Game day thread: Saskatoon @ Wheat Kings, 7 PM
3/3/2010 at 9:45 AM
Saskatoon Blades (43-15-3-4, 2nd in Eastern Conference)
Top scorers: Derek Hulak (29+46=75), Walker Wintoneak (23+45=68), Stefan Elliot (23+37=60), Gaelan Patterson (24+29=53)
Top scoring defenceman: Elliot (23+37=60)
Probable starting goaltender: Steven Stanford (26-7-3-1, 2.71 goals against average, 0.901 save percentage)
Full scoring: http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters&subType=16&season_id=234&leagueId=26&lastActive=&singleSeason=&confId=0
Manitobans: Walker Wintoneak (Flin Flon), Charles Inglis (Winnipeg)
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Brandon Wheat Kings (44-18-1-3, 3rd in Eastern Conference)
Top scorers: Matt Calvert (40+43=83), Brayden Schenn (28+55=83), Aaron Lewadniuk (31+45=76), Scott Glennie (28+47=75)
Top scoring defenceman: Colby Robak (14+46=60)
Probable starting goaltender: Jacob De Serres (22-8-1-1 record, 2.93 goals against average, 0.899 save percentage)
Full scoring: http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters
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In terms of regular season matchups, it doesn't get any better than this. The Wheat Kings and Blades, separated by one point for top spot in the East Division, hook up for their final head-to-head matchup of the season... the winner coming out of this game in first heading into the final ten days of the regular season.
Tonight will be what in my opinion marks the first true test of the character of a team that Brandon fans hope will be parading around the Westman Place ice with the Memorial Cup in less than three months time. This is the kind of game you expect your leaders to step up in, and all players on the ice to play at a high level.
Both teams are missing several key regulars due to injury. Saskatoon has been playing without Curtis Hamilton, Jyri Niemi, Teigan Zahn and Curt Gogol. The Wheat Kings have injuries to Ryley Miller, Michael Ferland, Mark Stone, Mark Schneider and Paul Ciarelli. Ferland and Ciarelli have recently practiced with the team, so one or both are due back soon.
The Wheat Kings are 4-2-1 in the season series, however will not be taking the Blades lightly should they get an early lead in this game. Out of the last four head-to-head games, Brandon has held significant early leads of 4-0, 3-1 and 3-0.. the Blades fighting back to at least tie on each occasion.
Scratches and lineups will be posted to this thread approx 45 minutes before game time.
It would be great to hear what people think about the matchup tonight and how you think they'll come out in the end.