JAMESTOWN – A week removed from one of its most exhilarating games in recent memory, the Southern Tier Xpress face off against a Metro Jet team basking in the glory of another tremendous season.
“They’ve been a traditionally strong program in the league throughout the years,” said Head Coach Lou Santini. “Our guys are excited about the opportunity.”
Just last month, the Xpress ended Metro’s 17 game winning streak with a gutsy 4-3 win.
The February victory over the Jets had many similarities to last week’s win against Niagara Falls because the team faced a deficit to begin the 3rd period and showed great tenacity playing from behind.
In that game Southern Tier’s Christian Juliana scored the go-ahead goal in the 3rd period. The momentum of that goal propelled the Xpress to a win.
Juliana’s is questionable for tonight’s tilt after suffering a concussion last Saturday.
“It’s a waiting game, everybody’s body handles things differently,” said Santini when asked about the likelihood Juliana will suit up.
“We want them (concussed players) to have no headaches for 48 hours,” Santini said. “After that, we make them do a light bike workout.”
After tonight’s game, the Xpress will play four more games including one more with Metro, two with Toledo and the home finale against Roc City on March 11th.
Southern Tier Xpress 20-22- vs Metro Jets 37-5-1.
They’ll drop the puck at Fraser Hockeyland in Frasier Michigan at 7:30.
