PREVIEW: Cougars vs. Silvertips – Preseason Game #4.
Rise and shine! The Prince George Cougars are back at it this morning in Kennewick, WA. The preseason continues for Mark Holick’s team today as they get set for a preseason showdown with the defending US Champs, the Everett Silvertips. These two teams will be meeting again in just over two weeks from now to start the 2015 regular season in Prince George, and this morning’s game should provide Cougars staff and management with a decent glimpse of what’s to come from Kevin Constantine’s club.
EVERETT SILVERTIPS
Overview:
Kevin Constantine’s Everett Silvertips finished atop the US Division last season with 95 points. Their record was 43-20-3-6 and they were 2-2 against the Prince George Cougars. So far in the preseason, Everett is 3-0 and have outscored their opposition 13-7.
Who’s Up Front:
1998-born forward Yan Khomenko was selected 115th overall by the Everett Silvertips in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. In three preseason games, he’s scored three goals and added two assists and leads all Silvertips in preseason scoring. Keeping him contained will be important for a Cougars blueline that will once again be on the younger side today.
Who’s on D:
With stalwarts Noah Juulsen and Kevin Davis attending NHL camps, the Everett Silvertips will also be on the younger side defensively. So far during the preseason 18-year-old defenceman Mackenzie Dwyer has made a strong first impression with his new team. The former Saskatoon Blades prospect spent most of last season with the Portage Terriers of the MJHL, but so far has registered a goal and two assists for Everett in two preseason appearances. He along with veteran Tristan Pfiefer each have three points to lead the Everett defense in scoring.
Who’s in Goal:
Today the Cougars will get a look at 1998-born Carter Hart, who put together a stellar rookie campaign in 2014-15. He finished with an 18-5-2-3 record with a 2.29 goals-against-average and a .915 save percentage. He’s draft eligible in 2016, and helped Canada to a gold medal at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Summer tournament. He’s the likely favorite to start the season as Everett’s number one netminder, though 20-year-old Austin Lotz is bound to have something to say about that.
X-Factor:
On paper the Silvertips have incredible depth in goal, and defensively they should be set which seems to be a pattern for Kevin Constantine coached teams. Offensively the Silvertips always seem to find a way, but as far as commitment to Team Defense is concerned, the Silvertips are right up there with the elite in the league. The Silvertips are especially tough to play against when they have the lead. The first goal of today’s game will be crucial for both sides.
PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS
Overview:
Mark Holick’s Prince George Cougars are playing their second game in less than 24 hours, which already puts them in a tough spot considering how fresh the Silvertips will be. But there’s no room for excuses, and believe me, the Cougars won’t be using any this afternoon. They are 0-2-0-1 and are coming off a hard fought 3-2 loss yesterday to the Portland Winterhawks. There were some definite highs and a few sore spots in last night’s game, but the process continues to get better, and so does the compete level among the Cougars.
Who’s Up Front:
Offensively the Cougars got goals from Zach Goberis and Justin Almeida last night against Portland, and many other forwards were buzzing around the net but just weren’t rewarded for their efforts. Tyler Mrkonjic in particular had a strong game for the Cougars, and Kolby Johnson continues to provide great energy for the team. There are positives across the board and sooner or later this Cougars team is going to bust out offensively.
Who’s on D:
Defensively the Cougars continue to see improvements across the board particularly from the youth. Jonas Harkins has played with a maturity beyond his years, and Joel Lakusta, Max Martin and Luka Zorko have been productive especially considering the enhanced minutes that they have been exposed too. Today the Cougars will have 20-year-old Joe Carvalho back there, and Riley Mohr and Peter Kope are going to get another chance to showcase their strengths. With every opportunity comes another chance to build off of a strong first impression.
Who’s in Goal:
The Cougars are going back to Tavin Grant this afternoon who’s in line for his second start of the preseason and first since last Friday in Kamloops. Grant made some big saves in Kamloops, but struggled early, and today marks a great opportunity for Grant to bounce back and respond positively. Goaltending has been a major strength for the Cougars early in the preseason and today the duo of Tavin Grant and Mack Shields can hopefully carry that positive momentum moving forward. A goalie hasn’t been able to steal a victory for the Cougars yet, but today may very well be that day.
X-Factor:
The biggest key today for the Cougars? Managing energy. Two games in less than 24 hours is not an easy feat, but it’s the reality of the situation. Keep the shifts short, stay disciplined and capitalize on the opportunities when they are provided. If the Cougars can do those things, they are going to give themselves every opportunity to win.
