Record: 16-24-3-1
Overview:
The Hawks are currently on the outside looking in on the Bauer Conference playoff picture. They trail the Flin Flon Bombers by six points, and have played one more game then they have this year. After a victory in the Battlefords Tuesday, the Hawks were beaten in Kindersley the next night.
Who's Up Front:
Rookie forward Eli Lichtenwald has my vote to be a Rookie of the Year Finalist. The towering forward now leads Nipawin in scoring with 19 goals and 36 points. For a big-bodied forward he skates well, and has a pretty good shot as well. Lichtenwald had a goal and an assist for the Hawks in their 4-2 win in the Battlefords Tuesday.
Who's on D:
The Nipawin Hawks have gone through a TON of defenceman this season. Now that Brant Remenda has departed, a good chunk of the big minutes will fall onto the lap of Scott Bollefor. Bollefor is probably the most seasoned defenceman on Nipawin's blueline at this time. Add the likes of Dallas Jorgenson and Jeff Datoff to the fold and Doug Johnson has some young, albeit inexperienced blueliners that will make you pay at both ends if you take them lightly.
Who's in Goal:
Brody Hoffman beat the Battlefords on Tuesday, and would be my choice to get the call tonight at home. None the less, Doug Johnson may decide to go with Stephen Klein instead. Hoffman is 12-18-1 with a save percentage of .893 and a goals against average of 3.86. Klein is 4-9 with a percentage of .873 and a goals against of 4.16.
X-Factor:
When Mathew Spafford was dealt to Dauphin one of the returning pieces was forward Jeremy Peeke. Peeke has four points in six games since joining the Hawks and has speed and skill to burn. The Stars need to be aware of when Peeke is on the ice, because one would think he'll be given every opportunity tonight to lead his team offensively.
Record: 21-23-1-1
Overview:
The Battlefords North Stars are coming off a 5-4 victory at home over Estevan. Offensively the Stars got contributions from numerous different sources, and after two periods of inconsistent defence, they pulled it together in the third and played well with a one-goal lead. Tonight they hope for a measure of revenge against Nipawin who beat them 4-2 at home Tuesday.
Who's Up Front:
Cole Gibson has goals in two straight games for the Stars and really seemed to thrive on a line with Tim Rollins and Tanner Schwab. Gibson's speed, skill and smarts were all on display Thursday against Estevan, and the Stars are hoping for a similar performance tonight at the Cage.
Who's on D:
Boyd Wakelin is starting to look more and more comfortable on the back-end for the Stars. Given the absense of Brody Luhning and Lance Tabin, Wakelin has stepped in admirably on the blueline and earned a third-star selection Thursday for his goal and strong defensive play. Wakelin provides Ken Pearson with an honest effort every night, and tonight will be no exception.
Who's in Goal:
Graham Hildebrand beat Estevan, which means he'll likely get a crack at Nipawin tonight.
X-Factor:
The Battlefords North Stars need to out-muscle the Nipawin Hawks. The road has not been too friendly to the Stars this season, and if they want to find success they'll need to take the body, and dictate the play rather than answering the call. Mitch Galbraith, Tony Oak and Robbie Newton played very well together Thursday against Estevan, and these three are the guys I'm looking too tonight to set the tone physically, and if they can start cycling the puck and wearing down the Hawk's D, it could be a long night for Doug Johnson's club.
Puck drop: 7:30 from the Cage in Nipawin. I'll have the call for you starting at 7:15 with the Sasktel Pregame Show.
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