It’s the biggest game of the season for the Boyer Auto Group Pickering Panthers Saturday Afternoon as they head to Aurora to face the Tigers. After a hard fought 3-0 win over the Brantford 99ers Thursday, the boys sit six points behind Aurora for 3rd place and the final guaranteed playoff spot in the North. Ben Sellars, Adam Wheaton and Joe Franzin all scored in the win. Kevin Stiles led the way with two assists, while Blair Coffin made 31 saves for the shutout win. Moving back to Saturday now, only a win will keep the Panthers in the hunt after Aurora was able to secure a point Friday night against Markham. The Panthers will have a bit of a break since Aurora will be without leading point scorer Joe Mizzi after he signed in the ECHL earlier in the week. Aurora comes into this one with only one win in their last 15 games, something that the Panthers will surely try to take advantage of. The game goes down Saturday at 3:00 PM at the Aurora Community Centre. Fans can also catch the action televised on CHCH for the OJHL game of the week. Here is your need to know for the Tigers and players to watch for both teams.

Tigers Need to Know

Record: 23-22-2-3

Home Record: 10-13-1-2

Tigers Player to Watch:                                 Jacob Ball (47 GP, 18 G, 25 A, 43 P)

                Jacob Ball is a massive forward who combines his size and offensive ability to be a dangerous feature every time he touches the ice. The Peterborough minor hockey product spent two seasons with the North Bay Battalion in the OHL before making his OJHL debut last year. Ball will certainly be heavily relied on to carry this Aurora team after the departure of Mizzi to the ECHL. Its hard to see a scenario where the Tigers win on Saturday without Ball having a big contribution.

Panthers Player to Watch:                           Adam Wheaton (43 GP, 14 G, 19 A, 33 P)

                 Adam Wheaton has been on fire as of late for the Panthers. With 10 points in his last five games, Wheaton has definitely played a big role in the recent string of wins. Those same 10 points ensure that Wheaton’s last year in the OJHL will his best offensive season, passing the 26 he registered last year. Wheaton is a big forward that isn’t afraid to get physical and can play in any situation. If Adam can keep this hot streak going, there’s a strong chance that Pickering will be able to put up two points Saturday afternoon.