Game Preview: Storm welcome lethal Otters line-up to the Sleeman Centre
Following a difficult November, the Guelph Storm will look to start December on the right foot as they host the third-ranked team in the CHL, Erie Otters in the annual Holiday Toy Drive night in support of Emma’s Toy Drive.
Click here to purchase tickets to Friday’s game versus the Erie Otters!
For more information on the Holiday Toy Drive in Support of Emma’s Toy Drive, click HERE.
Friday night marks the third installment between divisional foes the Guelph Storm (9-14-2-1, 5th Midwest) and the Erie Otters (19-5-2-0, 2nd Midwest).
The Storm have been a thorn in the side of the Erie Otters pushing both games to past regulation, losing the first game contest 4-3 in the shootout and the second matchup 5-4 in overtime. Guelph will look to build off these games as the try to snap a two-game skid.
At the other end of the rink, the Erie Otters have been one of the leagues hottest teams, winning their past four matches. The Otters are also perfect since the return of Arizona Coyotes first round pick Dylan Strome, in that stretch the Otters average six goals scored per game.
Puck drop is slated for 7:30 PM/
Season Series
Oct 14: Guelph 3 vs Erie 4 SO
Oct 2: Guelph 4 @ Erie 5 OT
Player Watch
- Guelph Storm
One of the Storm’s top performers during the first two matches between the Otters is veteran forward Givani Smith. The Detroit Red Wings prospect has three points in two games against Erie this season and is in the midst of playing some of his best hockey to date. In November Smith earned at least one point in six of 10 games including his first hat-trick of the season. In total, the six-foot-two, 209-pound forward has a team leading 15 goals along with seven assists for 22 points in 23 games.
Another top performer for the Storm when facing is first-year import Albert Michnac. The native of Prague has a goal in each game against the tough Erie team and will look to keep his streak alive when the Otters return to Guelph. Michnac recorded at least one point in five of 10 games in November and has amassed eight goals and six assists for 14 points in 24 games.
Rounding out the Storm trio is sophomore winger Isaac Ratcliffe. The London native recorded 10 points in as many games in November as he continues to put together a strong campaign. Heating up, Ratcliffe has six points over his last five games. The six-foot-six, 195-pound forward has 10 goals and 13 assists for a team leading 23 points in 26 games played this season.
- Erie Otters
The Erie Otters boasts a potent lineup featuring the top two scorers in the OHL, Taylor Raddysh, and Alex DeBrincat. Recently named to the Team Canada World Junior Selection Camp Roster, Raddysh has been a dominant force this season with 23 goals and 32 assists for 55 points in 24 games played. Failing to register a point just once this season, the Caledon native enters Friday night with a six-game point streak. In his two games against Guelph this season, the Tampa Bay Lighting forward has two goals and two assists.
Right behind Raddysh, is Otters’ veteran Alex Debrincat. The Chicago Blackhawks prospect in on pace to surpass his impressive numbers set in his first two seasons in the league. Through 23 games, the five-foot-seven, 170-pound forward has 26 goals and 25 assists for 51 points. DeBrincat has recorded a goal in four straight games and has two goals and an assist in two games against the Storm.
Rounding out the lethal Erie trio is recent returnee Dylan Strome. The 2015 first round pick of the Arizona Coyotes has reassigned to Erie after starting the season with Arizona and he’s wasted no time in putting up numbers in the OHL. In three games since his return, the Mississauga native has three multi-point games registering two goals and eight assists. Recently named to the Team Canada World Junior Selection Camp Roster, Strome has had great success against Guelph registering 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 14 games.
GAME NOTES
- Friday’s game is the third of six meetings between the Storm and the Otters this season.
- The Spirit lead the season series 2-0.
- Friday’s game features Emma’s Toy Drive. For more information, click HERE!
- For tickets call or visit the Storm Box Office in Old Quebec St. Shoppes, (519) 837-9690 or online HERE!
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The 2016-17 Season is proudly presented by RBC.
