The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League's top teams in the Okanagan Division are set to battle at the Summerland Arena tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The Steam, 21-10-0-0-1, host the Osoyoos Coyotes, 23-7-0-0-1. It's the first meeting between the clubs in more than a month. The Coyotes won the last meeting 5-2 on Nov. 28 with the help of two empty net goals. The Steam go into the match without goalie Jake Mullen, who is suspended three games after receiving a match penalty against Kelowna, which the Steam won 2-1.
Tim Hogg, voice of the Steam, wrote on his blog, Trolley Talk, that captain Paulsen Lautard "played one of his best games of the season. He had a goal called off early and after that he recorded an assist and was a physical presence (and a threat on offence) all night."
He goes into tonight's match needing one goal to become the franchise leader in goals for the Steam with 58.
After today's game, the Steam and Coyotes meet two more times for a total of three games over 13 days. They meet again on Wednesday in Osoyoos. The Steam and Coyotes are separated by four points in the standings.
For those unable to attend the game, they can still catch the action on the webcast or by following on twitter. Those watching the webcast are encourage to get on early to catch the full pre-game from the Summerland Arena, complete with (hopefully) interviews with both coaches starting at 7:15.
-Written with files from the Trolley Talk blog.