Gameday: Smoke Eaters vs. Centennials

Who: Trail Smoke Eaters vs. Merritt Centennials
When: September 1st, 7:30 PM
Where: Cominco Arena, Trail

Smokies fans will see a much different group tonight than the one that took the ice in last night's 4-2 loss in Merritt, as Trail play their only home pre-season fixture tonight at Cominco Arena. Only six veterans were dressed in last night's encounter in the Nicola Valley, which quickly became four after an ejection and goaltending change as the plucky Smokies hung in with a hard-working Merritt group that had many of its big guns in the lineup. And after arriving back in Trail at 4:00 this morning, the Smokies have just enough time to recuperate from a four-day, three-game road swing before tonight's rematch with the Cents.

In case you missed them on last night's broadcast, here are some audio tidbits from Merritt:
- for local product Scott Davidson, click here.
- for Centennials head coach/GM Luke Pierce, click here.
- I also spoke with Smokies bench boss Bill Birks before Wednesday's game against Prince George, to hear that conversation, click here.

I'd imagine Smokies fans will get a look at both Trail goaltenders tonight. Lyndon Stanwood has been terrific since arriving in town early last week, while rookie Braden Krogfoss settled into form nicely in Stanwood's relief midway through last night's game.

With exit meetings and a roster trim slated for tomorrow, tonight could well prove the last chance for some aspiring Smoke Eaters to make their mark on Trail's coaching staff. Expect lots of energy and speed from both teams as Trail looks to avenge last night's setback and finish the exhibition campaign on a positive note.

Broadcast Info: There will not be a video feed of tonight's game from Trail, but fans can listen to the game on the Smoke Eaters Ustream channel. Join me for all the action (if you can't make it in person, of course) beginning at 7:25.