Tonight the Prince George Cougars continue their five-game home stand with their second meeting of the regular season against the Red Deer Rebels. So far this season the Cougars are 1-0 against the Rebels, having posted a 3-1 win in Red Deer on January 20^th. Since then, much has changed for the Cougars, but tonight, the task is no different. A win could move the Cougars within two points of eighth, provided they win, and get a little help along the way.

Overview:

Brent Sutter’s Red Deer Rebels come into tonight’s game with a record of 27-21-4-2. They are 4-4-2-0 in their past 10 games, and hold just a one point lead on Saskatoon for fourth place in the Western Conference standings.

Who’s Up Front:

Rebel’s captain Turner Elson continues to be the straw that stirs the drink offensively for Red Deer. With 18 goals and 40 points, Elson leads his team in scoring, and also provides his team with several intangibles that don’t always appear on the score sheet. Elson is a big-time player, and look for him to play a big part in Red Deer’s attack tonight.

Who’s on D:

One player that Red Deer does have tonight that they didn’t back on January 20^th is Minnesota Wild prospect, Mathew Dumba. The first-rounder was at Minnesota Wild training camp when these teams last met, and without a doubt his presence makes Red Deer a better team. Dumba has 11 goals and 25 points so far this season for Red Deer.

Who’s in Goal:

The Red Deer Rebels boast one of the league’s top netminders in 19-year-old Patrik Bartosak. In 38 games, Bartosak has a record of 21-11-4-0 with two shutouts, a .930 save percentage and a goals-against-average of 2.38. Bartosak took the loss on January 20^th when these teams last met.

X-Factor:

What the Rebels may lack in star-power, they more than make up for it with effort. Brent Sutter’s team with battle tooth-and-nail for every ounce of ice and the Cougars are going to have to be ready to work tonight. The team that works the hardest should ultimately come out on top tonight.

Overview:

Mark Holick’s Prince George Cougars head into tonight’s game with a record of 16-30-2-5. They are still four points back of Seattle for eighth place, with a game still in hand. The Cougars are 3-6-0-1 in their past 10 games.

Who’s Up Front:

With six goals in four games last week, Chase Witala is coming off one of, if not the best weeks of his WHL career. Witala now sits second on the team with 14 goals and 31 points, and has shown flashes of brilliance alongside Troy Bourke and Colin Jacobs. Another big week from Witala would go along way for the Prince George Cougars.

Who’s on D:

Now that Marc McNulty and Jordan Harris are back skating with the team, it could create a bit of a log-jam defensively for Mark Holick’s team moving forward. Marc McNulty hasn’t played since January 20^th in Red Deer, and his size, and skill would be a welcomed re-addition to the Cougars lineup. That said, players like Dallas Ehrhardt have more than made up for McNulty’s offense as of late. Ehrhardt has six points in his past five games.

Who’s in Goal:

Mac Engel is 2-2-1 in his past five games, with a goals-against-average of 2.68, a save percentage if .908, and one shutout. Since Brett Zarowny’s injury, Engel has provided the Cougars with some stable, dependable goaltending, and will look to do so again tonight. Engel made 31 saves against Red Deer back on January 20^th.

X-Factor:

Work ethic. It’s the same X-Factor for the Cougars as it is for Red Deer tonight. Whichever team ultimately decides that they want to work the hardest will likely be rewarded with victory. The Cougars continue to shoot pucks at a rapid pace, and will need to do so again tonight against the likes of Patrik Bartosak. Discipline, defense, and hard work are all major keys to the Cougars success in tonight’s game.