GRIZZLIES CROSS THE TRACKS

Tonight the Summerland Steam will take to the ice at the Summerland Arena to host the Revelstoke Grizzlies. These teams have met once previously this season, that being a 6-1 Steam win in Revelstoke in early September. The two teams have had what would be considered opposite seasons as the Steam are trying to chase down first place in the Okanagan Division, while the Grizzlies have been eliminated from playoff contention in a strong Doug Birks Division in the northern Okanagan/Shuswap.

Here's what you need to know to get set for tonight's contest: 

SUMMERLAND STEAM (26-15-1-3, 56 PTS, 2ND PLACE/OKANAGAN DIVISION)

The Steam come into tonight's contest with the Grizzlies off a loss to the North Okanagan Knights on Wednesday night by a score of 4-3. It was a gut-wrenching loss, with the Knights' captain TJ Christensen scoring with just .3 seconds remaining on the clock to win the game for North Okanagan. Besides the loss to the Knights the Steam have only recorded one other loss in the calendar year of 2014 so far, leaving them 8-2 in their past 10 games and chasing the Kelowna Chiefs for first place on the Okanagan Division. 

Tonight's starting goaltender will be Brett Huber after Darren Hogg played in the loss on Wednesday evening. Kienan Scott continued his hot streak with a goal in Armstrong on Wednesday, and comes into tonight's action on a 4 game goal scoring streak and has also collected at least a point in 9 of his last 10 games. Dylan Burton also has goals in back to back games for the Steam, and will surely like to keep that streak going as well. 

The Steam will be a bit shorthanded tonight as Alex Williams remains out with a lower body injury, Rylan Sideroff remains out with an upper body injury, and Michael Winnitoy will join the West Kelowna Warriors for their BCHL contest against the Merritt Centennials tonight. Easton Bodeaux is also a game time decision for tonight's contest as well. 

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES (8-34-0-4, 20 PTS, 5TH IN DOUG BIRKS DIVISION)

The Grizzlies come into tonight's hockey game in Summerland with an extremely young roster. They are led on defense by Tre Mason, a KIJHL veteran of 126 games for 4 different teams (Kelowna, Kimberly, North Okanagan, Revelstoke). In Mason's 126 games played he has amassed 14 goals and 50 career points to go along with 96 PIM. The 19 year old Kelowna, BC native leads the Grizzlies in scoring this season with 32 points (12 G, 20A) in 45 GP. 

The Grizzlies boast a young roster and a young goaltending tandem in '95 born Matthew Mitchell and '97 born Jaxon Nohr. Both have faced a lot of shots in the games they've played, with Mitchell posting a .880 SV% in 17 appearances (807 Shots Faced) and Nohr posting an .817 SV% in 4 appearances (169 Shots Faced). Both will look to finish the season strong and prepare for next season as Revelstoke becomes a more veteran group. 

Faceoff tonight is 7:30 from the Summerland Arena. Make sure you come out and support your local Junior hockey program! It remains one of the best forms of entertainment for your money at $8 a ticket, and it's only going to get better as the playoffs draw nearer! 

As always, you can follow along with the Steam on Facebook at 'Summerland Junior B Hockey Club' and on Twitter at @SteamKIJHL. You can also follow along with the Revelstoke Grizzlies on twitter at @RevelstokeGriz1. As for myself you can find me and friend me on Facebook or find me on twitter at @Steam_Voice for all the latest updates on the Steam and the rest of the KIJHL!