Overview:
The Kamloops Blazers share an identical 1-2-1 preseason record with the Prince George Cougars. Kamloops defeated Victoria 4-2 in early September, but have lost their next three games. Kamloops has eight players away at NHL camps and are hoping to bounce back this season after missing the playoffs in 2010-2011.
Who’s Up Front:
17-year-old forward Chase Souto leads the Blazers in preseason scoring. The California product has two goals and five points in four games played. 16-year-old centerman Matt Needham has tallied three points in two games, and is another key cog to the future of Kamloops.
Who’s on D:
18-year-old Mark Hrbas has tallied four assists and is a +3 in four games. The Czech defenceman has registered two of his four assists on the man-advantage. The Cats will have to do their best to take away his time and space while short-handed.
Who’s in Goal:
Cam Lanigan (19), Cole Cheveldave (18) and Taran Kozun (17) are still listed on the Kamloops roster. So far this preseason Cheveldave is 1-1, Kozun is 0-1 and Lanigan has not factored into any decisions to this point.
X-Factor:
Energy. It’s no secret that the Kamloops Blazers will be dressing a smaller roster than usual tonight. Early reports indicate that the Blazers will be dressing only eight forwards. Collectively the Blazers will need to maximize their time on the ice, and keep their shifts short and effective. If they do so, they may find success on the road in Prince George.
Overview:
The Prince George Cougars are coming off a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against the Edmonton Oil Kings on September 10th. Shane Pilling and Troy Bourke scored 56 seconds apart in the third period to seal the Cats first preseason victory. Prince George can even their pre-season record with a win tonight at home.
Who’s Up Front:
Jordan Tkatch still leads the way up front with three points in two games. After Tkatch, there is a long line of players with two points. Alex Forsberg, Troy Bourke, Jake Mykitiuk, Chase Witala and Jarrett Fontaine are all forwards who I know would love to have a big night tonight. For many of the 16-year-olds this might be their last chance to make a positive impression with the coaching staff before the tough decisions are made.
Who’s on D:
The Prince George Cougars are obviously missing the offense provided by Martin Marincin from the back-end, but so far in the preseason they have received more than enough offense from the ‘D.’ Linden Springer has scored twice, Shane Pilling once, and Josh Smith has tallied two assists alongside his 18 penalty-minutes. The Cats will once again hope for some timely offense from the back-end again tonight.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley and Devon Fordyce are the only two goalies remaining for the Prince George Cougars as the preseason nears it’s end. Drew Owsley earned the victory on September 10th against Edmonton and has played very well through 60 minutes of work this preseason. Devon Fordyce has earned the role of backup and it will be interesting to see if Head Coach Dean Clark is going to split their duties tonight, or will he go with one goalie for the full 60 minutes.
X-Factor:
While the added offense from the back-end has been nice, the Cats need more offense from the forwards. I’m sure there will be plenty of emphasis placed on shots on goal, and net-traffic. If the Cougars forwards can stay disciplined, physical and bare-down when they have good chances, they have a great shot at ending the preseason with a 2-2-1 record.
Puck drop is 7:00 PM tonight from CN Centre.
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