Tis The Season

Forget Christmas cause this is the season to be jolly if you are a fan of hockey as it may be only January but for New York Islander and New York Ranger prospects, now is the time when they need to start stepping up. It is making for some fun hockey to watch.

You have heard the old expression "that every game is important" and while it sounds corny it is also the truth. Now is when prospects need to step up their games and make that big impression as teams jockey for playoff spots.

For us the big game was at the Hershey Centre in Ontarion where Casey Cizikas (NYI 2008 4th) and his Mississauga St. Michael's Majors were hosting Jason Wilson (NYR 2010 5th) and his Niagara IceDogs in an OHL Central Division clash. The Majors were holding a 9 point lead over the IceDogs but this was a the start of a home and home series that the IceDogs had to have.

Game 1 went to Wilson's IceDogs 5-3 as Wilson scored his 10th of the season to seal the win for the IceDoga. Wilson and Cizikas went at it a couple of the times during the game including 1:53 of the 3rd when both went off for roughing.

Cizikas saw his point scoring streak come to an end at 6 games as the IceDogs were able to keep him at bay.  Cizikas was a -2 while Wilson has goals in back to back games for the 2nd time in the month. The bigger story is the IceDogs pulling within 7 points of first place thanks to their 5th straight win.

This matchup was just one of several key game on the schedule starting with the Rangers here and the Islanders here.