Record: 10-5-2-2
Overview:
The Melfort Mustangs have played two games earlier this week. Both were losses, but both games (Melville and La Ronge) needed extra-time. Darrell Mann's team has earned two points in the last two games. Heading into today's game the Mustangs are only three points behind Humboldt in the Bauer Conference Standings.
Who's Up Front:
Offensively the Mustangs have been lead by the duo of Cole Gibson and Jesse Mireau. Gibson is the head play-maker for Melfort and has 12 assists and eight goals through the first 19 games. Mireau is the finisher. He's notched 13 goals so far this year.
Who's on D:
Sam Gilbert and Lee Christensen are tied for the team lead in defensive scoring with seven points each. Their numbers aren't overwhelming, but what they lack in stats they make up for in sheer dilligence. Darrell Mann's defensive-core is one of the most consistent in the league. Gilbert and Christensen have a lot of help with the likes of Mitch Berg, Bo Lenard and Zack Johnson to help keep things in order.
Who's in Goal:
All signs point to Charles Corsi getting another start for Melfort against the Battlefords. Corsi has looked sharp in every prior meeting between these teams, and he has been the 'glue' that has held Melfort together so far this year. Corsi is 9-3-1-0 with a save percentage of .908 and a GAA of 2.94. Darrell Mann may decide to give Jesse Ehnisz a start. He's 1-2-1 with a save percentage of .905.
X-Factor:
Brody Haygarth is one of the most dangerous forwards in the SJHL when he's on the top of his game. So far Haygarth has tallied 15 points in 16 games and has been another strong option for Darrell Mann's team. It'll be essential for the Stars to keep Haygarth in check if they want to win this afternoon.
Record: 6-10-1-1
Overview:
The North Stars are coming off a 7-1 victory last night over the Nipawin Hawks. Kyle Birch was solid in goal and the Stars continue to get steady offensive production from multiple lines. Defensively the Stars were better, but still not up to Ken Pearson's standard. Strong defensive play will be key tonight against Melfort.
Who's Up Front:
It was a great bounce-back game for Blake Tatchell, Colin Phaneuf and Keith Grondin. After a tough defensive outing Wednesday in Kindersley, the above three scored a goal each, and were much better defensively.
Who's on D:
Brody Luhning led the charge offensively with two goals and a helper last night for the Stars. Luhning's first of the game was a thing of beauty. The 18-year-old appears to be getting more and more comfortable with life in the SJHL, and that's a scary thought for the opposition. With 15 points in 14 games, it is now safe to say that Luhning is one of the top offensive defenceman in the SJHL right now.
Who's in Goal:
Kyle Birch stopped 33 of 34 pucks last night in a win over Nipawin. But will that be enough to get him a second straight start? With two games in two nights, it's likely that Ken Pearson goes with Graham Hildebrand of Alex Sirard. Time will tell.
X-Factor:
Boyd Wakelin and Tanner Schwab were excellent in last night's game. Both contributed offensively while winning battles for loose pucks and staying responsible defensively. If the Stars want to beat the Mustangs this afternoon, they are going to need similar efforts from the likes of Wakelin, Schwab, Newton, Fortier and Cech.
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