After missing 17 games with a leg injury it's the much anticipated return of Blazer Captain Chase Schaber tonight as the Blazers host the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
"I've been chomping at the bit to get going here...and finally it's time to get back it," commented Chase before Thursday's practice at ISC.
"My time away was both good and bad. I took the time to study our play, study the game a lot. To be honest with you I studied Brendan Ranford a lot and his tendencies. I think I can learn things about him and his game so when we get back on the ice (tonight) we will be better together."
Let's hope the two can find the chemistry they had before Christmas. It's no secret Ranford's scoring pace has cooled without playing beside Schaber.
The other piece to the puzzle could be getting Jordan DePape back on the top unit. He's impressed on defense and has offered a different component back there in the last four games.
It may also depend on the availability of D Brandon Underwood who is set to get back into the line-up after missing over a month with a knee injury. He'll be a game-time decision.
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Tonight is Jarome Iginla bobblehead night. The first 3000 fans coming to the game will get the limited edition Iginla bobblehead. Some people go crazy over these things...so get there early.
I believe the Blazers will also make some available for sale as well.
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Kudos to Dave Chyzowski and the Blazers staff for pulling off the Stanley Cup promotion and First Nations Night Wednesday. It was the Blazers biggest crowd in a year at 5527.
There's word that up to $10,000 has been raised for 10 year-old Mitch Harlock and family. Mitch has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The Stanley Cup after-party at Earls was a lot of fun. Thanks to the staff at Earls for taking care of everyone.
At the stroke of midnight, the cup was safely secured and whisked away by cup handler Mike Bolt.
It was a good chance for me to meet a few more people associated with the team and sponsors. I also heard some good comments about this blog too. Thanks to those who stop by for a glance from time to time.
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Just a quick word on the Hurricanes....
This is the the third meeting of the season between the two teams. Both teams have each won a game and both have been in Lethbridge.
"We've outplayed them for 40 minutes both games," commented Brendan Ranford.
Both times though they've come back in the third period. The first time they scored three and beat us 5-4. Last game we got the overtime win after being up 4-1 but we have to be aware and play a full 60."
The Hurricanes and battling for their playoff lives with Prince Albert. They trail the Raiders by two points for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
This will be the Hurricanes 2nd game of a three game BC road swing. They play in Kelowna Friday night before heading back home.
Jon
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