Lakers Vs. HC Harbin (China) Friday - Oct. 10th

The Forest Lake Lakers have jumped out of the gates to a 6-1-0 start in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MnJHL). Their next game in the MnJHL is on Saturday Oct. 11th in Rochester vs. the 6-0 Ice Hawks. But before the Lakers hit the road this weekend they will be playing an international exhibition game vs. HC Harbin of China on Friday at the Forest Lake Sports Center at 7:30. Join us at the rink, or if you can’t make it check out www.msbnsports.com which broadcast all MnJHL games.

HC Harbin has been coming to America in their offseason for a several years now to prepare them for hockey back home where they have won over a dozen Chinese National Championships in the last 40 years. Arriving in 2 waves on September 16th, and 17th, they have been staying in Ames, Iowa playing games against the Iowa State Cyclones D1 and D3 teams over the last few weeks. Against the D3 team the HC Harbin displayed a lot of talent in a pair of 4-1 losses. Then against the D1 team HC Harbin fought through a couple of blowouts losing 8-0 on 9/26 and 11-1 on 9/27. Not a lot is known about the team and how they will do against the Lakers. A few years ago they played the Twin Cities Northern Lights and struggled against them although I could not track down a box score. The game should be a fun test for the Lakers and HC Harbin both look to get some extra experience to help them in their respective upcoming seasons. Join the Lakers on Friday and route the team on as they look to win their first International Game.

Now after those two series of games HC Harbin is coming to Forest Lake where they will take on the Lakers this Friday. The Lakers players are excited about the game, as they will get a chance to try out some tactics for their upcoming games in the MnJHL season. The Lakers have 3 games vs. the top 2 teams in the Minnesota Division. The (6-0) Rochester Ice Hawks (tied at 12pts with the Lakers) on Saturday and then the (9-2) Dells Ducks next weekend on the 17th and 19th. Having already defeated the Ducks 2-1 last Thursday the Lakers will be looking to take some points from the only team they are currently chasing.


Scouting Report on HC Harbin

Forwards: “The most talented forward on HC Harbin's roster, however, is likely 18-year-old Ji Peng, who played 6 games for China Dragon last season and for Team China at the 2014 World Junior Championships Division II Group B and the 2014 World Championships. Nineteen-year-old Xiang Xu Dong and 18-year-old Zhu Zi Yang also skated with Ji at forward at the World Junior Championships.”

Defense: “HC Harbin's defense is led by Fu Teng Yi, who was an alternate captain for Team China at the 2014 World Championships and who plays a strong two-game, possesses strong all-compass mobility, and who displays a penchant for physical play. Li Ning and Wen Chao are well-established as amongst China's best, having played for both China Dragon and Team China at the World Championships last season, and Guan Tian Yi is one of China's top young defenseman as a 19-year-old who played 7 games for China Dragon in 2013-14 and, like Ji Peng, for Team China at both the World Junior Championships and World Championships.”

Goalies: “In net, Harbin brings two arguably the top two goaltenders in China. Liu Zhi Wei served as China's number one netminder at the 2014 World Championships and 20-year-old Xia Sheng Rong joined him as Team China's backup after serving as China's top goalie at the 2014 World Junior Championships and as China Dragon's backup goalie”