Record: 14-6-1-1 (Second In Sherwood Conference)
Overview:
The Estevan Bruins have won two straight. Last night in Kindersley the Bruins beat the Klippers 5-4 in regulation. Ben Findlay scored with a second remaining in the third to seal the deal for Estevan. They are a team without a notable weakness. They have strong goaltending, consistent D and a group of forwards that can come at you in waves.
Who's Up Front:
Former North Star Ryan Andersen will be playing his first game at the North Battleford Civic Center since the January 9th trade that sent him to Estevan. Andersen shares the SJHL lead in goals with 20. He also has 14 assists which puts him fourth overall in the SJHL's scoring race behind Justin Buzzeo, Doug Lindensmith and Marc Andre Carre. Ryan Andersen will no doubt be extra jacked up for tonight's game given the fact that he's playing in his old barn.
Who's on D:
Ty Arris had a big night for Estevan against Kindersley last night. He scored twice, and will be looked to again tonight to provide Kerry Biette with some big-time minutes. Combine Arris with the likes of Joel Kot, Brent Rock, Dominic Perrault, Tyler Spencer and Lucas Stubel and you've got a pretty impressive group of defencemen.
Who's in Goal:
Joel Danyluk is 2-0 against the Stars this season, so he would be my pick. But Kerry Biette may opt to dress Shea Cooper based on the fact that Estevan heads to Humboldt tomorrow for a battle with the Broncos.
X-Factor:
Two other former North Stars are no doubt excited for tonight's game. Dominic Perrault and Justin Waskewitch will also be back at the Civic Center for the first time since being dealt down south. Waskewitch is enjoying a fine season offensively, while Perrault has helped supply Kerry Biette with some more size and physicality on the back-end. I look for a strong game from both of these former North Stars.
Record: 9-12-1-1 (Fourth in the Bauer Conference)
Overview:
The Stars are coming off a 3-2 victory in Melfort last night. It was the first road victory for the Stars since October 19th. Home has been a different story for the Stars who have won their last three games at the Civic Center.
Who's Up Front:
On November 9th in Estevan the Stars got goals from each line except the line of Blake Tatchell, Keith Grondin and Colin Phaneuf. These three front and center in the North Star's attack last night, and I look for them to be big contributors tonight against Estevan.
Who's on D:
Defensively one through six, the Stars were excellent against Melfort. The Stars did a fine job of taking away passing lanes and did an especially good job of clearing traffic away from Kyle Birch. Offensively Cody Folstad chipped in with his fourth of the year, and the Stars continue to get balanced offensive production from several members of their blueline.
Who's in Goal:
With three games upcoming in the next four nights, it would seem logical that all three would get a game. Kyle Birch beat Estevan last night, so I wouldn't neccessarily expect him to get another start tonight. Does Ken Pearson go with the former Bruin Alex Sirard? Does he give Graham Hildebrand a chance to redeem himself against Estevan after Tuesday's loss? Either way, Stars fans have to feel pretty good about their options.
X-Factor:
Robbie Newton played his best game as a North Star last night. Newton fought, threw his weight around, and even had a few scoring opportunities. The trio of Shayne Morrissey, Boyd Wakelin and Newton will no doubt be looked upon to create some energy tonight against a tough Estevan team.
Tonight's game will be shown live on Access 7 Television starting at 7:15.
2 comments:
Sadly for Bruin fans, both Rock and Perrault are serving suspensions and unable to play in tonight's game...
Does anyone know how to watch the game online?
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