Who’s Up Front:
The Kamloops Blazers have several weapons up front even with Brendan Ranford serving a three-game suspension. Chase Schaber, Jordan DePape and Colin Smith are all dangerous and gifted, and will need to be watched carefully. Last season Chase Schaber tallied eight points against the Prince George Cougars in seven games played.
Who’s on D:
Defensively the Kamloops Blazers can be dangerous at both ends of the ice. Austin Madaisky is coming off a season where he missed 17-games, and no doubt he’ll be looking to lead the charge from the back-end. Madaisky tallied 27 points in 55 games last season for Kamloops.
Who’s in Goal:
19-year-old Cam Lanigan appears to be getting the call for Kamloops tonight. Lanigan went 7-17-1-0 last season. Lanigan has earned this shot in goal through hard work in practice. It’ll up to the Cougars forwards to pepper him with shots early and often in order to find success.
X-Factor:
16-year-old forward Matthew Needham led all Kamloops scoreers with seven points in three preseason games. He was particularly good on September 16th in Prince George when he tallied two goals and two assists. The Cats will need to take away his time and space and make sure he earns every inch of ice out there.
Who’s Up Front:
With Brett Connolly still at NHL Camp in Tampa Bay, the number one offensive weapon in Prince George is 19-year-old forward Charles Inglis. Inglis had 32 goals and 60 points last season as an 18-year-old, and has high expectations of himself and his team this season. As a 19-year-old, Inglis also has the opportunity to serve as a calming influence to some of the younger Cougars who may be dealing with some nerves right now.
Who’s on D:
Collectively the Prince George Cougars D-Core is ready to go. 20-year-old Cody Carlson is no stranger to this type of scenario, and he’ll be looked upon to play big minutes, and key situations for Prince George. The Cougars got plenty of offense from the Defense during the pre-seasoin, and they are hoping that the likes of Linden Springer, Shane Pilling and Josh Smith can continue to supply offense now that points are truly up for grabs.
Who’s in Goal:
The Prince George Cougars will likely be leaning on the 20-year-old Drew Owsley to start the regular season. Owsley went 36-17-2 last season with the Tri City Americans, and his confidence and experience will also be key for success in tonight’s game. If Owsley can make the first save, and his defense can take care of the rest, the Cats have a great shot at starting the season 1-0 on the road.
X-Factor:
17-year-old Troy Bourke is entering his draft-year and is looking to build on an impressive 2010-2011 campaign which saw him tally 19 goals and 42 points. Bourke plays with great poise and maturity, and if he can contribute offensively tonight, the Cats will likely find themselves in contention for the victory.
Game time 7:00, and you can hear all of the action live on 99.3 The Drive.
1 comment:
Hi Dan,
Your dad introduced us at the 2007 Memorial Cup.
Caught your call of the 3rd period tonight (Giants game on mute). Loved the call on the huge Owsley save...really caught the moment.
Being from the North Coast always had a soft spot for the Cougs. But with my Nephew playing for the Spruce Kings this season, Going to be following PG hockey a little more close than in the past.
Keep up the good work!
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