Overview:
Heading into tonight’s game, the Kamloops Blazers boast the top record in the B.C. Division. They are 47-19-2-3 and are 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games. They are guaranteed to finish second in the Western Conference, and will either be facing Seattle or Victoria in the first round of the playoffs.
Who’s Up Front:
The most dangerous offensive weapon in the Blazers lineup last night was 20-year-old forward Brandon Herrod. Herrod scored once and added three assists. He along with his linemates Brendan Ranford and Jordan DePape combined for 10 points against the Cougars during yesterday’s victory.
Who’s on D:
With an assist in last night’s game, Blazers defenceman (and Columbus draft-pick) Austin Madaisky became the eighth player this season to reach the 50-point mark for Kamloops. Madaisky has scored 11 power play goals and is arguably the Blazers most reliable defenceman at both ends of the ice.
Who’s in Goal:
The Kamloops Blazers got great goaltending once again from Cole Cheveldave, who improved his record to 6-0-0-0 this season against Prince George with the win last night. Given last night’s result, it would seem unlikely that Cheveldave would go again for Kamloops, but Guy Charron may very well choose to play the hot hand in his team’s final regular season game.
X-Factor:
The Kamloops power play went three-for-five in last night’s game and showed just how lethal it can be. The Cougars will need to be more mindful of this tonight, and will need to do their best to stay disciplined and play as much five-on-five hockey as possible.
Overview:
Last night’s result is no doubt a disappointing one for the Cougars who had their playoff hopes erased with their loss and Seattle’s victory, but it’s important for this young group to keep their head held high. It’s important to keep in mind that this Cougars group went to battle many nights with as many as seven or eight 95-born players in the lineup. Sure there have been some tough lessons along the way, but you can’t help but note the improvement in all of these players. While this season might be viewed by many as a disappointment, it may also be viewed (a year or two down the road) as an important development year for a future playoff powerhouse.
Who’s Up Front:
Tonight’s game will be the last one for 20-year-old forward Spencer Asuchak. The Kamloops, B.C. product comes into tonight with 16 goals and 34 points this season, and has 93 career points in 223 games played. His speed, size and hustle were all huge factors in allowing him to play 223 games in the Western Hockey League.
Who’s on D:
Cougars defenceman Cody Carlson will also be suiting up for his final WHL game tonight against Kamloops. The Victoria, B.C. native will finish first on the Cougars in scoring for defencemen, and comes into tonight’s game with 39 points this season to go with 135 points for his career. Cody Carlson is the only Cougar to (likely) play in all 72 games this season. His shot-blocking, timely offense and leadership will long be remembered by the Cougars faithful.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley’s remarkable WHL career will sadly come to an end after tonight’s game with Kamloops. Drew Owsley has done everything asked of him this season, and has provided this team with so much hustle and heart over the course of the season. He comes into tonight with 98 career victories (22 as a Cougar) and you know that he’ll do everything in his power to end his career on a winning note.
X-Factor:
The Prince George Cougars will need to dig deep. They have a chance to end their season in a winning note in front of their home fans. Collectively the Cougars will need to come together and put their best foot forward not only for themselves, but for the three over-agers (Asuchak, Carlson, and Owsley) who will be playing in their final games in the WHL.
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