Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663
Game day thread: Calgary @ Wheat Kings, 7:00 PM
10/7/2009 at 12:00 PM
Calgary Hitmen (5-1-0-0, T-1st in Eastern Conference)
Top scorers: Brandon Kozun (2+9=11), Tyler Fiddler (5+4=9), Misha Fisenko (1+5=6), Ian Schultz (3+2=5), Michael Stone (1+4=5), Matt MacKenzie (0+5=5)
Top scoring defenceman: Stone (1+4=5), MacKenzie (0+5=5)
Probable starting goalie: Starter Martin Jones (3-0-0, 2.59 GAA, 0.902 save pct) I believe has been injured. If he's healthy, obviously he'll get the call. If not, it'll be Michael Snider (2-1-0, 2.35 GAA, 0.908 save pct). Has anyone heard anything more on Jones' status?
Manitobans: Cody Gross (Winnipeg), John Lawrence (Newdale), Michael Stone (Winnipeg)
Brandon Wheat Kings (4-2-0-0, T-3rd in Eastern Conference)
Top scorers: Scott Glennie (3+3=6), Jay Fehr (2+4=6), Aaron Lewadniuk (1+4=5), Colby Robak (1+4=5)
Top scoring defenceman: Robak (1+4=5)
Probable starting goaltender: Andrew Hayes (4-2-0, 2.00 GAA, 0.929 save pct). Hayes has started all six, this probably wouldn't be the game for Rimmer to make his debut. Perhaps Friday against Kootenay.
The Wheat Kings get their first crack at the Hitmen since last year's Eastern Conference final series. While Calgary has lost a few key players, their good start would indicate that they haven't lost a beat...... making this game a good measuring stick for the Wheaties.
Word is that Finnish import Toni Rajala will be making his debut tonight after missing training camp and the start of the season with a knee injury. Has been practicing on a line with Matt Calvert and Brayden Schenn.
Not to jinx him, but I think Andrew Hayes might be trying to become the first WHL goalie to record five shutouts in six games? Where's Stats Inc when you need them?
I'll have scratches and lineups approx a half hour before game time, along with a few pics after the game. Would be great to hear others' thoughts on the matchup, pre and post-game.