ROUYN-NORANDA, Quebec (Interstat) — The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies will look to continue their recent dominance over a regional rival when they host the Val-d’Or Foreurs in a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League matchup Friday night at Aréna Glencore.

The Huskies (22-14-0) have won the last three meetings against the Foreurs (16-21-0), including a 5-4 victory on Dec. 31 and a 3-2 shootout win on Dec. 28. Rouyn-Noranda holds a 3-1 edge in the season series.

Entering the contest with a six-point standings advantage, the Huskies are projected as strong favorites. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 4-2 Rouyn-Noranda victory, while its ELO system gives the Huskies a 64.7% probability to win.

Rouyn-Noranda arrives following a 4-3 overtime victory over Blainville-Boisbriand on Thursday. Forward Charlie Benigno, a key player to watch, scored a goal and registered six shots on net in that win. He has goals in two of his last three games and will be a focal point of the Huskies’ attack.

Val-d’Or seeks to build momentum from a 4-1 win over Blainville-Boisbriand on Wednesday. Center Benjamin Olivier led the way with a goal and an assist, continuing his productive play against the Huskies this season; he also recorded an assist in the Dec. 31 loss in Rouyn-Noranda.

The Foreurs have shown recent signs of life, winning three of their last four games after a difficult stretch. However, their road challenge is steep against a Huskies team that is 12-6-0 on home ice this season.

Following this game, the teams will meet again in Val-d’Or next Friday, Jan. 16, adding immediate stakes to this home-and-home set. The Huskies next host Shawinigan on Sunday, while the Foreurs return home to face Shawinigan on Saturday.