Overview:
Heading into tonight’s game, the Kamloops Blazers boast the top record in the B.C. Division. They are 46-19-2-3 and are 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games. They have lost two straight though heading into the weekend.
Who’s Up Front:
The most dangerous offensive weapon in the Blazers lineup is 19-year-old forward Brendan Ranford. Ranford leads the Blazers with 39 goals and 89 points. He’s got 14 power play goals and is a very dynamic player in this league.
Who’s on D:
Austin Madaisky comes into the weekend leading the Blazers with 49 points from the back end. He’s managed 11 goals on the power play, and has proven to be a responsible player in both ends of the ice.
Who’s in Goal:
The Kamloops Blazers have received solid goaltending contributions all season long from the duo of Cole Cheveldave and Cam Lanigan. In 54 games, Cheveldave has put up 33 victories and has a save percentage of .910. His goal against average sits at 2.60 heading into the weekend. His backup Lanigan is 12-7 this season with a save percentage of .892.
X-Factor:
The greatest strength of the Kamloops Blazers is their depth. They have seven players who have all eclipsed the 50-point mark and may soon have eight provided Austin Madaisky gets a point over the next two games. This team gets offense from all four lines and the Cougars will have to be at their best regardless of whom they are up again on the ice.
Overview:
What an impressive stretch it has been lately for Dean Clark and the Cougars. They have won four of their last six altogether, and have managed to keep themselves afloat in the WHL playoff race. The Cougars are 2-6 so far this season against Kamloops, but have shown lately that they can defeat top teams in the WHL.
Who’s Up Front:
Troy Bourke has been Mr. Everything for the Prince George Cougars as of late. The 17-year-old draft eligible forward has 10 points in his past seven games, and leads the Cats in goals (18) and points (56). If the Cougars are to make the playoffs, they’ll need Bourke and his linemates Caleb Belter and Spencer Asuchak to keep the offensive train rolling.
Who’s on D:
Cougars captain Jesse Forsberg scored the biggest goal of the Cougars season to date in overtime on Tuesday. Forsberg has scored five goals now on the season, and of those five, three have been game-winners. Forsberg has been physical, passionate and has been the inspirational leader for the Cougars down the stretch.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley stopped 31 of the 35 shots he faced on Tuesday and was able to score a victory against his former team. Owsley has had his struggles this season against Kamloops, but you know that he’ll be ready to go tonight and will give the Cougars every opportunity possible to win and keep their playoff dreams alive.
X-Factor:
The Prince George Cougars will need to play one of their best games of the season defensively tonight if they want to win. This means shot-blocks, avoiding odd-man rushes against, and simply plays up the ice. If the Cougars can keep the Blazers in check with their defense, the offense will likely be able to get the job done for the Cougars. It should be an exciting night in Kamloops.
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