Today’s Gameday Preview: Wednesday January 9th, 2018

DUBNetwork Feature Game of the Night: Hitmen @ Warriors 7 PM CST

In an all Eastern Conference match-up on trade deadline eve, the Calgary Hitmen head east to take on Tim Hunter and the Moose Jaw Warriors in their third meeting of the season.

CALGARY, AB – JANUARY 1, 2019: The Calgary Hitmen won 6-3 against the Victoria Royals at Monday’s New Year’s Day game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (Photo by Candice Ward/Calgary Hitmen)

The Calgary Hitmen (19-16-3-1) are riding a four game winning streak and are starting to creep up on the struggling Red Deer Rebels for third in the Central Division. The Hitmen have been on fire of late, outscoring their opponents 19-9 over their winning streak. It has been a full team effort with no top scoring players really taking the spotlight. Calgary could be a dangerous club come playoff time in March. James Malm, Jake Kryski, and Mark Kastelic are players to watch any time they take the ice. Don’t expect Calgary to be selling come trade deadline day. The Hitmen have won both games handily against Moose Jaw this season, outscoring the Warriors 10-2 over two meetings.

Josh Brook-Marc Smith/DiscoverMooseJaw Photo

The Moose Jaw Warriors (21-9-5-1) have been playing some good hockey of late, recently beating the notorious Prince Albert Raiders. The Warriors have not been good against Calgary this season, and have only notched two goals in two games. Although the Warriors last game was a 6-0 loss against Portland, that was the first time this season that the Warriors were shutout. Josh Brook has already made an offensive statement coming back from the World Juniors, as he had three assists in his first game back on January 4th against Prince Albert. All in all, barring a blockbuster trade, having him back on the blue line adds a lot of meat and potatoes if you will to the Moose Jaw lineup.

Who to watch:

  • Josh Brook (MJ) 9G, 27A- Had three assists in his first game back from WJC vs. PA on January 4th, 2019.
  • Bryce Bader (CGY) 4G, 0A- The 2001-born rookie has three goals in his last three games, has only played ten games this season.

Goalies:

  • Brodan Salmond (MJ) 2.715 GAA, .906 SV%- Riding his best season to date in the WHL, has allowed two goals in each of his last two starts.
  • Jack McNaughton (CGY) 3.238 GAA, .889 SV%- Rookie goaltender has allowed three goals in each of his last three starts.

Other Wednesday Action:

Seattle Thunderbirds (12-21-4-0) @ PA Raiders (35-4-0-1)

  • Seattle is 2-7-1-0 in their last ten, fell 4-3 to Saskatoon last night.

Portland Winterhawks (24-11-3-2) @ Regina Pats (12-27-1-1)

  • Portland is on a five game winning streak, Joachim Blichfeld has 11 points in his last five games.

Red Deer Rebels (22-13-2-1) @ Swift Current Broncos (8-28-2-1)

  • Red Deer leads the season series 3-0, Swift Current playing tonight after dealing starting goalie Joel Hofer to Portland earlier today.

Kootenay Ice (8-27-6-1) @ Lethbridge Hurricanes (21-10-4-4)

  • Kootenay is on a 0-6-1-0 run, have already lost to Lethbridge three times this season.

Everett Silvertips (31-8-1-1) @ Kelowna Rockets (17-18-3-1)

  • In their only other game this season, Everett doubled up Kelowna 2-1 back on November 24th.

Prince George Cougars (14-21-1-2) @ Spokane Chiefs (22-13-2-2)

  • Both teams have won back-to-back games, Spokane shut out PG 4-0 in one previous meeting this season on November 28th.

Kamloops Blazers (15-19-2-1) @ Victoria Royals (20-15-1-0)

  • Victoria back at home for the first time in almost a month.