Looking back at my prediction from last week, one is forced to ask...

"What in tarnizzle?"

In what can only be called absolute domination, Crown Point nearly tripled the Lions shots on net 49 to 14 and finished with a merciful 7-2 win.  That makes two weeks in a row in which my predictions weren't even in the same universe as these games.  I knew making game predictions would be difficult early in the season but holy hockey, Batman!  This is getting ridiculous.  Let's take a look and see if we can pinpoint just where my prediction train went off the rails. 

As I said in last week's edition, Joe Shaughnessy, a current Mr. Hockey candidate, has been the motor in Crown Point's offense so far this season.  He still is after this week as he leads the Bulldog's with 13 points.  However, teammates Nicholas Kazmierczak and Grant Walker used this week's game against the Lions as their launch party with 4 and 3 points, respectively.   They worked together to punch a hole in my theory that the Lions defense would stand up to the previously one dimensional Crown Point offense.  Though, I will say that Lions net minder Michael Baumert had a tall order.  Even the best goal tenders are going to have a rough day in the office when their team is out shot 3 to 1.  

I'm sure Leo Lion's Coach Bonecutter is back on the ice this week working on break-outs and puck possession in the defensive zone.  While he's doing that, I'm licking the wounds of my own 1-2  record to start the season.  But, like my son's first squirt coach, Gary McKinney used to say, "We gotta a lot hockey left, boys....lotta hockey." 

Before we get started, with this week's edition of Game of the week!, I'd like you to know that I have called in an exorcist to get rid of whatever demons were messing with my last two predictions.  Using supernatural means to look into the future and see game scores is not without its dangers, people.  So, I (and the exorcist) can assure you, we're back on track this week as we head up to South Bend for a Friday night boondoggle between the Riley Wildcats and the Penn Kingsmen.       

Looking at this game, what more could you want from high school hockey?  Two teams from across town that know each other well, whose players have all spent time together on various youth teams over the years, and now it all culminates on a Friday night.   Penn comes in with a 2-2 record whereas Riley rolls in with an untarnished 4-0-1 record.  Will the Kingsmen be the first official loss of the season for the Wildcats or will the Wildcats add one to their win column?  Let's look at the teams.

Penn Kingsmen

With only four games under their belt, it's hard to get a good read on the identity of this team.  They've beaten Valpo and non-league opponent, the Southwest Blades while dropping a pair of close games to Michiana League opponent, Adams.  Penn also lost Kyle Cocquyt (44 pts), Gaku Tokusumi (46 pts), Michael Burnett (37 pts), and Tyler Lindzy (49 pts) from last year's roster.  But that's not all bad as it makes room for the next group of playmakers to "spread their wings."  That group includes Nick Harman (10 pts), Charlie Platt (22 pts), Jackson Lambert (28 pts), Ryan Calhoun (27 pts) and goal tender Brian Mullins, who's been solid this year with a .952 SV% . 

Riley Wildcats

The Wildcats, on the other hand, have had a great start to the season.  It's early but a solid Michiana league win against St. Joseph, followed by wins against Munster, Valpo, and the Fort Wayne Bruins, means the Wildcats are beating the teams they should beat and winning the close ones as well.  Despite losing their most potent offensive weapons from last year, forward Jacob Ruelle (73 pts), Donovan Kussart (36 pts), and Bryce Hoggatt (34pts), the Cats have playmakers Cole Bondurant, Nicolas Korell, and Marty Whalen eager to lead the team with 6, 7, and 4 points on the season, respectively.  

So who is poised to win this game?

My crystal ball tells me this is going to be a close one.  While it's true both teams have key losses on the roster, both teams already have players stepping into those team leader roles.  The starting goalies have played reasonably well thus far and nothing jumps out as a red flag from either side.  These teams meet a total of four times this season and I expect every one to be a close fight.  This game sets the table for a great season rivalry and it's the reason I chose this game as our game of the week.  But if you're going to make me choose, my gut tells me that Penn takes the wind out of Riley's sails and beats them 3-2.  But the Wildcats won't go down easy.  Expect a slugfest!  

There you have it, Hoosier Hockey Faithful.  The Penn Kingsmen are my team this week.  You heard it here first!