After playing five straight games against divisional opponents in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union, the Icemen (0-4-1-0, 1 pt) travel to Ontario to take on the Brampton Beast (2-6-1-1, 6 pts). The two teams square off early Wednesday as the puck drops at 11:00 a.m.
While the Icemen have dropped their first two road games this season, different players have been stepping up offensively. Defenseman Christopher Dienes scored and collected an assist versus Greenville and then scored the lone goal against South Carolina on Sunday. Forward Brendan Collier came off the reserved list to play in his first-ever ECHL game on Saturday against Greenville. The 24-year-old collected three assists, joining Alexandre Goulet as the only players to have 3-point games this season.
Like Jacksonville, the Brampton Beast have gotten off to a slow start. Last in the North division, the Beast post a -10 goal differential on the year. However, captain Brandon Marino has led the team offensively, scoring five goals and posting 10 points so far. In net, the Beast have used three different goalies in 10 games. Andrew D'Agostini leads all goalies in minutes with 240 and has allowed 13 goals on a 112 shots equaling a .884 SAV percentage, the best on the team.
A quick start could be the catalyst for a win on the road for Jacksonville Wednesday. The Beast haven't led after the first period at all this season. The Icemen have also added depth defensively since Sunday's matinee against South Carolina. Defenseman Jan Kostalek was acquired by Jacksonville on Tuesday from AHL affiliate, Manitoba Moose.
Catch all the action live from Brampton, Ontario on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 11:00 a.m. Fans can watch here or listen live.
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 0-4-1-0 (7th in South division)
Brampton Beast: 2-6-1-1 (7th in North division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 1/24 - 4.2% (27th in ECHL)
Beast: 9/53 – 17.0% (13th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 23/27 – 85.2% (11th in ECHL)
Beast: 46/58– 79.3% (20th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#9 D Christopher Dienes (JAX) - 2G, 1A - 3PTS +3
Despite losing two games, Dienes is having a phenomenal road trip. In just two games, Dienes has scored twice and collected an assist. The defenseman also leads the team with a +3.
#13 F Brandon Marino (BRM) - 5G, 5A - 10PTS
In 10 games this season, Marino is averaging a point per game. The captain leads his team with 10 points and five goals on the season.
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