Three Major Matchups To Headline WHL Weekend

As we head into the holiday break, teams are beginning to solidify their positions in the standings (or at least, within a range) and six squads this weekend are looking to either maintain their spots or even gain some more ground. This week's edition of WHL Weekend Preview also has an alternate title of "which teams that sent a player to the World Juniors, can survive without them?"

Tri-City Americans (3) at Everett Silvertips (1)

Not too many teams have been able to defeat Everett this season; it's only happened seven times, and four of them in regulation.

The Americans have done it twice; once in regulation, the other in a shootout. Both of them were high scoring contests, a combined 25 goals between the two teams. On the other hand, both games this season between these two were hosted by Tri-City. Everett has taken 14 (!) of the last 15 games against the Americans inside Angel of the Winds Arena, and all but one of those games needed an extra frame.

Prince George Cougars (4) at Spokane Chiefs (2)

Spokane will be without their leading scorer and captain, Berkly Catton, until the new year due to the World Junior Championships. With that said, the Chiefs have won ten games in a row, the most recent being Friday night and sans Catton. Prince George is coming off a tough loss in Portland, in just game two of a seven game road trip, but have won three of their last four games. Forwards Borya Valis and Terik Parascak have continued to light up goaltenders everywhere, so they will still be a tough out.

Brandon Wheat Kings (5) at Saskatoon Blades (1)

Both teams in this Eastern Conference matchup will be missing key pieces for the next couple of weeks, as the Wheat Kings have given up goaltender Carson Bjarnason to Team Canada and Saskatoon has parted with forward David Lewandowski as well as star defenseman Tanner Molendyk (to Team Germany and Canada, respectively) for the World Juniors. The Blades are currently riding a five-game losing skid, collecting just two of 10 possible points. In Brandon, the Wheat Kings have outscored their opponents 17-5 over their last three games. The easternmost WHL squad does play Saturday night in Prince Albert, so the Blades have a chance to take advantage of some fatigue.

Overall, the upcoming weekend is set to be packed with action, and rivalries will only continue to grow.

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