THE GAME DAY GAZETTE

The Generals are hosting the Guelph Storm for the only time this season on a rare Saturday night in Oshawa, with their sights set on moving up the eastern conference standings.

Just 24 hours ago, the Generals were in our Nation’s Capital and were simply no match for the league’s best. Shorthanded due to injuries, suspension, and illness running through the team, the Generals were simply overpowered and outmatched in the Arena at TD Place. Oshawa did score the first goal of the game when Stuart Rolofs rifled home his 22nd of the season on the power play.

From that point forward, the 67’s took over the game, scoring five unanswered goals in the second period on 21 shots to take the lead. Oshawa was held to just three shots in the first period and even fewer shots, just a pair, in the middle frame. With less than two seconds remaining in the game, Rolofs added a second for himself, the team, and the power play efforts with his 23rd of the game. Despite going 2/4 on the man advantage, Oshawa would drop the game 5-2 to the 67’s.

The Storm head to Oshawa for the first time this season following a home game against the Saginaw Spirit. The Storm find themselves in a tight playoff race of their own, currently tied for 6th in the western conference with the Flint Firebirds, and trailing the Spirit for 5th. Last night, Guelph came away without any points last night, dropping their contest to the Spirit 4-2.

Last Meeting:

Being in different conferences, these two teams have only met one other time this season, and it took place at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph. The Generals visited the Storm on October 21st and left with two points following a 4-3 victory. The Generals used a two-goal second period to lift them over a close game. Shots were low in the game, with the Storm outshooting the Gens 22-18. Now Storm goalie Patrick Leaver, got the start for Oshawa and stopped 19/22.

Players To Watch

Stuart Rolofs Patrick Leaver Jacob Oster

Earning the night off last night in Ottawa, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Jacob Oster gets the start tonight against his former club. It’s been evident since his arrival that a change of scenery was good for the goaltender, playing now to a 6-2-0-1 record as an Oshawa General. In nine games in Oshawa, his stat line is still pristine with a 1.88 goals against average and a 0.941 save percentage.

Just about the only bright spot last night was Stuart Rolofs and his pair of goals. The 19-year-old from Carp, Ont., put on a great display of offense in his hometown region. His two goals last night represented 22 and 23 on the season, seven more than his old career best of 16. Now with 45 points on the season, Rolofs has matched his career high in 17 fewer games.

Since arriving in Guelph, Patrick Leaver really began to turn his season around. In 10 games with the Storm, Leaver has accumulated a record of 6-3-0-0, goals against average of 3.78, and a save percentage of 0.888. It’s always a treat to see two goalies traded for each other and likely face each other for their first game against their former team. It’s obvious Leaver is going to want to send a message with a big game against his former teammates.