For the first and only time during the 2012-2013 regular season, the Prince George Cougars will face the 2013 Memorial Cup hosts, the Saskatoon Blades tonight at the CN Centre. Last season the Cougars were 0-1 against the Blades dropping a 4-1 score in Saskatoon on the 5^th of October, 2011.

Overview:

The Saskatoon Blades head into tonight’s game with an overall record of 8-10-0-1.They are current ranked fifth in the Eastern Division, though they only trail Regina by two points, and they hold three games in hand. The Blades are 6-3-0-1 in their last 10 games.

Who’s Up Front:

With 17 goals in 19 games, Saskatoon Blades forward Josh Nicholls is tied with JC Lipon for first in the WHL in goals scored (17). Nicholls has scored 31 percent of the goals for the Blades this season, and will certainly be a player that the Cougars are going to have to pay close attention too.

Who’s on D:

Defensively the Blades are led by Colorado Avalanche first-rounder Duncan Siemens. Siemens is not exactly lighting the world on fire offensively, but he’s got all of the tools to be a game-changer. The 6’4”, 209 pound rear-guard recently represented Canada at the WHL-Russia Subway Series, and will certainly receive ample ice time in tonight’s game for the Blades.

Who’s in Goal:

Andrey Makarov stood on his head two nights ago during the 2012 Subway Series in Vancouver and was a difference maker again last night leading Russia to victory. Makarov has been a real workhorse for the Blades this season having played in all 19 games at some point this season for Saskatoon. Makarov has a 3.18 goals against average and a save percentage of .898. Backup Alex Moodie has only appeared in three games so far this season.

X-Factor:

Shane McColgan is a forward that the Cougars are very familiar with given the fact that McColgan has spent the past three seasons as a member of the Kelowna Rockets. So far the shifty forward has recorded 20 points for Saskatoon which is second behind Josh Nicholls, and always seemed to be a factor when Kelowna and Prince George got together. Keeping McColgan silenced will be a big key for Prince George tonight.

Overview:

Dean Clark’s Prince George Cougars are winless in their past five games, but have earned a point in two of those five games. The Cougars 7-10-1-2 record has them fourth in the B.C. Division. They trail Victoria by three points and lead Vancouver by five in the B.C. Division standings.

Who’s Up Front:

With a goal in Sunday’s game in Vancouver, Alex Forsberg has now scored 20 career goals and recorded 50 career points in the Western Hockey League. Forsberg looked strong alongside his linemates Zach Pochiro and Jansen Harkins, and hopefully can use some of that confidence heading into this weekend. A big night from Forsberg offensively would sure help the Cougars tonight.

Who’s on D:

It was great to see Michael Mylchreest return to the lineup last weekend for the Cougars. The 17-year-old sophomore defenceman is a co-leader in plus-minus for the Cougars with a +5 rating through 11 games. Mylchreest is the only right-handed shooting defenceman on the team, and has shown strong versatility being able to play both up front and on defense.

Who’s in Goal:

Mac Engel once again played well enough to win on Sunday when the Cougars fell to Vancouver in the shootout. The 19-year-old has had some  tough luck as of late earning a couple of single points over the past five games, but he continues to battle and give the Cougars valuable minutes. Let’s not forget that Brett Zarowny has earned five of the Cougars seven victories this season, and could be in line for a start this weekend against either Saskatoon or Kamloops.

X-Factor:

Given the long term injury to Cougars captain Brock Hirsche, the Prince George Cougars have found an answer in the form of 20-year-old Ryan Hanes. The Kamloops product will be making his Cougars debut this weekend after playing in 181 games with the Kamloops Blazers. Hanes is a ‘heart and soul’ type of player who fans came to adore in Kamloops, and here’s hoping Hanes can make a strong first impression with the Cougars faithful this weekend against Saskatoon and Kamloops.