scored twice, and Tony Oak notched his third of the season. Tonight it's the same story. Secondary scoring helps you win on the road.

Who's on D:

Since his arrival in the Battlefords, Ken Pearson has never been shy about making trades. One of his recent acquisitions could prove to be one of the best. It's no coincidence (in my opinion) that since Chris Neurauter arrived the Stars are 3-0. Neurauter has contributed at both ends of the ice, and has earned rave reviews from the coaching staff for his attitude in the dressing room. Neurauter will be jacked up to face his former team tonight, and I can see him being a big factor.

Who's in Goal:

At this point, I haven't yet been told who's starting. Graham Hildebrand has won three in a row, and continues to have the hot hand. Does Ken Pearson give him another go tonight and perhaps play Birch or Sirard tomorrow in Wilcox? Or does he give Birch or Sirard the chance tonight and give Hildebrand a breather? Stay tuned for the latest.

X-Factor:

Shayne Morrissey is due. Now that Keith Grondin is off the schnide offensively, Morrissey now becomes the 'next one' to try and break loose offensively. Morrissey has had a ton of chances in recent games, and has been playing well with linemates Tanner Schwab and Tim Rollins. On a smaller ice surface, these three will be able to use their speed and vision to find one and other. A goal from Morrissey could go along way to help not only his own confidence, but it would also greatly assist the Stars who are in search of their fourth victory in a row.


Tonight's game starts at 7:30. The Sask-Tel Pregame Show fires up at 7:15. Hope you can catch some of the broadcast. We'll chat tonight!