Francis Drolet may not have been on the rink much at training this week but Newcastle Northstars coach John Kennedy jnr reckons it won't stop the Canadian import from lining up against the ladder-leading Brave in Canberra on Saturday.
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Kennedy jnr put both Drolet and Northstars teammate Liam Manwarring in the same category ahead of the top-of-the-table clash, just a fortnight out from the Australian Ice Hockey League finals series in Newcastle on August 31 and September 1.
"We've had some guys resting this week," Kennedy jnr said.
"They haven't had much time on the ice during practice, but they want to play.
"Francis Drolet is having a cracker of a season for us and Liam Manwarring copped a stick to the face last game."
Saturday marks the fourth and final meeting between the Brave and Northstars before potentially crossing paths again during the upcoming play-offs.
The Novocastrians have been beaten 6-2, 3-2 and 4-2 against Canberra.
"It's like any other game and we're fully focused on us," Kennedy jnr said.
Canberra (76 points) have already sewn up the minor premiership while second-placed Newcastle (49) locked down a spot in the top four after coming from behind on three occasions in regular time and eventually beating the Sydney Ice Dogs 5-4 in a shootout last start.
Perth Thunder (42), Sydney Bears (40) and Melbourne Mustangs (39) are fighting it out for the remaining two positions.
The Thunder host the Bears on Saturday.
"You play the whole regular season to try and make the finals," Kennedy jnr said. "I'm glad that we're in."
Play at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre in Canberra gets underway at 5:30pm.
