DUBNetwork’s Game of the Night: Kamloops Blazers (21-9-2-1) @Kelowna Rockets (18-11-1-2) 7:05pm PST
It’s a battle of the top two teams in the B.C. Division as the holiday break ends and the second half of the season gets underway.
The Rockets are six points back of the Blazers with one game in hand. If they are to make up ground in the B.C., they will need to win more games against the Blazers. Kamloops won the first four meetings between the two and the Rockets took a 4-3 decision the last time out. After this game, they play each other three more times for 10 total matchups.
The Rockets are without a couple of key forwards as Nolan Foote is off scoring in the Czech Republic for Hockey Canada at the U20 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. Dillon Hamaliuk is also out week-to-week with an illness.
Forwards Kyle Topping and Liam Kindree along with defenseman Sean Comrie continue to be out long term.
Conner McDonald has been a big boon to the lineup since he was acquired from the Edmonton Oil Kings. The play-making blueliner was just what the doctor ordered for the Rockets. In his first game with Kelowna, he had three assists. He had 50 points a season ago with Edmonton from the back end. The right-handed power-play quarterback stepped right in and provided a big punch.
McDonald joins recent Vegas Golden Knights signed defenceman Kaedan Korczak to provide a lethal puck-moving blue line for the 2020 Memorial Cup hosts. Their scoring ability should be able to help make up for all the missing offense in the forward group.
Kamloops, meanwhile, got another key forward back from a World Juniors camp in Martin Lang. He was a late deletion from the Czech Republic’s roster. Lang joins Connor Zary who was let go from Hockey Canada’s camp and defenseman Inaki Baragano, who was a late cut from Switzerland’s roster.
The Blazers have an offensive-minded d-man of their own who has been an impact since coming over from an Eastern Conference team. Max Martin has 28 points in 27 games since being dealt by Prince Albert. That puts him second in the WHL in points-per-game with their current team among all blueliners.
Expected goalie matchup:
Dylan Garand (Kamloops): He has posted a 2.40 GAA and 0.919 save percentage so far this season. The only other 2002-born goalie above him in both categories is Edmonton’s Sebastian Cossa.
Roman Basran (Kelowna): After only allowing six goals over six appearances in net, he has allowed four in each of his last three games. What was a question mark going in for the Cup hosts is definitely less of one now with Basran and Cole Schwebius playing well. However, the pressure to be an elite WHL goalie will be on as the trade deadline nears.
Others in action:
Regina Pats @Moose Jaw Warriors 7 pm CST
-Moose Jaw has been spiraling a bit as of late. They have just one win in their last 10 games. A home-and-home sweep of the Pats would help them turn things around going into 2020.
Medicine Hat Tigers @Swift Current Broncos 7 pm CST
-The Broncos have dropped nine in a row. The Tigers have been scalding hot one night and not so much the next. They are six points behind Edmonton with two games in hand.
Saskatoon Blades @Prince Albert Raiders 7 pm CST
-This match kicks off an important home-and-home set, especially for the Blades. They are six points behind Winnipeg for home-ice advantage in the first round.
Winnipeg ICE @Brandon Wheat Kings 7:30 pm CST
-The two teams engage in another Battle of Manitoba. Brandon has won four of six so far.
Calgary Hitmen @Lethbridge Hurricanes 7 pm MST
-The ‘Canes have played well despite missing three key goal scorers. D-man Alex Cotton is a key reason why as he leads all blueliners in scoring with 37 points.
Edmonton Oil Kings @ Red Deer Rebels 7 pm MST
-It’s Sebastian Cossa‘s crease now with Ian Scott leaving for personal reasons. The young netminder has been stellar this season. A statement performance in Red Deer may be in the making here.
Portland Winterhawks @Tri-City Americans 7:05 pm PST
-The Americans have won just once in their last 13 games. They get Portland and a home-and-home with the rival Spokane Chiefs to end 2019. With Seattle gaining on them for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference, they need some points.
Vancouver Giants @Victoria Royals 7:05 pm PST
-A team that has not lived up to expectations this season takes on one that is exceeding them. Victoria sits four points clear of Vancouver right now with two games in hand.
Prince George Cougars @ Everett Silvertips 7:35 pm PST
-This game features a matchup of the top team in the Western Conference and the team sitting in the 10 spot currently. After playing well but losing all four to the other top U.S. team, a good effort on the road in Everett against Keegan Karki and the ‘Tips might spark a turnaround.
Spokane Chiefs @ Seattle Thunderbirds 7:35 pm PST
-The Chiefs have won all four so far against the Thunderbirds. Three of those wins have come this month.
