Chris Clegg
NPHL.com Writer

The NPHL kicks off its 67th season as the defending champion Grande Prairie Athletics host the Falher Pirates Friday. David Temple, former NPHL linesman and long-time NPHL fan, sets the lines. Last season, I was 52-26 [66.67%] straight up and 44-34 [56.41%] against the line. Only once in almost 30 years of picking games have I ever had a losing season record ATL. Here goes!

High Prairie at Manning [Sat., Nov. 2]
LINE: High Prairie by 4 1/2

What jumps out here is that HP is favoured. HP has not won in Manning in almost 12 years, losing 13 straight at MAN since 2007. Five of the six losses have been by at least three goals. I am told MAN is not very strong this season and who knows what HP has? It would not surprise me to see HP win this game but until they do I will not pick them. MAN has Braden Gamble – the best player in the NPHL – and that may be just enough. Going with history, MAN to win and take the goals.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD STRAIGHT-UP: 52-26
LAST SEASON’S RECORD AGAINST THE LINE: 44-34