Simley is riding a six-game winning streak into its matchup with Metro East Conference foe Tartan, which seeks to protect its perfect league record and become a top contender for the conference crown.
The Spartans are one victory from doubling last year’s five wins (when six skaters were injured) on the efforts of 10 seniors and a developing supporting cast. Boasting two full lines of steady contributors, Simley (9-2-1, 1-1-1) has largely outplayed most of its competition while needing a strong showing from goaltender James Royce. Royce stopped 43 shots in a 3-2 win over the third-ranked team in Wisconsin, University School of Milwaukee, in the Schwan’s Cup Open Division final Dec. 28.
Tartan's five-game winning streak was snapped after a 4-3 loss to East Ridge Dec. 28. The Titans (7-2-1, 3-0-0) are converting on the power play 40 percent with the help of Justin Thompson, who has five goals and four assists on the man advantage, and Jacob Betz’s six power-play assists.
Simley will have to stay disciplined to avoid playing a man down against a Tartan team that beat the Spartans 6-1 a season ago.