Blazers aiming to address breakout concerns; Nemis to make debut against Wheat Kings

The pressure resulted in turnovers and goals against.

“We had the puck and guys didn’t work together to get our breakouts,” Clouston said. “Is it just the guy making the turnover or is it the other four players not giving him options? It’s a combination of both.”

Kamloops has two wins, two losses and one overtime defeat this season.

Kaeden Tate, who turns 17 on Saturday, has been in net for both victories – including a 5-2 triumph over hometown Kelowna on Friday – and remains unbeaten in the WHL, with four wins and no losses.

“I think last year helped a lot and the guys in front of me are doing a great job,” said Tate, the 6-foot-4 netminder from Huntington Beach, Calif. “I haven’t had too many [situations] where there was nothing I could do, so I’m appreciative of that.”

Tate, whose parents will be in town later this week, has allowed three goals on 61 shots this season, good for a .951 save percentage.

“It’s a challenging position, but he seems to have the demeanour, the confidence, the structure, the poise, the compete and it’s been a great progression,” Clouston said.

Blazers’ 20-year-old forward Gavin Nemis is expected to make his WHL debut on Wednesday.

Nemis, who tallied 48 points in 50 games last season for the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the B.C. Hockey League, has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in the pre-season.

“I like to work hard and create turnovers,” Nemis said. “I like setting up my teammates and, hopefully, scoring some goals. I’ve been wanting to play for a while now, pushing my injury quite a bit, so I’m excited to get going tomorrow night.”

The Wheat Kings (3-2-0-0) are slated to play the Vancouver Giants (2-2-1-0) on Tuesday in Langley.

Kamloops and Brandon are slated to square off at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Sandman Centre.

by Marty Hastings

Blazers aiming to address breakout concerns; Nemis to make debut against Wheat Kings

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