SteelHounds preview

Who: SteelHounds vs. Oklahoma City Blazers.
Gametimes: 7:05 p.m. today and Saturday, and 4:05 p.m. Sunday at the Chevrolet Centre
Radio/Internet: WBBW-AM (1240); steelhounds.com.
SteelHounds notes: Youngstown (27-16-3) continues its battle for playoff seeding with Mississippi and Colorado. The SteelHounds, 2-2-1 in their eight-game homestand, last played Sunday, defeating Mississippi 4-0. Rookie goaltender Kevin Beech made 38 saves in his SteelHounds’ debut. Eric Przepiorka continues to lead Youngstown with 21 goals and 56 points. Chris Richards has 39 assists — he had four last weekend — and 55 points, and Peter Pohl has 20 goals and 34 assists. In goal, Andy Franck is 17-9-2 with a 2.93 goals against average. The SteelHounds beat the trade deadline by acquiring defenseman David Simoes from New Mexico. Simoes, 22, is a rookie with one goal and five assists in 45 games with New Mexico.

Blaze notes: Oklahoma City (20-21-6) has lost seven of its last nine games; one of those losses was a 4-3 overtime decision at home against the SteelHounds on Feb. 2. Defenseman Mike Burgoyne leads the club with 29 assists and 45 points. Winger D.J. Jelitto has 21 goals. In goal, Jason Wolfe is 12-12-3 with a 2.88 GAA.
Promotions: Tonight is $1 beer night for fans 21 and older. The SteelHounds also will wear special pink jerseys for cancer awareness; the sweaters will be auctioned off following Saturday’s game. Saturday is also Rally Towel Night and “My Big Fat Youngstown Wedding On-Ice” as couples will get married and renew their vows on ice between periods. Fans will receive Rick Nash wristbands Sunday and can skate with the team following the game.
Up next: The SteelHounds travel to Colorado on Feb. 22, Amarillo on Feb. 24 and Texas on Feb. 26 before returning to the Chevrolet Centre Feb. 29-March 2 for three games against Wichita.

Vindicator staff report