Stars - Hawks Preview.

After a humbling 8-1 setback last night against La Ronge, the Stars have a chance for some quick redemption. Tonight the Stars visit 'The Cage' in Nipawin for the first time this year, and a big battle with the Hawks awaits. Eight points seperate these teams in the standings, but the Hawks do have four games in hand. A victory for the Stars would no doubt help their confidence heading into Flin Flon tomorrow, and it would also create some more seperation in the division. While not a 'must-win' by any means, tonight's battle in Nipawin should give us a clear idea of where the psyche of this team is at right now.

NIPAWIN HAWKS:

Record: 7-13-3-1

Overview:

Doug Johnson's team is 3-6-0-1 in their last 10. They are coming off a 4-0 loss at home to the Notre Dame Hounds last night, and will no doubt be looking for some measure of vengeance after a lopsided loss to the Stars earlier this month.

Who's Up Front:

20-year-old forward Mathew Spafford is the undisputed offensive leader of the Hawks. He's a great skater, with tremendous vision, and he has the type of talent to win a game on his own. He has 25 points in 24 games and will no doubt be a source of concern for Ken Pearson's team tonight.

Who's on D:

Hawk's D-Man Brant Remenda was named SJHL Defenceman of the Week last week for some strong play in his own end. Remenda has really blossomed as a 20-year-old in this league. Statistically his two-assists don't really speak to his capabilities. Remenda will definitely be a 'go-to guy' for Doug Johnson tonight.

Who's in Goal:

Former Midget AAA Star Brody Hoffman has a record of 7-10-1 and has been a real gamer for the Hawks. Hoffman is a big-bodied netminder who can be extremely difficult to beat when he's on top of his game. The last time he faced the Stars, he didn't get didn't get a lot of help, and was yanked early in the second period in favor of Stephen Klein. I'd expect Hoffman to get the call tonight given the game's importance, but Johnson could very well decide go with Klein, who is still searching for his first win in the SJHL.

X-Factor:

Eli Lichtenwald is having a fine rookie season in Nipawin. He is second in team scoring, and is firing at a point-per-game pace. The 18-year-old is an authentic power-forward who can also skate and read the play very well. He leads the team in goal-scoring with 13. The sky is the limit for him, and the Stars will need to silence him if they want to find success tonight at The Cage.

BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS

Record: 12-14-1-1

Overview:

Very little went right for the North Stars last night in Stanley Mission. They key for Ken Pearson's team tonight? A short memory. Forget about the blowout, and focus on the task at hand. The Stars have still won four of their last six, and given their recent success it is easier to justify last night's performance as simply an off-night.

Who's Up Front:

Colin Phaneuf sat out last night's game after having some dental-work (root canals) done earlier in the week. Ken Pearson said yesterday that Phaneuf 'should' be good to go for tonight and if so, he'll big a welcomed addition to the Stars lineup. Phaneuf is second in team scoring with 35 points and can be a real 'spark-plug' for the Stars when they seem to be lacking emotion. A big night from Phaneuf and his linemates Blake Tatchell and Keith Grondin could go a long way for the Stars on the road tonight.

Who's on D:

I look at tonight's game as a real opportunity for the Star's collective core of defenceman to proove themselves. Anybody who watches this team with regularity knows that the six regular defencemen (when at their best) can play at an extremely high-level. When they veer away from the simple play is when they get into trouble. It all comes down to 'picking one's moments' a little better. I am all for defenceman pinching in and keeping pucks alive in the offensive-zone, but it has to be in the right circumstance. There is not one particular defenceman that I am going to focus on tonight. If they Stars win, it will be thanks to the efforts of all six or seven back there.

Who's in Goal:

After an 8-1 loss last night for Graham Hildebrand, it would make sense that it's Kyle Birch's turn. If it is Birch that gets the nod, he's won his last three starts, and is one win away from a .500 record on the season. Given his struggles at the start of the season, I'd call that a pretty good accomplishment. Birch is 5-6 with an .870 save percentage and a GAA of 4.80.

X-Factor:

The absense of Tony Oak in the lineup has left the Stars lacking in the size department. Tonight it will be important for the likes of Samuel Fortier and Robbie Newton to make their presence known physically. After last week's 3-2 win in Melfort, Blair Atcheynum pointed out that "In his two best games, Robbie has fought." If the Stars can dictate the physical tone of this game, they'll find success. Robbie Newton and Samuel Fortier need to be the two that really initate that tonight.

You can catch tonight's game live on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15 with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show. Talk to you soon!

Any thoughts?