After an off weekend, the Texas Brahmas jump back into the swing of things with four games here at NYTEX Sports Centre. Both teams coming in are division rivals, which makes things all the more important for Coach Al Rooney’s squad.
First, the Point Mallard Ducks currently carry with a 3-1 record. Led by NA3HL Week One Star of the Week, Justin Dunn, the Ducks are averaging nearly five goals per game. Make no mistake, they’re no one trick pony however, as six players are averaging over a point-per-game. To make matters even more impressive, Point Mallard is in the midst of a one-month stretch on the road to open their season. Last weekend, they were in Atlanta taking on the Capitals, the very same team who the Brahmas will face the second half of this weekend.
The Capitals, have struggled a little more than the Ducks and hoist a 1-2-1 record coming to Texas. Prior to taking on the Brahmas, the Caps are just down the road in Euless lining up against the Jr. Stars for two games. Barring any changes in the Euless camp, the Capitals should be coming in with momentum and a couple victories. Furthermore, Atlanta gained two huge additions this past week as they picked up two former NAHL players. Frank Trazzera, formerly of the in-house Lone Star Brahmas had his rights moved to Atlanta, as well as Ross Bartlett, who was sent down by the Corpus Christi IceRays. Both players are expected to make an immediate impact as top forwards and will work with Kyle Rimbach, who is averaging a goal per game for the Caps.
For the Brahmas, it will be a test to determine whether they are really as good as their opening weekend against Euless displayed. 11 goals scored and no goals allowed is enough to make any opposition bat an eye, regardless of previous opponents. However, the Brahmas have added to their arsenal even more since their two-win weekend, adding Mykyta Sheptytsky back for his second season. His presence as a guaranteed dominant forward has caused a changeup of lines for Coach Rooney, however just furthering the depth of his team.
Lastly, the goaltending situation for the Brahmas is a good problem to have. It wouldn’t surprise many to see both goalies get two games this weekend, as three out of four would likely be too demanding of a workload for one of the two outstanding Brandon Perrone and Tyler Myers.
Friday is when the talk stops and the action begins, but until 7:35 then, stay tuned to our Facebook page, as well as our Twitter (@TXBrahmas). Admission is free for the entire home stand, so come on out!