GAME PREVIEW; Feb. 5/17 – SSM @ NB

For the third consecutive game this month, the Hounds are on the road.  Today they will be trying to get back on the winning track following a 5-2 setback last night in Sudbury.

This game sees the Hounds complete the road portion of their season series with the North Bay Battalion and face the quick turnaround while heading into the Gateway City for OHL action.

Of note, it’s been the road team winning in the previous meetings between the two teams.

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (34-13-2-1, 71 points)
@ North Bay Battalion (19-26-3-1, 42 points)

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Unlike their series with Sudbury, the Greyhounds and North Bay Battalion only meet four times each Ontario Hockey League season.
Twice at the Essar Centre, and twice at North Bay Memorial Gardens.

Tonight is their 3rd meeting of the season.  Here’s how the previous two contests have ended;

W 6-1, Nov. 24 @NB
After holding leads through both the first (1-0) and second (3-0) periods, the Hounds oustcored North Bay 3-1 in the final period in victory;  Hounds held North Bay to just 20 shots;  Boris Katchouk led the offensive charge with 2 goals and 1 assist
(Boxscore)

L 2-4, Oct. 8 @ SSM
Teams skated through a scoreless first period before Barrett Hayton (2) scored the lone goal of the second period;  North Bay would score 4 in the third period, including a pair by Brett McKenzie to defeat the Hounds 4-2;  Hounds were 0-for-7 on PP
(Boxscore)

ROLLER COASTER OF WINS AND LOSSES
Over the last ten (10) games it has been a roller coaster for the Greyhounds.

Since January 11 at Sudbury the Hounds have mounted wins and losses evenly over the past 10 games.
A loss following a win in succession.

That has left the Hounds with a 5-4-0-1 record in their last 10 games.

ON THE MEND
Injuries may be the top storyline for the Battalion this 2016-17 season.

Starting right in between the crease out, North Bay has been plagued with injuries all season long that has resulted in numerous call-ups getting a taste of OHL action.

Heading into this week Riley Bruce (shoulder ailment), Cam Dineen (underwent knee surgery in December), Brady Lyle (recovering from gash on right leg), Eric Allair (sore back) and G Mat Woroniuk (knee injury) all are questionable today and into the immediate future by all reports.

TOP 3 IN SCORING
GREYHOUNDS
• Bobby MacIntyre (20-42-62); 5 GWG
• Boris Katchouk (23-19-42);  5SHG
• Morgan Frost (15-27-42);  16 PP Pts

BATTALION
• Brett McKenzie (23-29-52);  213 SOG
• Steve Harland (21-27-48);  4GWG
• Adam Thilander (4-22-26);  15 PP Pts

BORN IN THE ‘BAY
A trio of the Battalion are playing in their hometown in North Bay.

Defenceman Brady Lyle, Eric Allair and forward Brett Hargrave are all from the community on the shores of Lake Nipissing.

FOLLOWING THE HOUNDS
We would like thank the members of the fan bus who have followed the Hounds through this trip in Northern Ontario.

Your support of the club away from home is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

RADIO/TV
The Rock 101 pre-game show with Gerry Liscumb Jr. begins starting at 1:30 PM.  You can hear the action by tuning your FM dial to 101.3 or listen online HERE.

OHL BOXSCORE
For all the stats throughout the game check out the OHL boxscore HERE.

MUIO’S PREDICTOR CHALLENGE
Don’t forget to take part in tonight’s “Muio’s Predictor Challenge”.

Tweet us who you predict to score the Hounds first goal for a chance to win a $10 Muio’s Restaurant gift card.  #muios

Photo by James Egan Photography