Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Game Day Preview: Blizzard vs Swan Valley

Round 4 of 8.

The first two rounds scored 5-3, 3-0 in OCN's favour, the third the Stampeders jumped out hard from their corner to score a 6-3.

Round 4 goes tonight at the GLMC and the Blizzard will have the advantage of playing at home.

The last time these two teams met was on Saturday, Swan won 6-3 at home in a chippy, sloppy hockey game.

Neither team played exceptionally well, many turnovers, broken plays etc...

TJ Constant and Colton Magwood fought off the opening draws. Two other fights took place in that game.

Blizzard players and staff felt Magwood was taking runs at OCN's players and was unwilling to answer the Blizzard players challenge to a fight after his original tilt as he had his wrist wrapped up.

The Blizzard are going to look to set the tone and avenge what they felt happened in Swan last weekend right from the opening faceoff.

Tonight should be a very entertaining affair. For OCN they need to take care of things in the first minute or two of the game then get back to their skating and skilled game, that's how they win.

All the Blizzard players who were suspended for Saturday's game in Swan are allowed to play tonight, that means Lathlin, Kavanaugh, Cameron and Brady Constant are eligible.

How They Matchup:

Record:

OCN: 12-4-1 / 25pts
SWAN: 8-5-1 / 17pts

Goals For:

OCN: 57
SWAN: 52


Goals Against:

OCN: 42
SWAN: 50

Goal Differential:

OCN:  +15
SWAN: +2

Power Play:

OCN:  6/67 - 8.96% (11th)
SWAN: 11/67 - 16.42% (8th)

Penalty Kill:

OCN: 85/98 - 86.73% (1st)
SWAN: 73/82 - 85.48% (3rd)

Top Scorer:

OCN: Tyler Grove (6G, 10A, 17GP)
SWAN: Dylan Reimer (9G, 8A, 14GP)

The Stampeders have a new/old face with the team. TJ Fairall has returned to the club and played his first game last night with the Stamps, Fairall was held off the score sheet. Fairall will add some punch to the Stamps offense as he scored 29 goals and added 23 assists in 62 games last season with Swan Valley.

Injury Update:

Tyler Grove (Hip Injury - Day- to- day) - Out for tonight's game as his hip is still tender, expected to return to the lineup Friday vs Portage.

Taylor Santorelli (Fractured Rib - 6-8 weeks) - It was originally thought that Santorelli would be day to day with a back injury, but after continued pain and no progression Santorellis was sent for x-rays where it was discovered he's actually fractured the highest rib on his rib cage just under the clavicle. He is expected to be out 6-8 weeks.

Thomas Ward-Cardinal (High Ankle Sprain - Day-to-day) Out for tonight's game, but began riding the bike last week and will begin practicing tomorrow. Should be ready to return to action sometime next week. At this point the injury can't get any worse, all depends on Ward-Cardinals pain tolerance.

Puck drop is at 7PM. Game will NOT be broadcast tonight. Our next broadcast is Saturday as Neepawa rolls into town.


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