RIVALRY CUP REPORT

In the "this isn't going to go well" department, you can find tomorrow's game between the Moncton Wildcats and the Saint John Sea Dogs.

The Sea Dogs are going into the game losers of their past two games while being outscored 11-3. The Sea Dogs will also be finishing off a five game home stand. The home stand not only takes place in September but in the span of eight days, making it difficult to average large crowds,

Crowd size usually is not a huge factor in games, but most games are not the Brunswick News Rivalry Cup challenge. The revamped, second annual challenge begins tomorrow.

Here is how the point system works this season:

Head-to-head on ice: Two points for a regulation, overtime or shootout win. One point for an overtime or shootout loss. Each team can total a maximum of 16 points.

Box office: The attendance for all eight games between the Wildcats and Sea Dogs will be calculated. Teams are awarded a half point for 70 per cent building capacity, one point for 80 per cent, two points for 90 per cent and three points for 100 per cent. Each team can earn a maximum of 12 points.

Holiday food drive: Five points are awarded to the city that collects the most non-perishable food items during a food drive that will take place during home games against each other on New Year's Eve and Jan. 2.

Mascot challenge: Each club will host two intermission events featuring the mascots. One point is awarded for a victory. Four total points are up for grabs in this category.

Road trip challenge: Two points are awarded for the team that has the most fans show up at the opposition's arena wearing Wildcats or Sea Dogs apparel. These fans will parade onto the ice to be counted. It's for one designated game in each city with the dates to be announced.

With Saint John playing their worst hockey of the season and the crowd size decreasing every game on the home stand, it's very possible Saint John walks away with zero points.

Only time will tell when Moncton visits Saint John tomorrow at 4 p.m., Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 7 p.m. The Wildcats host the Sea Dogs on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m., Dec. 31 at 7 p.m., Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. and March 14 at 4 p.m.

A team could actually lose all eight games, but still win the Rivalry Cup. That club would just need better attendance, more non-perishable food donations, victory in the mascot challenge and more fans to wear team apparel into the opposition's building.

Be sure to check out the Station Nation pre-game tomorrow and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/station_nation.


With inserts from todays Times & Transcript. To view the entire article click HERE.