In a tight North American Hockey League South Division, a lot will be on the line when the Topeka Pilots take the ice this weekend against the Shreveport Mudbugs.
Topeka (11-9-2) will begin a 10-game home stand this Friday and Saturday with a two-game series against the Mudbugs.
Friday will be Billet Night at Landon Arena, with Saturday deemed as Family Night. Tickets will be buy one get one free at the Expocentre box office and merchandise will be 20 percent off on Friday night in conjunction with Black Friday.
The home stand will be Topeka’s longest of the season.
Coming off a weekend split with the Springfield Jr. Blues, including a tough 6-0 loss last Saturday, Pilots head coach Simon Watson is excited for his team to get back at it at home.
“This is a big weekend for our players with Thanksgiving,” Watson said. “A lot of family in town and it’s an opportunity for us to thank them and our billets for what they do.”
With players being across the country, or even in some cases across the globe from their families, Watson is hoping his team will come out excited and ready to play against a formidable Shreveport squad.
“We hope it’s a competitive weekend,” Watson said. “We know Shreveport is going to come in here and be ready to play. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
With the South Division’s top four teams being separated by only six points, division matchups become even more crucial. Currently, the Pilots sit in third place, one point ahead of Shreveport.
The Mudbugs were in action on Wednesday in North Richland Hills, Texas, facing the Lone Star Brahmas before traveling to Topeka. Shreveport defeated Lone Star 2-1 in a shootout.
“We’ve certainly got some important games coming up against our division,” Watson said. “We’re ready to get out there on home ice in front of our fans.”
