JACKSON, Wyo. — This weekend’s contest between the Jackson Hole Moose and visiting Bozeman Stingers could turn into a battle of goalies—one who is and one who isn’t.
Moose coach Howie Carruth said his club will be without star goaltender Nick Krauss due to an off-ice injury. To make matters worse, Bozeman boasts a standout goalie with a Minnesota collegiate background.
If the Moose feel the need to score more in the absence of Krauss, they will get a boost from forwards Jake Leitner and Jason Reese. Both ‘newcomers’ have played with the Moose before but Jackson fans will get their first look at them in the Snow King Sports and Event Center this season.
Leitner has played sparingly with the Moose in previous years. He also skated with the Yellow Jackets on December 21-22 when they played Jackson Hole.
Reese dressed for the Moose for their away games against the Vail Yeti. Reese notched a hattrick on Friday and added a goal and two assists the next night.
As for the Stingers, they always play the Moose tough. They are a scrappy bunch that always seem to keep the score close.
“They’re a young team. Young and fast,” Carruth said. “They have no real superstars but everyone is really skilled.”
The Moose handled Bozeman last season, beating them 7-5 and 9-7 in the season opener. Jackson also dispatched the Stingers in the first round of the playoffs last year, 6-2.
Bozeman Stingers vs. Jackson Hole Moose. Snow King Sports and Event Center. Music by Bush Pilots beginning at 7 p.m. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night.
