<div align="center">ROUND 1 - EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS - GAME 2



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Game Preview: Tonight we have Game 2 between Toronto and Hamilton. In game 1 we saw Hamilton get the victory with a 5-3 win. Both teams played well but tonight’s game is a big one. Will Hamilton take a commanding 2-0 series lead or will Toronto tie it up at 1 game a piece making it a best of 5 series?



Starting Line Ups

Toronto North Stars:

Adam Kylrad – Yousuf Scherbluk – James Blaine

Azriel Stryfe – Darian Scherbluk

Dymo Ranjan


Hamilton Steelhawks:

Joe McKeil – Franklin Trey – Magnus Jakobsen

Friedrich Muller – Rider Clitsome

Edwin Ask


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Now let’s look at Tonight’s Keys to the game:


Player Toronto needs to Shutdown: Magnus Jakobsen



SHL’s leading goal scorer in the regular season, Jakobsen celebrated pretty hard over the Christmas break, as evident by the above photo, but it’s back to business now that the playoffs are underway. After potting 27 goals in the regular season, he continued to have a hot hand in game 1, scoring a clutch goal and registering 4 shots. Jakobsen proved this season he is a dangerous player and despite getting completely hammered at Hamilton’s annual ugly sweater Christmas party, he’s ready to be a playoff performer.


Player Hamilton needs to Shutdown: Adam Kylrad



Kylrad was a scoring machine this year for Toronto, carrying much of the offense while he put up 25 goals and 49 points, 11 more than anyone else on the team. Kylrad is the key to the attack for Toronto and as he goes, the North Stars go. Hamilton would be wise to put a body on him or he could hurt them tonight. They were able to keep him contained in game 1, but players as talented as Kylrad cannot be held down for long. There’s no question Kylrad will be looking to spark the offense tonight for Toronto. Hamilton better take notice.



Tonight’s X-Factors!


Toronto: Jamie Hawkins



He may not look like much of an x-factor here, but when he’s not posing flamboyantly in his team colors, Jamie Hawkins is actually a pretty good hockey player. Don’t let his soft appearance fool you, Hawkins can bring it. I know you’re probably thinking anyone with that hairdo is not very intimidating, but Hawkins uses that to his advantage and surprises teams with how hard he plays the game. He had a solid rookie season with 11 goals in a depth role but is the exact kind of player who can come up big in the playoffs. Hawkins could be an x-factor not only in tonight’s game but in this series for Toronto. There’s definitely something “special” about him.



Hamilton: Bryson Thomaz



Pictured above with his new adopted baby and life partner Friedrich Muller, Bryson Thomaz has everything lined up to have a big series. The strength he’s gained from his open relationship with Muller, coupled with the adoption of their new baby has Bryson playing the best hockey of his career. He had a great rookie season with 38 points and really flourished after coming to Hamilton to join Muller. Once unified, the two of them both had great seasons. Apparently they have a ritual before the game of waxing each other sticks and it’s really benefited their performance. Coming off a 2 point game in the series opener, Bryson Thomaz will look to continue his hot play in game 2 and we wouldn’t bet against him.




The Hamilton Ice Girls are about to clean the Ice!!!



Look at them go!




The Leader of the Barney Stinson Fan Club can't believe his eyes!




The Ice Girls are all finished and the game is about the get underway!





It's a great atmosphere here in Hamilton!!!




Back soon with SHL Playoff action!



Estimated Game Start: Midnight Eastern.


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