Overview:
Marc Habscheid’s Victoria Royals come into tonight’s game in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. The Royals are 16-30-2-3 through 51 games and are 3-6-0-1 in their last 10. Last night’s game marked the second loss in a row for Victoria.
Who’s Up Front:
The Victoria Royals were led last night by forwards Brandon Magee and Jamie Crooks. Crooks notched his 26th goal of the season while Magee tallied for the 16th time. Both were dangerous throughout the game, and the Cougars will need to make sure that these players are kept in check yet again.
Who’s on D:
When the Royals traded Kevin Sundher to Brandon, one of the pieces they got in return was 18-year-old defenceman Jordan Fransoo. Fransoo is a seventh round pick of the Ottawa Senators and played a strong game last night for Victoria. He moves the puck well, does not shy away from physicality and logged a lot of key minutes for Victoria.
Who’s in Goal:
The Victoria Royals have given the bulk of their starts this season to 19-year-old goaltender Keith Hamilton. Hamilton is 14-25-1-3 this season with a 4.40 goals against average and a save percentage of .876 on the year. Hamilton made some key saves for his team in last night’s game and did his part to keep the game close. His backup is 17-year-old Prince George product Jared Rathjen who is 0-4-1-0 this season.
X-Factor:
Rookie forward Ben Walker was not with the Royals when the Cougars faced them in early October. Walker has good speed, is a great passer and looked very comfortable alongside Jamie Crooks for Victoria. Walker has four goals and 13 assists for Victoria through 23 games.
Overview:
The Prince George Cougars are officially back within striking distance of the Royals for the eighth and final playoff spot. Last night’s victory snapped a five game losing streak, and puts the Cougars only three points back with two games in hand. You know that two more points tonight would help the Cougars confidence as they have two games at home this weekend against Kelowna.
Who’s Up Front:
Forwards Greg Fraser and Daulton Siwak have scored in back-to-back games for the Cougars and were both key to the team’s success last night. Siwak skated with Troy Bourke and Jarrett Fontaine, and used his speed and skill to make plays all game. Fraser’s line was great too, as Chase Witala and Austin Daae were big factors in the team’s success along with Fraser. The Cougars are going to need to rely on their depth again if they want to snag another two points tonight against Victoria.
Who’s on D:
For the first time in his WHL career, Cody Carlson got to play a game in front of his hometown crowd, and Carlson did not disappoint. The Cougars 20-year-old was named the game’s third star even though he was held off of the score sheet. Carlson made smart plays, and brought a physical edge to the table as well. Carlson will need to have a similar game tonight along with fellow veteran defenders Reid Jackson, Ricard Blidstrand and Jesse Forsberg.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley was solid for the Cougars in last night’s victory stopping 30 of the 32 shots he faced. More importantly, Owsley was given the luxury of a lead. When the Cougars lead after two periods they are 11-1-0-0 this season. A lot of that success has to do with Drew Owsley’s confidence when his team is ahead.
X-Factor:
The little things. When the Cougars win faceoffs, block shots, and make smart passes they win. Last night they fort-checked hard, and were able to stick to their game plan and run their systems without too many mistakes. If the Cougars can put forth a similar effort in tonight’s game they’ll have a great shot at being one point back of Victoria when all is said and done tonight.
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