The Trail Smoke Eaters open their portion of the BCHL Showcase tonight against the Nanaimo Clippers.
Both teams are one game above .500 as Trail checks in with a 4-3-3 record and the Clippers are 5-4-1.
The Smokies are coming off a strong 3-1 win over Cranbrook to split their home-and-home series, while Nanaimo is 2-3 in their last five games and coming off a 4-3 loss to Alberni Valley.
The Smokies will have to be wary of the Clippers power play. It’s operating at an impressive 30.25%, with 13 goals on 43 opportunities. Leading scorer Mike Murtagh has scored six of his seven goals and has added four of his seven assists with the man advantage. Murtagh and the Clippers power play units are going to be a challenge for the Smokies’ penalty kill, which has succeeded in several critical situations this season, but it is operating at 68.75%.
Overall, the Clippers are strong offensively, averaging about four goals a game.
Ridge Dawson continues to lead Trail with 10 points, including four goals. Patrick Reilly has been a sensational setup man from the back line with nine assists, while Josh Schenk and Christian Kim top the Trail goal chart with five each.
Ethan Mann and Gryphon Bucci remain on the injured list, but goalie Ryan Parker returns after sitting out last Saturday’s win over Cranbrook.
The BCHL Showcase is an opportunity for players across the entire league to show their stuff in front of NCAA and NHL scouts, so they will have additional motivation.
