DUBNetwork Feature Game of the Night: October 18, 2019 Spokane Chiefs 4-3-1-0 @ Prince George Cougars 2-5-0-1 7:00PM (PDT)
In a battle of two teams going in opposite directions, the Spokane Chiefs travel north to visit the struggling Prince George Cougars. Both teams are eight games into the season, however only the Chiefs look like a team going in the right direction early on. The Cougars have struggled in their opening eight games, winning only two of those games. One of those wins did come over the visiting Chiefs, one week ago in Spokane though and the Cougars have been a tough team to put away. Forward Connor Bowie led the way that night, with a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win for the Cougars. The Chiefs’ power play has been on fire away from home to start the season, operating at a blazing 26.67%. In the last five years these two teams have played nine games against each other, with Spokane having one extra victory in the series.
Leading the Chiefs has been the play of forward Adam Beckman. Now in his second full season in the WHL with the Chiefs, Beckman has put up 13 points in Spokane’s first eight games. During his rookie season, Beckman registered 62 points, including 32 goals last season. Because of his strong play last year, the Minnesota Wild selected Beckman in the third round of the 2019 NHL entry draft. Beckman’s strong start this season has led him and his teammate Ty Smith, to be selected to play for Team WHL’s for the upcoming 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series, to be played in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, Sask. on Nov. 13 and 14.
Smith, a first-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in the 2018 NHL draft, returns for a second year to the event after being selected last year. The second-year captain has six points in five games so far this season win the Chiefs. Ty missed the Chiefs first three games as he attended the Devils’ training camp. Last season, Smith set a career high in assists with 62, while adding seven goals. Now in his fourth full season in the WHL, all with Spokane, will skate in his 200th career WHL regular season game.
Third year import Filip Kral and Toronto Maple Leafs fifth round draft choice from 2018, is off to fast start this season. Scoring 36 points all of last year, Kral has already produced eight points in eight games. Wanting to add some depth in net the Chiefs acquired goaltender Brett Balas from the Prince Albert Raiders in exchange for a ninth-round pick in the 2023 WHL Bantam Draft this week.
Picking up only one point in their first five games, Prince George is off to a slow start. One contributing factors to Prince George’s struggles has been the play of their penalty kill, especially on home ice. The Cougars have given up five power-play goals in only 15 chances. This is a far contrast to the penalty kill on the road, where Prince George has only given up one goal on 11 chances. Defenceman Cole Moberg, the only drafted player currently on the Cougars’ roster, registered his first assist last game a 4-2 loss to the Tri-City Americans.
Moberg, is coming off a 40 point season a year ago, which also saw him score 13 times. This led the Chicago Blackhawks taking Moberg in the seventh round of the 2019 NHL draft. Fellow defenceman Ryan Schoettler, has led defensively in scoring early on. The overage defenceman, Schoettler is tied for the team lead in points with forward Josh Maser. Both have five. Schoettler set career highs in assists (28) and points (32) last season. Maser, another of the Cougars overage players scored 30 times a year ago. Maser has already scored four times in the Cougars first eight games.
Expected in goal:
- Brett Balas (Spokane) – Balas, after being acquired in trade from Prince Albert early in the week, he will look to make his debut with the Chiefs. This would be Balas’ fourth game of the season, in his three games with the Raiders this season, Brett posted two wins and a 2.96GAA and a .857SAV%.
- Taylor Gauthier (Prince George) – Gauthier, in his third season, is coming off a season where he posted 15 wins in 55 appearances. He also finished with a 3.25 GAA and a .899 SAV%. The Calgary, Alberta native was the Cougars first round draft pick in 2016.
Also in Action:
Moose Jaw Warriors @Calgary Hitmen 7pm MDT
-The Warriors have been outscored 18-5 over their last three games. They now hope to contain Mark Kastelic and the Hitmen offense.
Regina Pats @Lethbridge Hurricanes 7pm MDT
-The Pats are riding a nine game losing streak and take on the team that edged them 5-4 last time out.
Edmonton Oil Kings @Red Deer Rebels 7pm MDT
-The Oil Kings have gotten at least a point in their last seven games. This is already the third game between the two teams with Edmonton winning both so far.
Vancouver Giants @Kamloops Blazers 7pm PDT
–David Tendeck and his league-leading save percentage will be tested by league-leading scorers Connor Zary and Orrin Centazzo.
Swift Current Broncos @Victoria Royals 7:05pm PDT
-The Royals have an injury report of six players. The Broncos will look to take advantage and win their first on their B.C. Division trip.
Tri-City Americans @Everett Silvertips 7:35pm PDT
–Cole Fonstad and his new team started clicking in the third period Wednesday. Beck Warm and Tri-City will look to hold them off and win their second straight this season over the Silvertips.
Brandon Wheat Kings @Seattle Thunderbirds 7:35pm PDT
-The Wheat Kings blew a 2-0 third period lead Wednesday against Everett. They now get the explosive yet inconsistent young Thunderbirds team for their second game on their five game U.S. Division trip.
