Story Coming In:
It’s the first game in two weeks for the Yorkton Terriers after their last four games were postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Having suffered back to back losses to Weyburn and La Ronge, Yorkton looks to avoid their first three game losing skid since early October. The time away from the rink has allowed a few pieces to return to the team, including Nolan Wutzke, Cole Buehler, Karsten Kruska and Zach McIntyre. Tonight will also mark the return of Tyson Janzen from a two game suspension, arguably the most important defender on this team. It may only be January but every point is important for the Terriers as only five points separate them from 11th place in the SJHL. With games on hand with everyone but Notre Dame, Yorkton will look to gain separation from the pack and solidify themselves in a playoff position.
View From Melville:
At the beginning of the season, it looked like yet another rebuilding year for the Millionaires, as they were sitting in last place and well out of a playoff spot. Then players started getting healthy, players started to buy into the system head coach Mike Rooney has implemented, and now Melville sits in 7th place, two points behind the Yorkton Terriers. The Mils have suffered back to back losses, but they cannot be taken lightly as they enter the Westland Insurance Arena. Already having won two of three meetings in Yorkton, Melville looks to continue to hunt down the Terriers and climb further up the standings. Goaltending will be the key for the Millionaires. Good goaltending usually means a win for Melville, if it falters, then expect the Terriers to run away with this one.
Mr 100:
If he plays tonight, it will be career game number 100 for Carson Henry. Durable is the best way to describe the St. Albert, Alberta product, as he has only missed one game in his SJHL career, since joining Yorkton at the beginning of the 2019/2020 season. An excellent faceoff man and two way forward, Henry has been a reliable option for Yorkton, playing in all situations. The 20-year-old is also an unselfish player, willing to fill in whatever role he is asked of by the coaching staff, be it on the top line or the fourth line.
Tale of the Tape
Yorkton Terriers (16-15-1-4 – 37 points) Melville Millionaires (14-17-7-0 – 35 points)
2nd Viterra Division/ 6th SJHL 3rd Viterra Division/ 7th SJHL
Powerplay: 17/135 – 12.6% (10th SJHL) Powerplay: 19/155 – 12.3% (11th SJHL)
Penalty Kill: 142/167 – 85% (3rd SJHL) Penalty Kill: 92/118 – 78% (10th SJHL)
Last Ten: 6-3-1-1 Streak: 0-2-0-0 Last Ten: 6-4-0-0 Streak: 0-2-0-0
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Gervais & Nollski (12)
Assists: Jasper (19)
Points: Sleeva & Jasper (21)
PIM: Norum (67)
Goalie: DePape 14-8-0-4, 2.04, 0.926%, 3 SO
