Preview: Grassroots Hockey Day
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 19th 2019
Jan. 19, 2019 vs SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE
In the fifth game of their home stand, the Manitoba Moose (17-18-2-1) play their fifth game of the season against the San Antonio Rampage (21-18-1-0). Today's matchup, starting at 2 p.m. CT, is also the club's Grassroots Hockey Day. For tickets, visit moosehockey.com/tickets/. If you can’t make it down to Bell MTS Place, tune in on moosehockey.com/listenlive/, the Moose App, AHLTV, or on TSN 1290 up until their coverage of the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars begins.
As part of the Grassroots Hockey Day promotion, fans are encouraged to wear minor hockey jerseys to represent their minor hockey association. They'll be treated to some specialty booths on the concourse, and a Junior In-Game Host will add to the games community atmosphere. Also, the first 3,000 fans to arrive will receive a Mason Appleton mini-bobblehead, so don't be late.
On the ice, the Moose are rolling lately, with a record of 6-2-0-1 since the holiday break and 5-0-0-1 at Bell MTS Place. The team pulled off a two-game sweep of the Milwaukee Admirals earlier this week, beginning a stretch of 16 straight contests against Central Division opponents.
Forward Skyler McKenzie has two assists in the last three games bringing him to ten points on his rookie campaign (4G, 6A). He spoke about the group grabbing on to the feeling of winning and using it to push forward.
“We’re building off every game. It was a big four-point [week] for us. I think we’re just holding on to it and running with it. Hopefully, the next couple games, we can get a couple more points.”
The club is scoring at a rate of four goals per game at home since that break and leading the charge has been second-year forward Jansen Harkins. Over the last nine games, Harkins has put up seven points (5G, 2A) as well as a shootout winner against the Texas Stars. The North Vancouver, BC native has also done some damage against San Antonio this season, with four points (2G, 2A) in the four meetings.
Head Coach Pascal Vincent likes Harkins's trajectory.
“He’s moving his feet, he’s making quicker decision. He’s a big body, he’s a big boy. He’s using his body to his advantage, protecting the puck, attacking the net; he’s willing to get to the net. He’s improving, that’s good for us and that’s good for him.”
The biggest challenge for visiting teams this season has been Eric Comrie’s play at Bell MTS Place. In 2018-19 Eric Comrie has a record of 10-4-1 at home, with a 2.45 goals against average and a save percentage of 0.938. He’s played all four games against the Rampage this season with a 2-2 record and a 0.918 save percentage.
According to McKenzie, the team will need an concerted effort from all 20 players to beat San Antonio.
“They’re a good team. We’ve just got to get pucks deep and go to work below the goal line. We know that’s what we do best, just get pucks on net and hope for the best.”
Tomorrow's rematch with the Rampage is also Star Wars Day featuring costumed characters, specialty t-shirts being sold in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation, and a post-game Autograph Alley with select Moose players. For tickets to tomorrows game, or any upcoming Moose home games, head to to moosehockey.com/tickets/.
