The final preseason test for the Prince George Cougars will take place tonight, and the opponent needs no introduction. The Kamloops Blazers are the defending BC Division champs, and a team that the Cougars met 10 times during the 2011-2012 regular season. Though tonight’s results means next to nothing in the grand scheme of things, one can’t ignore the importance of this game from a confidence stand-point for both teams.

Overview:

Guy Charron’s Kamloops Blazers head into tonight’s contest as one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the WHL preseason. The Blazers are 4-0-0-0 and have outscored their opposition 21-13 in the process. They’re last game was September 7^th against Vancouver, where they came back from a 4-1 deficit to defeat Vancouver 5-4 in overtime.

Who’s Up Front:

19-year-old forward JC Lipon heads into tonight’s game in a three-way tie for the WHL preseason scoring lead. After breaking out last season with 65 points in 69 games, Lipon has managed seven points in just three preseason games so far. Kamloops has a lot of offensive depth, and Lipon is just one of several potent offensive players that can do some damage if given the opportunity. Keeping Lipon and his linemates silenced will be a big key for the Cougars tonight.

Who’s on D:

No one specific Kamloops defenceman has put up staggering offensive numbers so far in the preseason, but that’s not to say that they don’t boast an impressive group of defencemen. 19-year-old Tyler Hanson and 18-year-old Brady Gaudet are a +4 and a +5 respectively so far in the preseason, and both are hoping that a year more of experience will make a big difference. Add the likes of Austin Madaisky, Marek Hrbas, Landon Cross and Josh Connolly and the Blazers blueline provides a little bit of everything.

Who’s in Goal:

After an impressive 2011-2012 campaign, big things are expected from 19-year-old netminder Cole Cheveldave. So far in the preseason, Cheveldave has two victories with 2.89 goals against average and an .898 save percentage. His backup will be Taran Kozun who has also posted two preseason victories, and has a 3.50 goals against and an .870 save percentage.

X-Factor:

The duo of Colin Smith and Tim Bozon combined for 26 points in 10 games against the Prince George Cougars in 2011-2012. These two will likely figure prominently into the Blazers offensive plans again this season, and it will be key for the Cougars to keep them in check as best as possible tonight.

Overview:

The Prince George Cougars are 3-1-0-0 heading into tonight’s tilt with Kamloops. They have scored 15 goals while only surrendering eight in their four previous games. They’ve received timely offense, consistent goaltending, and steady production at both ends from the defense. All they need now is that final boost of confidence, and that would certainly be obtained with a victory against Kamloops on the road tonight.

Who’s Up Front:

Perhaps what’s been most impressive about the Prince George Cougars offense in the preseason is that it has been vastly spread out. No player has scored more than twice, and 21 players have recorded at least a point through four preseason games. Tonight though it will be up to the veterans to make their mark offensively. The trio Troy Bourke, Daulton Siwak and Jari Erricson provided the Cougars with their lone goal during Saturday’s matchup with Edmonton, and those three veterans will be looked upon again to provide offense for the Cougars.

Who’s on D:

Collectively the Prince George Cougars defense has been a major bright spot so far in the preseason. With the exception of Saturday’s matchup with Edmonton, the Cougars have done a dandy job of keeping shots-on-goal at a manageable total, and things should continue to improve as these defenders get more comfortable together. Tonight’s game will be another big test against a skilled Kamloops offense, but this defensive group has shown that they can rise to the occasion when called upon. Eight goals against in four games is nothing to scoff at.

Who’s in Goal:

Either way the Cougars have to feel confident about their goaltending heading into tonight’s game. Both of Devon Fordyce’s victories last season came against the Kamloops Blazers. Fordyce was 2-0-0-0 with a 1.72 goals against average and a .949 save percentage in three appearances against Kamloops. Meanwhile Brett Zarowny still leads the WHL with three preseason victories.

X-Factor:

The Prince George Cougars will need to play a defensively sound game if they hope to secure victory tonight. Veterans Dan Gibb and Dallas Ehrhardt will likely see a ton of ice-time against the top Kamloops forwards, and the absence of Rinalds Rosinskis (suspension) puts even more of an onus on Gibb and Ehrhardt to use their size, and their experience to their advantage. If the veterans lead by example, the younger players are sure to follow. A big game from the two 20-year-old defencemen could mean great things for the Prince George Cougars tonight in Kamloops.