GAME PREVIEW: Petes Host Rival Generals Looking for Fourth Win in Five Games
The Peterborough Petes kick off trade deadline week by hosting the biggest rivalry in junior hockey as the Oshawa Generals come to the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The Petes are coming off of an impressive 3-1 week to open up the second half of the OHL season. Last week saw the Petes win two on the road against the Generals and Owen Sound Attack, one at home against the Kingston Frontenacs, before falling in a shootout in Guelph on Sunday. This big week pushed Peterborough into ninth in the OHL power rankings, the highest that they’ve been in almost two seasons.
Tonight, Peterborough hosts the Oshawa Generals for their fifth matchup of the season (third at the PMC). So far this year, the Petes hold the advantage in the season series, having won three of the first four matchups. Peterborough will look to get off to a good start this week against a struggling Generals team that is 1-7-1-1 in their last 10 and currently sit 20th in the OHL.
All eyes will be on Petes leading scorer Adam Novotný tonight, as he is expected to make his return to the lineup after missing almost a month at the World Junior Championships in Minnesota. Novotný and Czechia had an impressive showing at the tournament, winning a silver medal. There will be two new faces in the lineup tonight for Peterborough, as newly acquired defenceman Garrett Frazer and forward Brett Hammond are expected to make their Petes debuts. Both players were acquired from the Erie Otters yesterday in exchange for Blake Gowan and three picks.
The Generals come into the game led by Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Owen Griffin. Griffin leads the Generals in points this season with 34 in 35 games. Fans will also want to keep an eye on Peterborough native Lucas Moore. The overage defenceman has been solid on the back end for the Generals since being acquired from the Bulldogs earlier this season and always seems to make a big impact when playing against his hometown team.
Puck drop for tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Limited tickets are still available by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours. The game will also be broadcast live on YourTV Peterborough, Freq 90.5., and Flo Hockey.
