Game Preview: Charlottetown Islanders Set for Battle with Saint John
The Charlottetown Islanders are gearing up for a crucial matchup on Friday night as they face off against their long-time Maritime rivals, the Saint John Sea Dogs. Both teams will be hungry for an early-season win, but the Isles will be especially determined to assert themselves after a challenging first few games.
G Nicolas Ruccia is slated to get the start between the pipes for the Isles. With Ruccia anchoring the defense, the Islanders will look to build from the back and turn strong goaltending into offensive opportunities.
A significant boost for the Islanders comes with the return of D Marcus Kearsey from the Detroit Red Wings Training Camp. Our Captain’s presence will undoubtedly make an impact as he adds leadership, skill, and experience to the blue line. Kearsey’s return should help solidify the defense and create more transition play, something the team will look to capitalize on against Saint John.
The Isles will be without F Nathan Leek, who is serving the final game of his suspension from last season. Meanwhile, F Logan Biser remains sidelined as he continues to recover from ankle surgery at home in Ontario.
Last season, the Islanders won the regular season series vs. the Sea Dogs with a 5-2-1 record, showing they were the better team throughout the year. However, the recent preseason tells a different story, with the Isles going 1-3 against Saint John. Charlottetown has started the year 0-1-1, including a tough shootout loss to the Halifax Mooseheads on our home opener. While Saint John lost 5-2 to Halifax in their opening game of the season.
The Sea Dogs are expected to have some added firepower with the return of Tyler Peddle and Eriks Mateiko from NHL Training Camps. Expect a hard-fought battle as Charlottetown looks to put an early stamp on the season and reassert their dominance over their Maritime rivals.
