WESTVILLE ROAD, N.S. – The Junior A Crushers look to climb back over the .500 mark when the Valley Wildcats come to Pictou County Oct. 17.
The Wildcats have just three wins in 10 games this season, but have won two of their last three.
The Crushers lost a 4-2 decision against the South Shore Lumberjacks on Oct. 12 at the Pictou County Wellness Centre (PCWC). Sam LeBlanc scored his first two goals of the season for Pictou County (4-4), and Keenan Gillis, who was cited by head coach Mike Danton as having upped his game in recent action, assisted on both goals.
Two nights previous at the PCWC, Max Grandmaison had a hat trick and Evan Gallant also scored as the Crushers beat the Truro Bearcats 4-2.
Forward Andrew Burden had his second multi-point night in three games, with two assists.
The Crushers are in the midst of a seven-game stretch of games against South Division opponents.
“We’re doing a pretty good job of not looking past who we’re playing next,” Danton said, prior to their game against South Shore.
“But there are some pretty big games coming up in the next couple of weeks where we could be in very good standing at the end of those, or we could not be in very good standing.”
NOTES:
• Captain Jake Martin will miss the game against Valley on a one-game suspension (kneeing major against South Shore).
• Logan Rawlyk, a native of Saskatoon, Sask., played in his first two games for the Crushers this past week. Danton said Rawlyk is a solid, stay-at-home defenceman who keeps things simple.
• Sullivan Sparkes is expected to play against the Wildcats after serving out his four-game suspension.
• The Crushers are in South Shore on Friday and play the Bearcats in Truro the next night.
BY THE NUMBERS
Pictou County Crushers
Record: 4-4 (4th place, South Division)
Top Scorers: Samuel LeBlanc (2G, 6A) Evan Gallant (5G, 1A), Sullivan Sparkes (0G, 6A).
Stats Say: The Crushers are averaging 2.5 goals against per game, third-best rate in the MHL. Only the Summerside Western Capitals and Campbellton Tigers have been stingier.
Valley Wildcats
Record: 3-6 (6th place, South Division)
Top Scorers: Luke Wilson (4G, 3A), Matt Duggan (1G, 6A), Cole Kirkup (3G, 3A).
Stats Say: Luke Wilson has registered points in five straight games.
