Week 5 is taking us into the Thanksgiving break with some exciting games on the docket.
 (3-1-0) |
VS |
 (1-3-0) |
The opening game of the night is filled with some bad blood as the Stay Pufts host the Ghoulies. Back in week 2, these teams battled a little too hard as penalties were being thrown around left and right. Will that animosity carry over three weeks later?
The Stay Pufts have found their rhythm as they’ve pieced together a solid winning streak. Their only loss came back in week 1 on the back of a bad bounce. Maintaining that rhythm is going to be key to another win, but they are going to have to be more disciplined this time around.
The Ghoulies tried to pick up some momentum, but missing half of their team put them in the loss column again last week. It’s not going to get much better this week, either, as they will be down key forward Evan Cumpston again. The Ghoulies are going to have to rely on a strong defensive game and keeping their emotions in check if they want to pull off the upset.
Players to Watch
Stay Pufts forward Brian van Vlymen was held off the scoresheet until the waning moments of the game last time these two teams met. When the game was already over is when he took over and netted two garbage time goals. Look for van Vlymen to actually be a difference in this game.
The Ghoulies are going to lean heavily on forward Chris Jimenez. Jimenez has proven himself to be a top player on this squad, and he was sorely missed last time these two teams tangled. Welcome to the jungle, Chirs.
 (2-1-1) |
VS |
 (2-2-0) |
The late game pits the struggling Body Snatchers against the resurging Aliens. Back in week 2, the depleted Body Snatchers held the Aliens to only 2 goals… with Chad Miller in net. The Aliens are going to have something to prove in this game.
The Body Snatchers are on a bit of a slide. After winning their first two games, they’ve dropped two in a row and don’t look nearly as sharp as they did back in the beginning of the season. They are going to have to put together another strong defensive game to hold the Aliens down again and find themselves in the win column one more time.
The Aliens wish they could play the Ghoulies every week. They have two wins this season with both victories coming at the expense of the Ghoulies. To turn their fortune around, they are going to have to offer a much stronger offensive game than they had 3 weeks ago.
Players to Watch
If the Body Snatchers want to play a similar game as they did the last time these two teams met, it’s going to be more about who doesn’t show up. A strong game of addition by subtraction helped them secure a win over the Aliens. Will that strategy surface again?
Phil Heichel of the Aliens missed the previous meeting between these two teams. A key piece of their offensive unit, he’ll likely play a major role in their chance for a victory in this game.