NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – Five weeks have transpired since the Brahmas touched home ice together, but tomorrow that changes. The Euless Jr. Stars come across town for their final trip to NYTEX this season, with tilts on Saturday and Sunday.
THE OPPOSITION: It’s been a tough season for Don Babineau’s brigade. Currently at 8-33-1, the Stars are 0-10 against the Brahmas this season. Offense has been the issue for the cross-town rivals, as in those 10 games they’ve only mustered eight total goals.
It’s undoubted that the team is hungry though; they haven’t won a game in a month and a half. During that time, they’ve added two former Brahmas Chase Deacon and Jason Moore. Those two accompany Chase Calvert and Triston Wilson as the four ex-Brahmas on the squad. Wilson has been succeeding in his new surroundings, averaging a point per game in 31 contests.
The light at the end of the tunnel is near for the Stars, as following this weekend, the remainder of their season consists of just a three-game stint in Sugar Land. They’ll be looking to finish strong and potentially take some momentum along with them with a win this weekend.
THE BRAHMAS: The team is undoubtedly excited to be back at home and furthermore, they’re elated to have Nick Nitta back in their lineup. Last season’s captain is in his final year of junior hockey eligibility and wants to go out with a bang in Brahmaland. Granted it was an entirely different organization last year, Nick had a remarkable 17 points in 10 games against the Jr. Stars and is looking to pick up where he left off.
With the addition on defense the Brahmas have seven healthy defensemen for the first time since October. Nitta’s presence is sure to only help and relieve pressure off of the shoulders of George Hansen and Jacob Elrod. The two have been relied on in most situations and now with Nitta stepping in, it should only be more contribution from the rest of the blue line.
Up front, the team has an unfathomable eight forwards averaging over a point-per-game against Euless this season. Bryan Whelan leads the way with 19 points in 10 games and newcomers Trey Greene and Sam Gagnon thrived against the Mid-Cities rival in their first series just a few weeks ago.
In the crease, it’s been a 50% shutout rate against the Stars this season. Tylers Myers is 6-0-0 with three clean sheets and Brandon Perrone is 4-0-0 with two perfect games.
GAME TIME: The Lone Star Brahmas are home this weekend as well so that means 2:05 start times for both games this weekend. Admission is free and it’s the second-to-last home weekend for the team!