Tonight at the CN Centre, the Prince George Cougars wrap up the month of October with a home showdown against the Brandon Wheat Kings. Tonight’s game marks the lone time this (regular) season that these teams will face each other.

Overview:

The Brandon Wheat Kings are at the tail-end of a two-week road trip that has seen them play six games up to this point. Last night in Kamloops the Wheat Kings were defeated 8-1 by the Blazers. After a result like that, you know that the Wheat Kings are going to be extra motivated to end this road-swing on the right note. They come into the game tonight with a record of 7-6-2-0.

Who’s Up Front:

Second year import forward Alessio Bertaggia leads the Wheat Kings with 10 goals and 18 points through 15 games this season. Bertaggia had 24 goals and 50 points last season in his rookie year, and looks well on his way to eclipsing that mark in year two in the WHL.

Who’s on D:

Cougars fans are going to get a glimpse of one of the top defensive prospects for the 2013 NHL Entry draft in Ryan Pulock. The third-year Brandon defender comes into tonight’s game with seven goals, 18 points and is a +7 on the season. Pulock will likely see a ton of big minutes tonight for  Brandon.

Who’s in Goal:

Both  Brandon goaltenders saw some action last night in Kamloops. Corbin Boes played 15 minutes of action, and surrendered four goals on 14 shots. Backup Curtis Honey stopped 25 of the 29 shots he faced in relief. Both goals have a goals against average of over 4.00 with Boes playing in 12 games and Honey playing in five.

X-Factor:

Former Cougars forward Nick Buonassisi has been one of the most consistent point producers to this point for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Buonassisi has recorded 15 points through 15 games, and will no doubt want to put up some numbers in what could very likely be his final WHL game ever played in Prince George.

Overview:

Dean Clark’s Prince George Cougars come into tonight’s game with a record of 6-7-1-0 through 14 games this season. The Cougars are coming off an impressive 4-2 victory over the Spokane Chiefs on Wednesday, and are hoping to extend their home unbeaten streak to two with a win tonight.

Who’s Up Front:

With points in three straight games, both Alex Forsberg and Troy Bourke may be starting to catch fire for the Cougars. Bourke had two assists in Wednesday’s win over Spokane while Alex Forsberg scored the 2-1 goal which put the Cougars ahead. These two along with Chase Witala had numerous chances Wednesday, and a similar effort from these three tonight could mean good things for the Prince George Cougars.

Who’s on D:

Wednesday’s victory was due in large part to a steady defensive contribution from everybody on the roster, but it was very difficult not to notice Marc McNulty for several right reasons. McNulty scored the game-winner, and showed strong flashes of offensive confidence. He was physical, poised, and looked great alongside Dan Gibb during Wednesday’s win.

Who’s in Goal:

Brett Zarowny earned his fifth win of the season Wednesday against Spokane, which could mean that he gets the call in net tonight. Mac Engel could very well get the nod though, as up until the third period of Tuesday’s game Spokane, he had been brilliant. Either goaltender gives the Cougars a great chance at victory tonight, provided they play to their strengths.

X-Factor:

A big X-Factor tonight for the Cougars will be their start. The Brandon Wheat Kings are at the end of a road-trip, and were humbled in Kamloops last night. If the Cougars can score a couple of quick goals, and establish themselves at home early, it would not bode well for a Brandon club that is likely itching to get  back to Manitoba for a lengthy home-stand. A good start for the Cougars will go a long way towards victory number seven tonight at home.