Weekend Preview: Sugar Land

Jan 14, 2016

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – After an off weekend the Brahmas look to continue their success as the Sugar Land Imperials come to town for the first time this season.

 

THE IMPERIALS: 20+ points separate the top three and bottom three teams in the south division and Sugar Land finds themselves in the bottom half of that bunch.

The team hasn’t played a game since the NA3HL Showcase, which means Saturday’s tilt will be the first game for them in nearly an entire month.  A positive note for the Imperials is that they succeed away from home.  Despite having a below average record, they’re 7-5-1 when traveling.

Jonathan Adnell leads the way with 37 points in 29 games and was awarded with Player of the Week honors in December.  Not far behind him is Zac McKenna with 32 points in 29 games.

 

THE BRAHMAS: If you’re thinking because the team locked up a playoff spot that this weekend’s games are meaningless, think again.  A sweep over Sugar Land would secure home ice advantage for the Brahmas when playoff time roles around.

Both Ryan Dunner and Victor Ekk have returned from practice stints in the North American Hockey League but there is potential for the avenue to be revisited again soon.  However, it is now confirmed that moving forward the team will be without Mykyta Sheptytsky due to his trade to Amarillo.

For the last month and a half the team has been running with just five defensemen because of the injury to Brandon Baker.  Baker is close to returning to the lineup and may even play as soon as this weekend.

 

SUPER WEEKEND: Saturday’s game is 2:05 PM, Sunday is 5:45 PM, and Monday is 9:30 AM.  All three are free admission and Saturday’s and Monday’s games are followed by Lone Star Brahmas games.  Tickets for those games are available by calling 817-336-4ICE, atop your screen under the TICKETS tab or by stopping by the NYTEX Sports Centre box office.