The Stoney Creek Warriors will aim to snap two nasty streaks tonight (Friday, Jan.18) when they head to Port Colborne to take on the Sailors.

First, the Warriors hope to snap a two-game losing streak, highlighted by defeats at the hands of lowly Wheatfield and an 8-1 thrashing last weekend in Thorold.

The second objective for tonight's game will be to end a four-game road losing streak dating back to Dec. 21.

"We need to step it up on the defensive front," said assistant captain Greg Bryl. "We need to pay attention to our d-zone coverage. Too often we are leaving our goaltenders out to dry."

Since returning from the Christmas Break, the Warriors have gone 2-3 and have been outscored 23-17.

Bryl said the team needs to come ready to play every game, especially with the playoffs only a few weeks away.

"This is a very competitive league and the majority of teams are separated by only a few points," he said. "It doesn't matter who you play, anyone can win. There are no freebie games in this league."

Bryl said the 8-1 loss to Thorold last weekend should be a wake-up call to the Warriors.

"We need to take a lesson from that miserable experience," he said. "It's time to start a new winning streak."

While the Warriors only managed one goal in last weekend's loss, the team has one of the most potent offences in the league.

Five players - Andrew Dovey (44 points), Mike Kavanagh (42 points), Adam Montgomery (42 points), Jordan Gignac (41 points) and Bryl (37 points) are among the league's top 25.

Bryl has stepped up his impact so far in 2008, with six goals and four assists over the past five games.

Head coach Dan Currie said his charges will learn from last weekend's loss and "put it in the past.

"We weren't ready physically or mentally, but we've got 11 games left and we have to keep moving forward," he said.

The team is hoping to have goaltender Patrick Sullivan back in the line-up this weekend. Sullivan, who injured his ankle in December, was practising with the team this week.

At the trade deadline, Stoney Creek added defenceman Justin Ciprietti, who was acquired from Streetsville. A Hamilton native, Ciprietti, 6'0," 210 pounds, adds size and experience to the blue-line.