Red Wings - Stars Preview.

The Battlefords North Stars and Weyburn Red Wings will meet for the final time in the regular season tonight in the Battlefords. The Stars are 1-2 against Weyburn this year. The last time they met at the Civic Center was back in September, and it wasn't a memorable game for the Stars as they fell 7-1.



Record: 11-11-0-1

Overview:

Some nights Weyburn is brilliant. Other nights they battle consistency issues. Last night in Kindersley Weyburn dropped a 4-2 decision.

Who's Up Front:

Drew George is the most dangerous offensive weapon in the Weyburn arsenal. The 19-year-old has tallied 23 points in just 16 games. George recently returned from Penticton after a fourth place finish with Canada West in the World Junior A Challenge. Keeping George off the score sheet will be key for the Stars.

Who's on D:

TJ Wees is the top offensive option from Weyburn's back-end. Wees has 11 points (all assists) so far this season. Weyburn's defence may lack finish, but they certainly don't lack size. Dwight McMillan's blueline play a smart, team game and can be very difficult to beat down low. If the Red Wings get an early lead, it could be a long night for the Stars forwards.

Who's in Goal:

Mitch Kilgore was excellent for Weyburn the last time the Stars faced the Red Wings. Kilgore's numbers are impressive: 8-7-1 with a 2.91 GAA and a .902 save percentage. When he's on his game, Weyburn is extremely difficult to beat.

X-Factor:

Coltyn Sanderson may be the mid-season favourite for Rookie of the Year. Sanderson leads Weyburn in scoring with 24 points in 22 games. He's big, moves fast, and has a lot of confidence with the puck.



Record: 10-12-1-1

Overview:

A win tonight for the Stars would give them their longest winning streak of the season. The Stars have won their last three with the latest victory coming Thursday night at home against Estevan. The Stars would no doubt love to hand it to Weyburn tonight given the result of their last meeting at the Civic Center.

Who's Up Front:

Heading into tonight's game Colin Phaneuf and Blake Tatchell are tied for the team lead in scoring with 33 points each. Tatchell is coming off a big night against Estevan where he scored the game winner in overtime. If the trio of Blake Tatchell, Colin Phaneuf and Keith Grondin continue their strong play, it could be a long night for Weyburn.

Who's on D:

The Battlefords North Stars have imrpoved defensively in recent weeks, but they still have some work to do. Offensively speaking the blue-line has been a huge contributor. Woody Klassen has 23 points in 24 games. Brody Luhning has 20 points in 20 games, and Chris Neurauter has 17 points in 18 games.

Who's in Goal:

A tough decision for Ken Pearson to make given the fact that both Graham Hildebrand and Kyle Birch have won their last starts. Does he throw a curve-ball and start Alex Sirard? Or does he keep riding Kyle Birch and/or Graham Hildebrand. My money is on the latter option.

X-Factor:

The Star's grinders will need to play well tonight. Weyburn's defence can definitely hold their own in the defensive-zone, and if the Stars want to win they'll need to be the quicker, hungrier team. I look at Tony Oak to have a breakout game tonight.