Record: 16-8-0-1
Overview:
The Humboldt Broncos are coming off a mixed weekend. Friday night at home, the Broncos beat Estevan 9-4 at home, but followed that up with a 3-2 loss to Flin Flon on Saturday. The Broncos now only hold a one-point lead on La Ronge in the Bauer Conference, and are only two points ahead of Melfort as well.
Who's Up Front:
The Killer B's of Humboldt have established themselves as the toughest, most consistent line in the entire SJHL. Justin Buzzeo (45 points) and Jeremy Boyer (37) points are one and three respectively in the SJHL Scoring Race. Spencer Braaten has 27 points in 25 games, and has complimented Boyer and Buzzeo exceptionally well since joining that line on a full-time basis. As these three go, the Broncos seem to go. A big night from these three tonight would go along way in helping Humboldt win.
Who's on D:
18-year-old defenceman Josh Roach has tallied 23 points on the season, and is the undisputed offensive-leader of Humboldt's blue-line. Roach is steady at both ends of the ice, and will likely log a lot of ice-time against the Star's top players. The rest of Humboldt's 'D' are not overly intimidating offensively, but they boast some solid defensive options with Gabe Minville, Kenton Valliant and Tanner Clark.
Who's in Goal:
Hard to say who Dean Brockman will chose to go with tonight. Andrew Bodnarchuk is the clear number one, and has a solid record of 10-5-0-1. The 18-year-old Matt Hyrnkiw is 6-3 and gives Brockman a solid backup option. So far in three games, Bodnarchuk has played them all for Humboldt against the Stars.
X-Factor:
Former North Star forward Ward Szucki will play his first game at the North Battleford Civic Center since a summer trade sent him to Estevan. Szucki has solid sophomore season in the SJHL and has 17-points through 20 games.
Record: 11-13-1-1
Overview:
The Battlefords North Stars had a four game winning streak come to an end Sunday at the hands of the Flin Flon Bombers. Tonight the Stars welcome the Broncos for the second time this season.
Who's Up Front:
Keith Grondin is the SJHL Player of the Week and has four goals in his last four games. Grondin has thrived all season playing alongside Colin Phaneuf, and Blake Tatchell and these three will need to be at their best tonight against one of the top teams in the SJHL. This came may ultimately come down to Grondin's line vs. Buzzeo's line and which can bring the better effort.
Who's on D:
Woody Klassen now leads all SJHL defenceman in scoring with 24 points in 26 games. Klassen will be charged with playing a physical, and dependable game against Humboldt. A few big checks from Woody Klassen would go along way in helping the Stars find success. It would also help the crowd get into it.
Who's in Goal:
Graham Hildebrand started Sunday against Flin Flon and lost. Meaning my money is on Kyle Birch tonight. Birch has won his last two games, and will no doubt want another shot at Humboldt after a tough outing on the 23rd of October. Ken Pearson may opt to go with Hildebrand though, who beat Humboldt in Humboldt earlier in the season, and was dominant in doing so.
X-Factor:
Defensively the Stars cannot afford to make mistakes tonight. Ken Pearson said that Saturday's win against Weyburn was the team's best defensive effort of the year. They'll need to draw on the strengths of that game, and bring a similar effort. If the Stars can keep the Bronco's top guns off the score sheet, they stand an excellent chance to win the game. If defensive miscues are made, then a victory becomes a lot tougher.
No comments:
Post a Comment