Record: 11-20-1-3 (Sixth in Sherwood Conference)
Overview:
The Hounds are coming off a 4-0 loss in Kindersley last night. The Hounds are 1-8-1-0 in their last 10 games. They are eight points back of Melville for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Sherwood conference. If they want to get back into the hunt, the wins need to start coming fast. Could tonight be the night?
Who's Up Front:
The Hounds don't score a lot of goals, but they definitely have enough talent to keep opposing teams guessing. Todd Christian leads the team with 16 goals, and is now their leader in points as well with Trevor Cameron no longer with the team. Christian will need to get some offensive help from the likes of Patrick Thompson-Gale and David Lerner for the Hounds to be successful.
Who's on D:
Defensively the Hounds are solid. They are proud of their defensive identity, and can really frustrate teams with their tenaciousness on the back-end. They are led by 19-year-old defenceman James Howden. Howden is second in team scoring with 25 points, and is considered by many (myself included) to be one of the top defenceman in the entire SJHL. Howden will quarterback the Hound's power-play and will provide Kevin White with quality minutes.
Who's In Goal:
Russell Abbott got the start last night in Kindersley, so that might mean that it's Matthew Smidt's turn. Smidt is 4-9-1 with a save percentage of .852. Abbott is 7-12-2 and has a percentage of .901.
X-Factor:
The Hound's powerplay has been an extremely effective tool for them in two games against the North Stars. If the Hounds can get their powerplay clicking again, the Stars might be in trouble. The Hound's are ranked 11th on the man-advantage firing at a percentage of .171
Record: 17-20-1-1 (Fifth in the Bauer Conference)
Overview:
The Battlefords North Stars have yet to play a game in 2011. They are coming off a 5-2 exhibition loss to the Under 17 Swedish National Team, but prior to that have won their last two games. They beat Flin Flon and Nipawin before their holiday break, and currently hold a four-point cushion for themselves ahead of Nipawin. Heading into tonight's action the Stars are tied with the Flin Flon Bombers for points, but Flin Flon stays in fourth because of their two games in hand.
Who's Up Front:
Samuel Fortier is hoping that 2011 can bring more of the same success that 2010 did. Fortier scored three times against Nipawin during the Star's recent victory, and has found a ton of success playing alongside Blake Tatchell. But then again, who hasn't? If Fortier continues to shoot the puck, he'll continue to get results. It's that simple.
Who's on D:
20-year-old defenceman Cody Folstad was the best North Star on the ice Monday against the Swedes. He was physical, moved the puck well and showed little to no signs of rust. It will be important for Folstad to establish himself physically tonight against a gritty Hounds team. A strong night from Folstad in his own zone would be a blessing for the Stars tonight.
Who's in Goal:
Both Kyle Birch and Graham Hildebrand got some time against the Swedes, and both played well all things considered. As far as tonight is concerned, my assumption would be Kyle Brich given the fact that he's won his last two starts. I don't have any confirmation on this though.
X-Factor:
North Star's forward Kieth Grondin is due for a breakout game. Grondin hasn't scored since the SJHL Showcase, and is now tied for the team-lead in goals with Blake Tatchell. It's not that he's not playing well, in fact Grondin's play away from the puck has greatly improved in recent games, and it's only a matter of time before Grondin starts clicking with Kyle Hall and Colin Phaneuf.
Tonight's game can be heard live on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15.
5 comments:
Go Canada!
Dan, remember me saying on here that I was told from a reliable source that the stars could see Muench???? Read this buddy....
http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/slapshots/default.aspx
Do we keep him or do we trade him away??
Thanks for the tip pal.
I hope we keep him, and I hope he reports. Dane is one of the most talented kids I've seen play in this league and could make our team 'that much better.'
Too bad he has the worst attitude that you can imagine.
Will bring this team down in no time.
Muench is good on the power play, terrible defensive zone and not that noticeable 5on5. Pouts and will bring team down. Needs more then this to be a good hockey player. Poor decision by Pearson jf he comes back.
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