PREVIEW SteelHounds

Scheduled: The SteelHounds play host to the Wichita Thunder tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the Chevrolet Centre.
Game times: 7:05 p.m. today and Saturday, 4:05 p.m. Sunday
Radio/Internet: WBBW-AM (1240), steelhounds.com
SteelHounds scouting report: Youngstown (29-19-4) has lost three of its last 10 games and has fallen into a tie with the Mississippi RiverKings for second place in the Central Hockey League’s Northeast Division and fourth place in the Northern Conference playoff race. These teams have met only once this season; the SteelHounds won 4-1 at Wichita Nov. 2. Forward Peter Pohl and center Chris Richards are tied for the team scoring lead with 59 points each. Pohl has 21 goals and Richards 18. Eric Przepiorka continues to lead the team with 22 goals. Goaltender Andy Franck is 17-10-3 with a 3.03 goals against average, but Kevin Beech (3-2-0, 2.18) was the winner Sunday in a shootout at Amarillo.
Thunder scouting report: Wichita is 17-33-1 and in last place in the Northern Conference, but the Thunder has won five of its last seven games, including a 5-3 victory Tuesday at home against Tulsa. Center Bruce Richardson leads Wichita with 46 points and 34 assists. He and Travis Clayton have 12 goals apiece … and that leads the current players on the roster. Goalie Bill Zaniboni is 4-5-0 with a 3.55 GAA, and Jon Horrell is 2-17-1, 4.86.
Promotions: Tonight is “Defend Youngstown Night” — all fans who wear “Defend Youngstown shirts will receive $2 off silver level tickets. It’s also “SteelHounds out for Blood Night” as fans can donate blood to the American Red Cross from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Chevrolet Centre. It is also “Fan Appreciation Friday” which means $1 beers for everyone 21 years and older. Saturday’s game will feature an appearance from ESPN’s Barry Melrose and it’s “Cheesy Noisemaker Night” where fans can bring boxes of macaroni and cheese to shake during the game. After the game those boxes will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. Fans attending Sunday’s game will receive Rick Nash “Rick Bands” and fans can skate with the team after the game.
Next: The SteelHounds head West for games against Rocky Mountain March 7, Colorado March 8 and Wichita March 9.

Vindicator staff report