Tonight the Barrie Colts host the Sarnia Sting for the first home game of the 2015-16 regular season. These teams met two times last season. The Colts picked up a win in the first match up in Sarnia while the Sting CRUSHED Barrie 7-1 in the follow up game in Barrie. That game was the lowest attendance game of the season at BMC so if nobody saw it we can pretend it never happened, right?
Barrie has started the season off with a 2-0-0-0 record. Sunday they defeated the Ottawa 67's 4-0. Mackenzie Blackwood managed to save all 44 shots he faced and was very strong looking with his team forcing him to kill off 7 penalties. Roy Radke was a huge force for the team while short handed using his size and ability to protect the puck to kill time in the offensive zone. Cordell James had a strong game where he really showed off his speed and managed to end the night with 2 points while Andrew Mangiapane would have a 3 point which early in the season already has him top 3 for points in the OHL. (WE KNOW, IT IS EARLY IN THE SEASON!)
Keys to Success: It is early in the season and the Colts struggles with discipline continue already. Through 2 games, the Colts have already have had to kill off 15 minor penalties. With the effort of guys like Radke and Blackwood looking strong in net, the Colts have only allowed 1 goal against on those penalties. Not only for this game but from here on the Colts really want to work on this. Last season was a long one because of penalty troubles. Another issue that has carried over from last year is being heavily out shot. A way to fix that is to, well, see the first part. Less penalties should translate in less shots on goal. It is that simple. Work on discipline and it will not only decrease the amount of man advantages against but will also help with shots against. If the coaching staff can address this sooner it will be easier to correct now than half way through the season.
Players to Watch: It is the first home game of the season. I expect everyone to be on the top of their game. Especially with a BMC crowd that has been so anxious for regular season hockey. Coming off a 3 point night I expect Mangiapane to carry that momentum into the next game. I also think Cordell James will have a strong night. He seems to have really worked on his speed and there were moments in the 67's game where it appeared nobody could keep up with him. Also, watch Blackwood. He is pretty good at hockey.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 at BMC. We will be in attendance so if you are there, say hi!
We will be sure to take lots of pictures and live tweet the game. Be sure you follow us on Twitter for in game coverage and updates, like us on Facebook for thoughts after the game and on Instagram for game pictures.
Players to Watch: It is the first home game of the season. I expect everyone to be on the top of their game. Especially with a BMC crowd that has been so anxious for regular season hockey. Coming off a 3 point night I expect Mangiapane to carry that momentum into the next game. I also think Cordell James will have a strong night. He seems to have really worked on his speed and there were moments in the 67's game where it appeared nobody could keep up with him. Also, watch Blackwood. He is pretty good at hockey.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 at BMC. We will be in attendance so if you are there, say hi!
We will be sure to take lots of pictures and live tweet the game. Be sure you follow us on Twitter for in game coverage and updates, like us on Facebook for thoughts after the game and on Instagram for game pictures.
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