So at this stage of the game, it’s safe to say that there are very few (if any) remaining secrets between the Prince George Cougars and the Kelowna Rockets. Tonight in Kelowna, the Cougars will face the Rockets for a third consecutive game, and for the fourth time since October 19th. The Cougars are still winless against the Rockets, but have put forth three decent efforts against them. Now as the Cougars get set to kick off a three game road trip with three games in three night,s a strong effort tonight is essential as the Cougars look to climb the Western Conference ladder.

OVERVIEW:

Ryan Huska’s Kelowna Rockets are really starting to hit a groove. They have won five consecutive games, and are tops in the B.C. Division with a record of 12-2-0-2. Earlier this week they beat Red Deer 6-2, and are starting to break away from the pack in the B.C. Division.

WHO’S UP FRONT:

With 18 points in 16 games, third year forward Tyson Baillie continues to provide the Kelowna Rockets with steady and dependable offense. The draft-eligible forward has three goals in three games against the Cougars this season, and he is one of the many offensive weapons that the Cougars will need to keep contained this evening.

WHO’S ON D:

Defensively the Rockets are led by two of the best in the WHL in Damon Severson (New Jersey Devils second round pick) and Madison Bowey (Washington Capitals second round pick). Both are averaging more than a point-per-game through 16 games, and both are used in all situations for the Rockets. Madison Bowey was particularly impressive last weekend in Prince George as he was named a star in both games.

WHO’S IN GOAL:

Last weekend the Cougars got a glimpse of both Jackson Whistle and Jordan Cooke. Whistle was strong turning aside 29 of the 30 shots he faced while Cooke struggled in the Friday game but still managed to earn the shootout victory. Will Ryan Huska use both goaltenders this weekend with the Edmonton Oil Kings looming tomorrow night?

X-FACTOR:

Dating back to last season, the Kelowna Rockets have only lost six times at home since the start of the 2012-2013 season. That type of success is practically unheard of in this day and age, but Ryan Huska’s group really takes pride in their preparation, and their ability to put forth a good showing on home ice regularly. Can the Cougars buck that trend tonight? I twill take a strong 60-minute effort and then some to do so.

OVERVIEW:

Despite the fact that the Cougars have lost five straight games, they have earned points in three of those five and are managing to scrap and claw their way to points even if theiir record suggests some struggles. Tonight the Cougars begin a tough stretch of three games in three nights against three B.C. Division rivals. Can we call this a measuring stick weekend for the Cougars? Absolutely we can.

WHO’S UP FRONT:

Tonight in Kelowna, 20-year-old forward Todd Fiddler makes his Prince George Cougars debut. The product of Meadow Lake, SK scored 42 goals last season with Spokane and will be looking to recapture that offensive success that had eluded him so far this season with the Moose Jaw Warriors. The Cougars are going to give Fiddler every possible opportunity to succeed in the early stages and tonight Fiddler will no doubt be wanting to make a strong early impression with his teammates against a tough Kelowna Rockets team.

WHO’S ON D:

If the Cougars want to start their road trip off on the right foot they are going to need a strong defensive effort from all 20 skaters. But on the back end it will be key for the Cougars to avoid turnovers and block shots whenever possible. The Rockets are a team that thrives off of the rush, and if you give them two-on-ones and three-on-twos you aren’t going to win many of those battles. Strong and simple will be the keys to the Cougars defensive success tonight.

WHO’S IN GOAL:

Ty Edmonds has struggled in recent games while Brett Zarowny is starting to show some signs of confidence after two back-to-back strong outings. Whoever gets the nod in goal tonight might have to make 35-40 saves and steal a game. It takes that kind of goaltending in this building to win. Both are capable, now which goaltender will rise to the occasion?

X-FACTOR:

It goes without saying that the power play will once again be a deciding factor in tonight’s game. Will Todd Fiddler’s addition help spark a power play that sits dead last in the WHL? Will the Cougars be able to build off a game where they killed all five of Kelowna’s power play chances? Special teams will be a major factor tonight, and hopefully the Cougars can begin to improve both areas.