Many in the hockey world refer to postseason play as the “real” season, for good reason.
Up to the start of playoffs, it’s all about getting the ducks in order, finding the proper song sheet and placement.
Now it’s about which teams did the best job over the days and months leading up to this point. This is when will enters the equation.
The Amherst Ramblers and Truro Bearcats match up well. The Ramblers’ advantage was a higher placement and the series-opening game.
To advance, somewhere along the line, the Bearcats would have to win one in Amherst. They did.
The first game was a tight, close checking one with solid goaltending in both ends. The Bearcats came from behind twice to tie, force OT, then earn the win.
There’s no question the intensity will grow especially this week with games scheduled for, Monday in Truro, Tuesday in Amherst, Thursday in Truro, and if necessary, Saturday in Amherst, Sunday in Truro and Tuesday in Amherst.
Everything is on the line now and it’s a matter of who’s going to get the job done. Should be a great series.
In the other Divisional semi-final, the Valley Wildcats picked up a shutout win in the opener and lost in double OT in the second. That’s why the games are played.
For sure, all players and fans are happy to see playoff hockey. It’s been a full two seasons since that has been experienced.
Regional qualifiers have been a strong point in the nine league Canadian Junior Hockey League. The announcement to have them cancelled this year, to be replaced by a ten-team championship in Estevan was not well received in the MHL.
For two years now, the Summerside Capitals were building to host the Fred Page Cup, featuring the winners in Central Ontario, Quebec and MHL along with the host Summerside Capitals.
Uncertainty regarding covid-19 is understandable but it does not lessen the disappointment felt by the Capitals and the community of Summerside.
So, the MHL Playoff winner will head west in May. Game on — there are currently eight MHL teams with sights set on the Estevan Bruins.
GO CATS GO