Oratory Prep Hockey is proud to sponsor this week’s Game of the Week. Our series this week comes out of the NA3HL, where Atlanta and El Paso will look to create some breathing room in the standings. Both teams come into the series tied for third in the South Division.
Games
Friday 1.29.21 7:00 PM
Saturday 1.30.21 7:00 PM
Sunday 1.31.21 4:30 PM
Preview
In a NA3HL South Division battle, Atlanta travels to El Paso to take on the surging Rhinos for a three game set. Both teams are currently sitting tied in third place in the south division with 29 points and are looking to pull closer to the top of the division. El Paso with games in hand have been trending in the right direction with a 6-1-1-2 record in their last 10. Atlanta who has been extremely consistent all year needs to take at least 2 out of 3 from El Paso to stay in the race. The key match-up will be how well the Atlanta blue line handle the El Paso offense that is averaging 4.94 goals a game this season.
Players to watch
Tristin Maestas - ‘01 Forward - El Paso Rhinos
Averaging 1.32 points a game the play making forward has the ability to facilitate offense through his passing and can put the puck in the net himself. Originally signed to the MJHL for this season he found his way to El Paso and will be a good player for a NAHL team next year if not retained by El Paso.
John Mulvihill - ‘01 Forward - El Paso Rhinos
The Junior veteran is having himself a very nice year as he is growing into a nice two way forward that can produce. Smart away from the puck in all three zones, he has learned to produce at a regular clip this season. A very intriguing player for D3 schools.
Gunner Moore - ‘01 Defensemen - Atlanta Capitals
A multi year veteran for Atlanta, he is asked to play a big role for his squad and will be asked to shut down some top players. Offensively, he has always been reliable but this weekend we will see if he is up to the task defensively.
Prediction
Since January El Paso has been clicking on all cylinders and we think that continues this weekend vs Atlanta. El Paso's scoring depth will be too much to handle for majority of the three game set.
El Paso takes all 3