CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The Charlottetown Islanders are looking to get back on track.
After turning in a strong first half the Isles boosted their lineup during the Christmas trade period. The team has gone 5-5-1-0 during January and is hoping to get back to its winning ways this week after not playing a 60-minute game Saturday in a loss to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
“I thought some guys strayed from what their keys to success are,” head coach Jim Hulton said after Wednesday’s practice. “I just want us to get back to playing the way we play. I think the results will take care of themselves.”
It starts tonight when the Islanders (27-17-3-0) host the Sherbrooke Phoenix, who was 20-20-6-3 before playing at Acadie-Bathurst on Wednesday night. See B2 for results.
The Islanders forward lines have been shook up.
Cameron Askew was back on the wing with Keith Getson and Pascal Aquin at Wednesday’s practice. Daniel Hardie and Derek Gentile were flanking Nikita Alexandrov while rookie Brett Budgell is in the middle with wingers Sam King and Sullivan Sparkes. The fourth line had Thomas Casey, Casey Ton, Liam Peyton and Nathaniel Doyon.
Matthew Welsh starts tonight in the Islanders crease.
The Islanders will be without rookie defenceman Brendon Clavelle for two to four weeks with a shoulder injury sustained on Saturday.
It will mean more playing time for Noah Massie, who has four assists in 29 games in his first season with the Islanders.
“This is what he’s been waiting for and he’s worked hard,” Hulton said. “I think his confidence is growing with each game he’s been in.”
Upcoming games
A look at the Charlottetown Islanders games during the next two weeks.
Tonight
7 p.m. – Sherbrooke at Charlottetown.
Friday
7 p.m. – Charlottetown at Saint John.
Saturday
7 p.m. – Charlottetown at Moncton.
Tuesday
7 p.m. – Halifax at Charlottetown.
Friday, Feb. 9
7 p.m. – Blainville-Boisbriand at Charlottetown.
Saturday, Feb. 10
3 p.m. – Chicoutimi at Charlottetown.
