St. Louis Jr. Blues (26-2-0, 52 pts) vs Metro Jets (25-4-1, 51 pts)
VENUE: Affton Ice Rink, Affton, Mo.
GAME TIMES: January 13 at 7:30 PM, January 14 at 1 PM (all times Central)
WHERE TO FOLLOW: All Jr. Blues home games are streamed live and in high definition on HockeyTV.com (subscription required). Commentary this week comes from Kevin Gier, Grant Francis and Greg Allen. On Twitter, follow @JrBluesGameday for live updates.
A QUICK RECAP: The Jr. Blues began 2018 with two wins in their final two regular-season games against divisional rivals Peoria, winning 3-2 and 7-2. Jake Cox, with four goals on the weekend including a hat-trick on Sunday, was named Bauer/NA3HL Midwest Division First Star of the Week, while Blake Bjella was named 2nd Star following two wins.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT: The Jets have built up a formidable reputation for themselves over the past few years, reaching the previous two Silver (now Fraser) Cup Grand Finals and going a perfect 47-0-0 last regular season: however, this year has not been quite as easy for the men from the Detroit suburbs, as they sit three points back of East Division leaders Pittsburgh. Veteran forward Connor Inger brings both NAHL experience, having played previously for Kenai River, Janesville, and Amarillo, and scoring punch, leading the team with 64 points (30G, 34A). While St. Louis and the Jets have met in the previous two Silver Cup Finals—Metro coming out winners both times—their rivalry stretches back to the 1980s, when both clubs were members of the NA3HL’s predecessor, the CSHL.
JUNIOR NOTES: With multiple youth hockey tournaments in St. Louis for the MLK Day weekend, the Jr. Blues invite all those from out of town to enjoy what promises to be a great weekend of games. All players from participating tournament teams wearing team gear will be admitted to Affton free of charge, with their families able to receive a discounted admission.
