Insider Preview - Texas Brahmas vs. Amarillo Gorillas

Two-game series expected to be hard fought

The Brahmas head for Amarillo to take on the Gorillas for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday nights. The Brahmas (24-10-4) are coming off a 5-4 shootout loss on the road at Laredo but maintain a four point lead in the Southeast Division.

The Gorillas (10-25-1) have the worst record in the league and at 20 points, sit at the bottom of the Southwest Division rankings. They have lost their last six games in a row. They are however, 14-3-1 at home this season and new head coach Brian Pellerin is looking for his first win in his home coaching debut.

This is the third meeting between the two clubs this season and the third game to be played at the Amarillo Civic Center. The Gorillas have been a formidable foe for the Brahmas thus far. The teams had split wins in their first two meetings. The Brahmas won a tough 4-3 game on October 24th and the Gorillas beat them 2-1 in overtime on October 30th.

The Brahmas will face their former teammate, forward Mark Carragher, who was placed on waivers on January 16th and signed by Amarillo on the 20th. He replaces another former Brahma, Brad Bonello, who left the Gorillas to sign with the Edinburgh Capitals in the British Elite league (EIHL).

Amarillo's top three scorers are defenseman Sam Ftorek with 32 points (12 G, 20 A), center Stuart MacRae with 33 points (8 G, 25 A) and Jake Morrissette with 23 points (9 G, 14 A).

The Brahmas' top three scorers are forwards Scott Sheppard with 43 points (22 G, 21 A), Grant Jacobsen with 40 points (17 G, 23 A) and Jordan Cameron with 36 points (14 G, 22 A).

On special teams, the Brahmas are third in the league on the powerplay at 20.9%. They are ranked 12th on the penalty kill at 81.2%. Amarillo is 16th in the league on the powerplay at 12.6% and 14th on the penalty kill at 77.5%.

Mike Gorman (8-13-0) is expected in net for the Gorillas. David Cacciola (7-5-0-1) will take the ice for the Brahmas.

The Brahmas will be without defenseman Mike Vellinga who remains on the injured reserve. Forward Pete Rouleau remains out on personal leave. Amarillo will be without forward Joe Guenther, also out on injured reserve.

The game starts at 7:05pm and can be seen on Nifty-TV.

Image Credit: Amarillo Gorillas