The Central Wisconsin Saints are set to begin a brand new season in the GLJHL with a three game set against the newest edition to the league: the Kalkaska Roughnecks. The Saints lost their preseason tune-up to the Wisconsin Dells Duck of the MJHL on September 20th 7-3. Kalkaska comes into the weekend with 8 GLJHL regular season games played.

Central Wisconsin

Coached by Mark Vichorek the Saints are geared up and ready to go for their first regular season game. One of the latest teams to start the season, the Saints don't see that as a disadvantage. Forward Kyle Harnish thinks it could help the team. "We won't have those bumps and bruises. We'll be fresh and pumped up to play."

The Saints will rely on the offense provided by their top two lines. Max Culp, Kyle Harnish and Jeremy Ebert will be the likely starters on offense and the Combination of Culp's speed, Harnish's strength and Ebert's passing will be on display. Colin van Hauter, Eric Keljo and Kenton Grulkowski will be the secondary unit, relying on speed and finesse to put pucks in the net.

On defense they will rely of the veteran presence of players like Dan Dellenbach, Brandon Hummel and Mikey Tiberi to stay calm in the face of opening night jitters. Garrett Avery is slated to get the start in net for Central Wisconsin, it would be his first GLJHL start.

Kalskaska

The Saints have never played the Roughnecks before but that doesn't mean this team doesn't know how to play in the GLJHL. They have already played 9 games posting a record of 0-7-1 picking up their first point this past weekend against the Wisconsin Rampage. They also won their preseason game against the Tri-City Icehawks. Kalkaska is owned General Manager Deveri’ Del Core and the team has struggled to find players early.

The team on the ice is led by captain Ryan Rinko a player who combines leadership with offensive ability. Forward Kyle Kabacinski was the first Roughneck ever to score a Kalkaska regular season goal. Forwards Joseph Close, Ryan Rinko and Jared Dagenais will be the focal point of the Roughneck offense. Calvin Burkhart is the primary goaltender, but has endured a rough start in net.

Keys to the Game

Central Wisconsin: Consistent, physisical play will be important for the relatively inexperienced Saints. They came out fast against the Dells Ducks, but ultimately they came up short as the game progressed. As a smaller team they will need to rely on veterans Kyle Harnish and Brandon Hummel until the younger players develop the physical edge to their game.

Kalkaska: Momentum will be the key for a team looking for its first win. Short staffed and inexperienced Kalkaska will have to rely on the emotions of coming within one goal of their first win. If they can take it to the Saints early they might escape with a win.

Pre-Game Notes