Overview:
Ryan Huska’s Kelowna Rockets are starting to turn things around. They’ve picked up points in each of their past four games, and are now just four points behind Victoria in the B.C. Division.
Who’s Up Front:
The Kelowna Rockets are led offensively by 18-year-old Shane McColgan. McColgan has 22 points in 21 games so far this season for the Rockets, but was largely held in check by the Cougars this past weekend. McColgan is especially dangerous on the power play, and is a strong puck-handler with good vision. The Cougars will need to continue to keep McColgan and his linemates in check.
Who’s on D:
Saturday in Prince George it was Colten Martin who stood out to me the most on the back-end. Martin had two assists in the game, and played a very dependable style of game for his team. Offensively the Rockets are led on the back-end by Damon Severson who has 16 points through 22 games.
Who’s in Goal:
Adam Brown continues to roll against the Prince George Cougars. The Rockets 20-year-old netminder played in both games this past weekend with the Cougars and scored both victories. He looked vulnerable on a few occasions, but largely stayed calm and collected. If Brown does not get the go tonight, it will likely be his backup Jordon Cooke who is 1-1-2-1 this season with a 3.27 Goals Against Average and a saver percentage of .904.
X-Factor:
The Kelowna Rockets X-Factor will once again be their power play, which struck in both games this past weekend against Prince George. Overall the Rockets power play ranks 13th in the WHL but it came through when it needed to this past weekend. Shane McColgan and Brett Bulmer are the two key puck movers in the man-advantage, and the Cougars will need to minimize their opportunities.
Overview:
After starting the month of November with a 2-2-0-1 record, the Cougars have slipped some. They’ve dropped five games in a row, and are still four points back of the Seattle Thunderbirds for eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
Who’s Up Front:
Charles Inglis continues to put up points for the Prince George Cougars. The 19-year-old forward is on a three-game point-streak having scored two goals and two assists in that span. His linemates Greg Fraser and Caleb Belter also seem to be benefiting from Inglis’ strong play. The Cougars will need the Inglis line, and the trio of Alex Forsberg, Spencer Asuchak and Troy Bourke to be at their best tonight if they’re going to snap the skid in Kelowna.
Who’s on D:
20-year-old defenceman Cody Carlson continues to contribute offensively to the Cougars attack. Carlson earned an assist last night against Kootenay and is now second overall in team scoring with 14 points in 24 games. Carlson moves the puck really well and has been a dependable shot-blocker and defensive catalyst for Dean Clark this season.
Who’s in Goal:
A difficult decision for Dean Clark tonight due to the fact that Drew Owsley was terrific last night against Kootenay. Owsley stopped 39 of the 42 shots he faced, many of which were highlight-reel saves. Does Dean Clark go back with Owsley who has started the last three games? Or does Devon Fordyce get the call against Kelowna?
X-Factor:
When the Cougars power play scores goals, the Cougars win games. In five of their six victories this season, the Cougars have received at least one power play goal. The power play has looked good in recent games, but it just hasn’t been properly rewarded. Last night it was a short-handed goal by Kootenay which ultimately turned the tide of the game in Kootenay’s favor. If the Cougars can click on the power play tonight, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to snap this streak and head to Seattle with a ‘W.’
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