The Comox Valley Glacier Kings are back at it tonight as they travel to Parksville for a game against the Oceanside Generals. The Gens dropped into a tie for first place in the North Division after their 2-0 loss in Campbell River last night. That combined with Nanaimo’s victory over Lake Cowichan dropped Oceanside out of sole possession of the top spot. As for the Glacier Kings, they dropped out of sole possession of third and into a tie for third after the Storm win. The Generals are 25-12-1-0 while Comox is 18-15-4-1. The Gens come into tonight losing 3 of their last 4 games being outscored 18-10. The GKings have lost 2 of their last 3 but are still 6-2-2-0 in their last 10.

It looks like it’s going to be a good race for the number one and the number 3 seeds in the North going down the stretch. A win by the Generals tonight will clinch a playoff spot. The Glacier Kings on the other hand need just a point to regain sole possession of third place. In case you were wondering, the Yeti’s magic number to clinch a post-season berth is 6 (any combination of Comox wins and Port Alberni losses).

As for tonight, expect Oceanside to come out of the gates quickly. They have been good all year and aren’t happy with their results lately. Play by play broadcaster for the Generals and the Port Alberni Bulldogs of the BCHL Kyle Ireland talked about the game, “Gens will be looking for a fast start. They got shutout for the 4th time this season last night in Campbell River. Lane Maarhuis gave the Gens fits in an 8-2 loss to Victoria on January 11th so it will be interesting to see if he gets the start for the GKings.” Of course, Maarhuis started his first game for Comox on Thursday and was outstanding in a 2-0 loss in Victoria.

There aren’t a lot of players on either side to talk about regarding current streaks. That’s because both sides are coming off games where they were shutout. Neither club has an individual that is tearing up the league this season. Oceanside is led by Braeyen Newans (13G, 21A, 34Pts.) while Comox Valley’s leading scorer is Leon Mikhalchuk (17G, 18A, 35Pts.). Ireland did make a note of one key player that won’t be in the line up, “Gens will be without Kaiden Day for a second straight day due to a suspension, he’s a big part of the offence.” Day has tallied 26 points in 26 games this season. He had 10 assists in his last 10 games before the suspension.

A couple of players that will hopefully get back on the scoresheet tonight are Zaya Morro and Westin Churchill. They are 2nd and 3rd respectively on the active roster in scoring but have a combined 0 points in each of their last 5 games. Goaltending doesn’t seem like an issue as all 3 tenders have been good. Kyle says there’s a couple guys to watch tonight, “Braylon Becker has goals in 2 of his last 3 games for the Gens and will look to stay hot for the Gens. 5 points over his last 3 games and I look for power forward Leon Mikhalchuk to have another big game against the Gens, he has 8 points this season in games against the Gens… 2 very well coached teams, season series has been back and forth, very physical series. I expect the same tonight.” This is the 6th and final regular season for these two foes. Comox is 2-2-1-0 in the head-to-head battle so far. The last time they met was on January 4th when Oceanside won 4-3 in overtime.

Here is a look at the special teams:

PP
Comox Valley: 17.8% (7th)
Oceanside: 14% (10th)
PK
Comox Valley: 80.7% (7th)
Oceanside: 77.8% (9th)

Here are some other Glacier Kings stats:

Score First Goal: 13-5-2-0
Allow First Goal: 5-10-2-1

Lead After First Period: 13-0-0-0
Trail After First Period: 1-8-2-1
Tied After First Period: 4-7-2-0

Lead After Second Period: 13-1-1-0
Trail After Second Period: 3-12-2-1
Tied After Second Period: 2-2-1-0

It’s “Country Night” at the Howie Meeker Arena tonight. That’s my kind of night! My favorite would be a “Jimmy Buffett” night. I am appreciative of Dave Dueck playing a couple of Jimmy’s songs at the Yeti’s home games. Kyle Ireland will be broadcasting the Alberni Valley Bulldogs home game tonight so Buccaneers play by play broadcaster Larenzo Jensen will be the man in the booth for this evening’s contest. It will broadcast on both FloHockey and 88.5 The Beach. Puck drop is 7:00 PM. I will post Comox Valley’s line up as soon as I get it.

Darryl Skender