Tonight’s Game Notes:
Welcome fans to tonight’s MJHL action featuring the visiting Dauphin Kings (23-30-6) and your home town Virden Oil Capitals (29-18-10). Tonight’s game is Fan Appreciation Night brought to you by Tim Hortons in Virden.
It’s the final meeting of the season tonight between these two clubs. The Kings hold a 3-2 series edge on the season with the Oil Caps taking the most recent decision on February 7th in Dauphin by a score of 2-1.
Opponents may be set, but home ice playoff implications are on the line for both teams tonight. Virden knows they will play Winkler and Dauphin knows they will play Waywayseecappo in the Survivor Series. Both teams will battle to keep their home ice chances alive. Virden needs to win out and they need Winkler to do no better than 1-2 in their final three games. Virden has the head-to-head tie breaker. Dauphin needs to win tonight to have a chance at keeping home ice. The Wolverines are a point back with a game in hand and can finish ahead of the Kings regardless of what happens tonight if Wayway wins their final two contests.
The Oil Caps are on their longest winless streak of the season coming into tonight at four games. However, the players and coaching staff are remaining calm and believe in what they can accomplish when they all stick to the game plan. A couple of solid practices over the last couple of days has the team refocused for this weekend.
Sean Kuehn will get the start in goal once again tonight after playing the role of hard-luck loser on Wednesday, giving his team 61:35 of shut out hockey in the overtime loss. Wednesday’s shut out loss was just the third time this season the Oil Caps have failed to score a goal and first time since November 29th. Look for the Oil Caps top players to be their top players in order for the team to have success tonight.
This year’s Oil Caps are currently tied for the franchise record for points in a season at 68 on the year, but they will need to win their three remaining games in order to tie their win total of 32 from last season.
Make sure you are voting for your Fountain Tire Favourite Player tonight up near the windows on the main concourse. You will be able to vote tonight and tomorrow night to determine this season’s award recipient. You may also log on to the Oil Caps app to cast your vote.
It’s not too late to purchase your tickets to the Oil Caps Year-End Awards banquet presented by FoxTail Hauling. Tickets will be available to pick-up and purchase during tonight’s third period and while you exit the building. Tickets are $35 for the general public and $25 for season ticket holders.
Don’t forget to enter your FOUR tickets tonight in the All Season Properties Pack the PLACE II Vacation Giveaway draw bin. The draw will be made during the first intermission at tomorrow night’s game. Flight partners for the contest are Demon Energy Services, Force Rentals, Kubota, and Morris Sales & Service.
Thank you fans once again for your continued support into 2015. Enjoy tonight’s game!