The Weekend Ahead and The Week That Was

This week in Huskies Hockey
After playing just 2 games in the first 12 days of the season, the Huskies are in the middle of a busy week in the schedule.
The team beat Dawson Creek Wednesday night in dramatic fashion, with talented blueliner Bret Loney flicking the backhand shot that defeated the Jr. Canucks with just 2 full seconds remaining in regulation.
Above and beyond the midweek action, the Huskies now head out for two games in two nights this weekend agianst the only two teams above them in the standings. The Huskies are 3-0, and face a familiar opponent Friday night in the Dawson Creek Jr. Canucks... This time in their barn. Saturday night doesn't get any easier for the Huskies as the league leading and undefeated Sexsmith Vipers play host to the defending champs. While the weekend ahead provides stiff competition and quite a challenge for the Huskies, conversely the opportunity is also huge for the team. A strong weekend of play and two wins would see the team vaulted into first place in the NWJHL. Should be fun to call! Be sure to tune into the games on Moose FM at 7:45 on Friday and 7:45 Saturday to catch the Pre-game, while the puck drops at the top of the hour.

Who's Hot
Adam Horst has made quite a splash in his second season in the NWJHL, he and linemates Jeff Shipton and Bryce Novak have supplied the vast majority of scoring 3 games into the season. Horst opened the season with back to back hattricks and added 3 assists last night to grab the lead in league scoring. While Adam Horst's point production has been dazzling, In this broadcaster's humble opinion, no player for the Huskies can make as much of an impact as D-man Bret Loney when he is on the ice. Loney seems to be capable in all aspects of the game. He is as gifted offensively as a D-man can be jumping up into the play often and moving the puck well from the point on the powerplay. Loney also is defensively conscious and can play a physical game with his big body. The only knock on Loney thus far this season is his affinity for the penalty box. Loney's presence was visably missed on a 4 on 3 Wednesday night when he was serving a minor. When Loney stays out of the box, he could just be the best player in the entire league.

Net Gain
Coach Gary Alexander caught a lot of attention Wednesday with his decision to start his back-up goalie Matt De Jong over #1 Wendel Dyer, in the toughest match to date of the Huskies season. The logic in the Coach's head was that putting De Jong in against a lower level team like the Blades or the Wolves wouldn't be a great gage for De Jong's talents and ability to contribute to the team, unlike Wednesday's game.Wenesday's tilt provided a better test of De Jong's mettle against a tougher opponant in the first solid test of the year. Coach Alexander proved why he has been coaching at this level of hockey for so long... the decision was a gusty one, but it was one that provides him a better look at his crowded crease that currently has 4 stoppers.