La Ronge Ice WolvesBig thanks to Ice Wolves PxP man, Daniel Fink, for writing this for me.
Forewards: Marc-Andre Carre hasn't had the scoring impact the Ice Wolves hoped he would. Even with Carre in the lineup, the Wolves have only manufactured seven goals in five games. He played very well against the North Stars last season and could be due for a breakout performance.
Johney Cormier was one of the better Ice Wolves in their loss to Kindersley last night. He created multiple opportunities for his line and almost cashed in on one or two himself. The 19-year old forward from Havre-St. Pierre, Quebec may be on the verge of providing some much needed offence.
Nathan Boyer was the only Ice Wolf to pot a goal against the Klippers and had a strong game. Boyer's speed and work ethic compliment each other very well. Put this with the fact he's playing on the only line that has any length of time together (Graham Smerek, Skyler Hladun) and Boyer can put up points for La Ronge.
Defense: Alex Vandenameele continues the progression he displayed last season as an 18-year old. A very confident defenceman who doesn't let himself get caught in bad situations and has the instincts to get the puck away from danger if the need arises. He also has some very good hand-eye coordination, making it a chore for forwards to get the puck past him.
Matt Weisensel was one of Bob Beatty's most important off season acquisitions. The 20-year old defender from Calgary has already proven to be solid on the back end and is getting better as he adjusts to the SJHL game. Though defensively minded, he's not opposed to taking the puck up on the rush and can create opportunities for the Wolves with his decent foot-speed.
Goalie: Tonight's netminder will likely be Myles Hovdebo after Alex Rajotte got the call in Kindersley. Both have let in seven goals in their previous starts, though the results can hardly be pinned on either netminder. Hovdebo made 31 stops in Humboldt while Rajotte turned away 34 in Kindersley. Bob Beatty is comfortable with his goaltending situation, though I'm sure he'd like to see them being hung out to dry a lot less.
The Wild Card: Jared Iron looks stronger every game after arriving from the Kootenay Ice. He, along with his linemates, Brett McNevin and Brodie Eisbrenner are starting to build some chemistry on a line that can provide momentum for La Ronge as well as some scoring touch.
Defense: Alex Vandenameele continues the progression he displayed last season as an 18-year old. A very confident defenceman who doesn't let himself get caught in bad situations and has the instincts to get the puck away from danger if the need arises. He also has some very good hand-eye coordination, making it a chore for forwards to get the puck past him.
Matt Weisensel was one of Bob Beatty's most important off season acquisitions. The 20-year old defender from Calgary has already proven to be solid on the back end and is getting better as he adjusts to the SJHL game. Though defensively minded, he's not opposed to taking the puck up on the rush and can create opportunities for the Wolves with his decent foot-speed.
Goalie: Tonight's netminder will likely be Myles Hovdebo after Alex Rajotte got the call in Kindersley. Both have let in seven goals in their previous starts, though the results can hardly be pinned on either netminder. Hovdebo made 31 stops in Humboldt while Rajotte turned away 34 in Kindersley. Bob Beatty is comfortable with his goaltending situation, though I'm sure he'd like to see them being hung out to dry a lot less.
The Wild Card: Jared Iron looks stronger every game after arriving from the Kootenay Ice. He, along with his linemates, Brett McNevin and Brodie Eisbrenner are starting to build some chemistry on a line that can provide momentum for La Ronge as well as some scoring touch.
Battlefords North Stars
Up front: The likes of Blake Tatchell and Braeden Johnson are the main forces for the Stars offence, with Tatchell being one of only four 91's on the roster (Wakelin, Prpich and Miller). They need to step up and lead the team if they want a chance at beating a Ice Wolves team coming off a big loss to the Klippers last night.
Defense: Captain Travis Sparrow is the leader of this group now, with Woody Klassen now gone. The pairing of Sparrow and newly sent down Brody Luhning should be a formiable shut down pair against the big guns of La Ronge.
Goalie: One would say Coach Hasselberg would start his vetern, Graham Hildebrand. He hasn't started a game since he was pulled three goals into a 5-1 opening night loss to the Klippers. Connor Creech has looked good in his one start, and youngster Jared Knott can definitely be a one hit wonder.
The Wild Card: Look for rookie Ryne Keller to try and throw a monkey wrench into LA's plans tonight. He has the ability to get his nose dirty, and pot a goal or two as well.
Game time is 7:30pm at the Civic Centre.
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