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Game Preview - Halifax vs Georgia

Mar 28, 2023

Coming into the weekend with a two-game winning streak, the Halifax Thunderbirds return home to the friendly confines of Scotiabank Centre on Sunday afternoon for their first matchup of the season against the Georgia Swarm. Opening face-off is set for 2:00 p.m. AT. 

Scouting the Thunderbirds

Halifax’s offence has found a spark in their previous two wins, scoring 14 goals each game. 

During the run, the play of Eric Fannell (25G, 22A) has stood out. The lefty has five goals and nine points over that span, including a hat trick last week in Philadelphia. 

Cody Jamieson (17G, 36A) had one of his best games of the year to date, putting up two goals and six points to pace the Thunderbirds while Randy Staats (24G, 46A) and Ryan Benesch (25G, 35A) also pitched in big games. 

The win in Philadelphia showcased the Thunderbirds' widespread attack, as each forward had at least two points on the night. But arguably the most impressive performances of the night came from the defence. 

Graeme Hossack (2G, 7A) had an assist, 12 loose balls, and five caused turnovers, Ryan Terefenko (7G, 10A) had a three-point outing with seven loosies, and Jake Withers went 18-28 from the stripe against the second-best draw man in the league this year in Trevor Baptiste. 

Warren Hill has continued to round into form over the last month, coming up with 78 combined saves in his previous two starts. The Halifax starter has an 11.14 GAA and a .770 SV% in 14 games. 

Scouting the Swarm

The Swarm have maintained a balanced offensive attack this year, led by former league MVP Lyle Thompson (35G, 44A). The righty continues to be one of the best forwards in the league, and he’s aided by Andrew Kew (32G, 43A), Shayne Jackson (21G, 36A), and Brendan Bomberry (10G, 22A). 

Kew was Georgia’s biggest acquisition this off-season. He and Jackson have provided valuable secondary scoring on the left side of the floor. 

Georgia’s defence is led by captain Jordan MacIntosh, Bryan Cole, and Adam Wiedemann. TJ Comizio has also come along as a top defender for the team this year. Jeremy Thompson was also brought in during the off-season to help out with face-offs and transition. He’s sitting at 51 percent for the year on draws. He’ll be tasked with slowing down Jake Withers in this game. 

In goal, the Swarm flip-flopped between Craig Wende and rookie Brett Dobson to open the year. But it’s been Dobson’s net over the last stretch. Dobson holds a 4-5 record on the year with an 11.72 goals-against average and a .760 save percentage. 

Milestone Watch

  • Ryan Benesch needs three assists to reach 700 for his career
  • David Brock needs one point to reach 100 for his career 
  • Graeme Hossack needs five points to reach 100 for his career
  • Randy Staats needs four assists to reach 300 for his career

Broadcast Info

Thunderbirds fans can catch the team in action on the TSN App. Those tuning in from the United States can see the game on ESPN+.

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