Head-to-Head
The Pats only see the Winterhawks once a year, alternating home and away.  Last year’s meeting in Portland went the way of the Hawks in a 5-2 Portland victory.  Both teams come into this evening’s game having suffered defeats in their previous games.  On the ice tonight will be two NHL Draft First Round hopefuls with possible top pick Seth Jones suiting up for Portland and Morgan Klimchuk on the ice for the Pats.  Tonight’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM with the Press Box Pre-Game Show starting at 6:35.

Lead Up: Pats vs Swift Current
Once again, the Pats found themselves fighting back into a game at the Credit Union i-Plex in Swift Current.  Down 2-0 in the second period, Trent Ouellette continued his hot streak, scoring his fourth of the season to bring the Blue and White within one goal.  In the third period, the Pats did everything they could, but couldn’t get a puck past goaltender Eetu Laurikainen.  Despite outshooting the Broncos 12-3 in the third period, the Pats couldn’t tie the game and fell 2-1.

Instant Impact
In his two games since rejoining the Pats and being named Captain, Colton Jobke has a goal, two assists and features a plus one rating in the plus/minus category.

PK Turning Around
After a tough start to the season, the Pats PK has only allowed one powerplay goal in the last three games, killing off eleven out of twelve opportunities.

Mr. October(s)
Finding his swing on a three game point streak is Dyson Stevenson.  He has a goal and two assists over that stretch.  Right with him is Trent Ouellette with a similar streak but featuring five points on the same string of games.

Who to Watch on Portland
All the talk is about defenceman Seth Jones who could be a contender for the top selection in the 2013 NHL Draft.  The 6’4”, 206 lbs. defender has two points in six games with the Hawks.  It’s always fun to watch St. Louis Blues draft pick, Ty Rattie go to work.  The Airdrie, Alberta product had 121 points last season and is chasing the 300 point plateau for his career.

Quick Hits
- Colton Jobke is seven games away from playing his 200^th WHL contest
- Defenceman Tye Hand earned his first WHL point September 29^th vs. Medicine Hat
- Morgan Klimchuk is closing in on his 50^th WHL point (44)