Huge weekend awaits the Red and Black

This weekend of play is crucial for the 77\'s as they play 3 games in 3 nights, all against divisional opponents.  The results of these three matchups will go a long way in determining the seeding of the playoff race as the season nears the end.

On Friday, January 23, the 77\'s will travel to Gravenhurst to re-ignite their rivalry with the Shield.  The Shield, clear favourites to win the Russell Cup this season, have been nothing short of spectacular this season and will prove an admirable test for the troop from Oro-Medonte.  The Shield have a solid group from top to bottom, however their only concern might be between the pipes.  The 77\'s will have to get to him early and often to have any chance of success.  If this matchup is as good as the first two, it should be a dandy.

On Saturday, January 24, the 77\'s will host the Nipissing Alouette\'s and will welcome back ex-77\'s, Harout Keshishian, David Tagvoryan and Arthur Ketchedjian to the Oro ice house.  A recent injury to Keshishian will prevent him from being in the lineup, however the Alouette\'s have enough firepower to make it up including the league\'s second leading scorer, Andre Leclair.  This game is as crucial as any for the home side as they are trying to catch the Als for third place and home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.  This one should be a battle as the 77\'s will look to avenge an embarrasssing defeat at the hands of the Als in their last trip to Oro-Medonte.

On Sunday, January 25, the 77\'s travel to Cannington for an afternoon matchup against the Brock Bucks.  The Bucks have been struggling of late however will be looking to repeat their 8-2 thrashing of the 77\'s in their last meeting.  77\'s Nathan Joy will make his first start against the Bucks since his departure from Brock and will be looking to make a statement against his former club.