The month of November continues for the Prince George Cougars who tonight will square off with the Kamloops Blazers for the second time this season. These two teams met just over two weeks ago in Kamloops, where the Blazers earned a hard-fought 2-1 shootout victory.

Overview:

Guy Charron’s Kamloops Blazers head into tonight’s game leading the B.C. Division with a record of 18-5-0-1. Last night at home the defeated the Portland Winterhawks by a 6-4 score, and seem to have regained some of the offensive confidence that had them off to such a hot start earlier this season.

Who’s Up Front:

The Prince George Cougars will once again be faced with the task of keeping JC Lipon, Colin Smith and Tim Bozon silenced up front. Last night all three were huge factors in the victory over Portland, and JC Lipon has now scored 19 times which leads the WHL. The Cougars were excellent against these three last time these teams met, and it’s going to take a similar effort tonight to find success.

Who’s on D:

Tyler Hansen leads the Blazers on the back-end with two goals and 12 points through 19 games. Hansen is also a +11 which is second of all Kamloops defenders behind Sam Grist. Kamloops will be relying on Hansen to log some key minutes and contribute at both ends of the ice.

Who’s in Goal:

The last time these teams met, it was Cole Cheveldave who kept the door closed for Kamloops during the shootout. Cheveldave is the number one goalie for Kamloops and has the stat-line to prove it. Cheveldave heads into tonight with a record of 13-4 while backup Taran Kozun has equally impressive numbers and a 5-1-0-1 record.

X-Factor:

The Kamloops Blazers bring the WHL’s second best power play percentage into tonight’s game. Kamloops is clicking at a 27.8 percent success rate. If they get chances, they will more than likely take advantage, so discipline will again be a major focal point for the Cougars heading into tonight’s contest.

Overview:

The Prince George Cougars continue to play well and lose. Over their past four games, they’ve put forth a good, honest effort in all of them, but just haven’t been rewarded offensively for their efforts. They are 7-11-1-2 and are currently three points ahead of the Vancouver Giants for fourth in the B.C. Division standings.

Who’s Up Front:

The trio of Alex Forsberg, Zach Pochiro and Ryan Hanes found instant chemistry last night, and those three could very well be a factor in tonight’s game. The hustle of Pochiro and Hanes should continue to provide some more space for Alex Forsberg, and when a player like that gets space he can be awfully dangerous with it.

Who’s on D:

Once again, a major key tonight will be for the Cougars ‘as a whole’ to bring a strong defensive effort. The two veteran 20-year-olds Dan Gibb and Dallas Ehrhardt need to lead by example by blocking shots, finishing checks, and making correct decisions with the puck. The Cougars have to like how they looked defensively the last time these teams met, and hopefully it’s a performance that can be replicated.

Who’s in Goal:

Mac Engel started last night against Saskatoon, which means that we could see Brett Zarowny tonight for the Cougars. However Engel played so well for the Cougars when they were in Kamloops last, and Dean Clark may very well want his veteran goaltender to get another crack at the top team in the B.C. Division. Either guy gives the Cougars a great shot at victory.

X-Factor:

The Cougars have now gone six straight games without scoring a power play goal, and that streak needs to start heading in the opposite direction sooner than later. The Cougars are getting good looks on the man advantage, but have simply been unable to finish. If they can find success on the power play tonight, they’ll give themselves every opportunity to win in Kamloops.