Record: 12-16-3-1
Overview:
Doug Johnson's team has won five in a row. The latest was 5-2 win last night against Estevan. They're winning at home, on the road, and are finally starting to gel together after a difficult start to the year. Nipawin can beat you with goaltending, with defence, and with timely offense and the Stars can by no means take the Hawks lightly tonight.
Who's Up Front:
The Nipawin Hawks can thank forward Jonothan Ceci for their turnaround. Ceci and linemate Mathew Spafford have been on-fire for Nipawin over their five-game winning streak. Ceci was named the SJHL Player of the Week last week for his contributions, and got off to a great start this week with two goals and a helper in last night's game against Estevan.
Who's on D:
What's even more impressive about Nipawin's streak of wins is the fact that they've been doing so without six regular defenceman in the lineup. Until last night, Doug Johnson was using four defenceman per game. One player who has really stepped up in recent games is Hawk's captain Brant Remenda. The Nipawin product bleeds Hawk's colors according to his coach, and will never wow you offensively, but his play in his own end speaks for itself. Remenda will log a lot of time against the Star's top players tonight, and will have to be effective in order for Nipawin to land win number six.
Who's in Goal:
A tough decision for Doug Johnson tonight. Brody Hoffman won last night's game against Estevan, meaning it could be Stephen Klein's turn tonight against the Stars. Both have factored heavily into Nipawin's latest streak, so either way you can't go wrong.
X-Factor:
So much of the talk of late has been about Jonothan Ceci and Mathew Spafford, but Tyler Paslawski has really come on as of late. He skates with Spafford and Ceci on the Nipawin top-line and can burn you if you're not aware of his ability. Keeping Paslawski, Spafford and Ceci off the score-sheet is crucial tonight for the Stars at home.
Record: 16-20-1-1
Overview:
The Battlefords North Stars are coming off a 6-4 win at home Thursday against Flin Flon. Blake Tatchell had two goals, and Kyle Birch made 42 saves in net for his team. The Stars are playing 'better' hockey as of late, but it hasn't neccessarily shown it in the win-loss column. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
Who's Up Front:
Blake Tatchell regained the team lead in scoring with his 19th and 20th goals of the season Thursday. Tatchell now sits at the 50 point mark this season, and is truly enjoying a 'breakout' year in the SJHL. It's strange to think that Tatchell is having this type of success, given the fact that he's been playing with different linemates for the past week or so. He started with Keith Grondin and Colin Phaneuf, and lately has been playing with Samuel Fortier and Tanner Schwab. Bad news for Nipawin, because it doesn't matter who Tatchell is on the ice with, he's known to be effective.
Who's on D:
Defensively the Battlefords North Stars cannot underestimate the Nipawin Hawks. Mathew Spafford, Jon Ceci and Tyler Paslawski are playing as good or better than most top-lines in the SJHL right now. The Stars need to keep things simple in their own end, avoid allowing Nipawin to have odd-man rushes and they need to protect the front of their net. Cris Neurauter is my pick to have a spirited, breakout style of game tonight for the Stars.
Who's in Goal:
After a gastly start to the season, Birch has now moved his overall record to 8-9 on the year. Given his victory Thursday, it seems logical that Kyle gets the call tonight against Nipawin, assuming Ken Pearson goes with the "win and you're in" philosophy.
X-Factor:
Colin Phaneuf had a nine-game scoring streak snapped Thursday against the Bombers, and will no doubt want to start a new streak tonight against Nipawin. Phaneuf has been everything as advertised and then some for the Stars this year, and has provided not just offense, but some grit, heart and character too. A goal or two from Phaneuf could go a long way for the Stars in creating some separation between themselves and Nipawin in the standings.
8 comments:
Good luck tonight. Biggest game of the year.... Go Stars GO...
Must be kidding! It is only Nipawin and the game is at The Civic Centre. Smells like blow out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nipiwan is on a 5 game winning streak beating top contenders in all of those games, it will be a tough game for the stars tonight. not a blow out
Anyone on the team could have a 9 game point streak if they approached the ref for extra undeserved assists night after night. Tatchell should be leading the team by 10+ pts by now.
Like I said, a BLOW OUT!!!!!!! It was only the Hawks, Big Dreamers!
Great game tonight. I thought the defence played great tonight. Tatchell is sooooo good. Fortier was a real find. Hes got a heck of a shot. His second goal, I thought was going to tear a hole through the net. Take a few weeks off, mend up all the bruises and come back in the second half and do what we know the stars can do. I like the makeup of this team. Maybe 1 more defenceman and I think we could make a run.
First period i thought i was watching old timer hockey.But second and third they picked it up .Anyone hear anything about any trades? Rumour has it three twenty year old players going to be traded.Any truth to that?
I loved Klassen's goal from the point. That was a very entertaining game. Nipawin has become a pretty feisty bunch but the Stars showed a lot of confidence in the 2nd & 3rd periods. It looks as though Birch has his swager back. It's pretty impressive that he has gone 9 - 3 since his 0 - 6 start. Merry Christmas fellas. Enjoy your time with family and friends and come back with lunch box in hand.
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