SOJHL Playoff Preview 2012
FEBRUARY 15 – There are 15 teams in the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League regular season which make up two conferences.
With the regular season gone, it’s time for those 15 teams to hit the ice and start battling it out against each other to prove once and for all who the best team in the SOJHL is.
The McConnell and the Yeck Conferences have some fantastic match ups which promise to entertain all those fans of Junior D hockey. The Yeck Conference has seven teams which battle it out all season long. This season the Thamesford Trojans, last season’s OHA Cup Champions, finished in the McConnell Conference first place spot, earning them the right to go directly to the Conference Semi Finals.
The following is a breakdown of the seven series that are set to begin as early as tomorrow night. Get ready hockey fans, the 15 SOJHL teams are!
MCCONNELL SERIES A – (1) DELHI TRAVELLERS vs. (8) NORFOLK REBLES
SEASON SERIES: Dehli won season series 5-0
STATS: Delhi outscored Norfolk 37-15
SERIES SCHEDULE: GAME 1 – NFK @ DEL, Feb. 17, 7:30pm
GAME 2 – DEL @ NFK, Feb. 19, 2:00pm
GAME 3 – NFK @ DEL, Feb. 24, 7:30pm
GAME 4 – DEL @ NFK, Feb. 26, 2:00pm
GAME 5 – NFK @ DEL, Mar. 2, 7:30pm*
GAME 6 – DEL @ NFK, Mar. 3, 7:30pm*
GAME 7 – NFK @ DEL, Mar. 4, 2:00pm*
(* if necessary)
The season long series between the McConnell Conference first ranked Delhi Travellers and the eighth ranked Norfolk Rebels was pretty much one sided this season. The Travellers managed to defeat the Rebels in each of the five games they faced-off against each other in, this season. The Travellers also managed to outscore the Rebels in their season series 37-15, leaving many to suspect that this series could be a short one. The Rebels will need to do what they can to prove that they can win when the pressure is on. This season the Travellers leading scorer’s Jake Legein (23 goals, 51 assists) and Nathan Moyaert (28 goals, 23 assists) were able to provide their club with tremendous offence. On the back end, defensemen Harrison McRobert (6y goals, 18 assists) and Marty MacDonald (5 goals, 17 assists) will cause problems for the opposing clubs offense. The Rebels bench staff will look for scoring of their own from forward Steve Parker (18 goals, 19 assists) and teammate Chris Murray (17 goals, 20 assists). Both forwards are going to have to find the open ice against a solid Travellers defensive team. On the back end the Rebels will need strong performances from both Adam Kannawin (3 goals, 10 assists) and Brad Hornby (3 goals, 4 assists). This series gets underway on Friday night in the Delhi Arena, puck drops at 7:30pm.
MCCONNELL SERIES B – (2) HAGERSVILLE HAWKS vs. (7) BURFORD BULLDOGS
SEASON SERIES: Hagersville won season series 3-2
STATS: Hagersville outscored Burford 24-21
SERIES SCHEDULE: GAME 1 – BUR @ HAG, Feb. 18, 7:30pm
GAME 2 – HAG @ BUR, Feb. 19, 7:30pm
GAME 3 – BUR @ HAG, Feb. 25, 7:30pm
GAME 4 – HAR @ BUR, Feb. 26, 7:30pm
GAME 5 – BUR @ HAG, Feb. 29, 8:00pm*
GAME 6 – HAG @ BUR, Mar. 3, 7:30pm *
GAME 7 – BUR @ HAG, Mar. 4, 7:30pm*
(* if necessary)
The second series in the McConnell Conference has the potential to be a lot closer than the standings show. The second ranked Hagersville Hawks will see what they’re made of when they play the seventh ranked Burford Bulldogs, a team they had their fair share of struggles against this season. In the five games these two clubs faced each other in, the Hawks won three games while outscoring the Bulldogs just 24-21. We’ll see what happens with the Bulldog players now that it’s the post season. Look for solid offense to come from forwards Jesse Ross (27 goals, 27 assists) and Nick Halliday (18 goals, 27 assists); both Hawks had the ability to produce some solid point production this season. Defensively, the Hawks pair of Brock McEachern (5 goals, 17 assists) and Deacon Krause (3 goals, 14 assists) will do what they can to move the puck up the ice. The Bulldogs leading scorer this season Tyler MacLaughlin (20 goals, 22 assists) will need to bring out his best efforts of his career in this first round series if his club is going to pull off the upset. Forward Tyler Vandenbussche (15 goals, 14 assists) should provide some secondary scoring. On the back end, Bulldogs defensemen Jim Salatas (6 goals, 21 assists) and Brandon Zehr (12 goals, 14 assists) are going to be tough to stop on the power play. This second series begins on Saturday February 18th at 7:30pm in the Hagersville Arena.
MCCONNELL SERIES C – (3) TAVISTOCK BRAVES vs. (6) ST. GEORGE DUKES
SEASON SERIES: Tavistock won season series 3-2
STATS: Tavistock outscored St. George 18-13
SERIES SCHEDULE: GAME 1 – STG @ TAV, Feb. 17, 7:30pm
GAME 2 – TAV @ STG, Feb. 18, 7:30pm
GAME 3 – STG @ TAV, Feb. 24, 7:30pm
GAME 4 – TAV @ STG, Feb. 26, 7:30pm
GAME 5 – STG @ TAV, Mar. 2, 7:30pm*
GAME 6 – TAV @ STG, Mar. 3, 7:30pm*
GAME 7 – STG @ TAV, Mar. 4 – 8:00pm*
(* if necessary)
Fans of the McConnell Conference third ranked Tavistock Braves and the sixth ranked St. George Dukes will be in for a treat when these two teams meet up in the first round of the SOJHL playoffs. In the season long series between the two clubs, the Braves skated away the victor on just three occasions while outscoring the Dukes 18-13. This series has could go five or six games depending on who gets the quick win early on. Look for Braves leading scorer’s Blair Mackay (18 goals, 19 assists) and Charlie Malson (18 goals, 19 assists) to net some big goals when they get a chance. Defensemen Matthew Lupton (5 goals, 15 assists) and Josh Zehr (3 goals, 12 assists) are going to be key in the outcome for the Braves in this series. The Dukes ice leading scorer Josh Wrobel (21 goals, 28 assists) and Chris Vasile (21 goals, 20 assists), two power forwards who will no doubt be marked men by the opposition. Grant Galloway (2 goals, 13 assists) and Alex Whiffing (6 goals, 8 assists), defensemen for the Dukes, are going to need to stay sharp to shut down the opposition in this best of four series. Catch this series when it kicks off on Friday night at 7:30pm in Tavistock.
MCCONNELL SERIES D – (4) Ayr CENTENNIALS vs. (5) WELLESLEY APPLEJACKS
SEASON SERIES : Wellesley won season series 5-1
STATS: Wellesley outscored Ayr 19-18
SERIES SCHEDULE: GAME 1 – WEL @ AYR, Feb. 16, 7:30pm
GAME 2 – AYR @ WEL, Feb. 18, 7:30pm
GAME 3 – WEL @ AYR, Feb. 23, 7:30pm
GAME 4 – AYR @ WEL, Feb. 25, 7:30pm
GAME 5 – WEL @ AYR, Mar. 1, 7:30pm*
GAME 6 – AYR @ WEL, Mar. 3, 7:30pm*
GAME 7 – WEL @ AYR, Mar. 4, 12:30pm*
(* if necessary)
The fourth and final series of the McConnell Conference could possibly be the best one to watch. The fourth ranked Ayr Centennials and the fifth ranked Wellesley Applejacks are going to clash hard when they hit the ice against each other in this series. This season, the two clubs met up six times with the Applejacks skating away the victors on five of those occasions. There are many questions surrounding both clubs and the answers can only be found in this best of seven series which will settle the debate over who is better this season. Look for offense from Centennials leading scorer Andrew Tapsell (34 goals, 30 assists) as well as from teammate Tyler Gauthier (21 goals, 38 assists). Adam Brubacher (5 goals, 25 assists) and Jay Fried (6 goals, 9 assists) are deadly weapons to have on any hockey team’s defensive core. The Applejacks bench staff will look for strong performances from forwards Corey Way (24 goals, 23 assists) and Rob Hinschberger (13 goals, 23 assists), as they look to defeat the opposition. The Applejacks defense led by James Milden (2 goals, 13 assists) and Josh Herd (3 goals, 5 assists) are going to feel pressure in this series, it’s a matter of how they deal with it that could prove beneficial for their team. This series gets underway with the first puck drop taking place tomorrow night (February 16th) at 7:30pm in the Ayr Arena.
YECK SERIES A – (2) LAMBETH LANCERS vs. (7) PORT STANLEY SAILORS
SEASON SERIES: Lambeth won season series 6-0
STATS: Lambeth outscored Port Stanley 39-19
SERIES SCHEDULE: GAME 1 – PSS @ LAM, Feb. 17, 7:45pm
GAME 2 – LAM @ PSS, Feb. 18, 7:30pm
GAME 3 – PSS @ LAM, Feb. 19, 7:45pm
GAME 4 – LAM @ PSS, Feb. 22, 8:30pm
GAME 5 – PSS @ LAM, Feb. 24, 7:45pm*
GAME 6 – LAM @ PSS, Feb. 25, 7:30pm*
GAME 7 – PSS @ LAM, Feb. 26, 7:45pm*
(* if necessary)
The Yeck Conference series A features the second ranked Lambeth Lancers taking on the seventh place Port Stanley Sailors in a battle that could be done pretty early. In the six games that these two clubs played against each other this season, it was the Lancers who skated away the victors each time. With a combined goal total of 39-19, the Lancers seemingly have the upper hand in this best of seven series. Forwards Mitch Furlong (16 goals, 29 assists) and Nick West (10 goals, 30 assists) are going to need to contribute now more than ever if the Lancers are going to win this series. Anthony Sachetti (16 goals, 20 assists) is the marque defensemen on the Lancers squad and will no doubt provide some stellar secondary scoring as well as sound defense for his team. Defenseman Alex Cooke (4 goals, 14 assists) will chip in when he gets the chance. Sailors leading scorer Jon Cameron (22 goals, 31 assists) along with teammate Lucas Knight (23 goals, 24 assists) are going to be tough for the opposition to stop for four straight games. On defense, Taylor Schram (16 goals, 19 assists) is a handful for any club to take on while his partner Graham Silcox (4 goals, 11 assists) is going to need to play his best hockey this year. Get ready to catch this series when it gets underway Friday (February 17th) night in Lambeth, opening face-off goes at 7:45pm.
YECK SERIES B – (3) EXETER HAWKS vs. (6) NORTH MIDDLESEX STARS
SESON SERIES: Exeter won season series 5-1
STATS: Exeter outscored North Middlesex 29-12
SERIES SCHEDULE: GAME 1 – NOR @ EXE, Feb. 17, 8:00pm
GAME 2 – EXE @ NOR, Feb. 18, 8:00pm
GAME 3 – NOR @ EXE, Feb. 19, 7:30pm
GAME 4 – EXE @ NOR, Feb. 21, 8:30pm
GAME 5 – NOR @ EXE, Feb. 24, 8:00pm*
GAME 6 – EXE @ NOR, Feb. 25, 8:00pm*
GAME 7 – NOR @ EXE, Feb. 26, 7:30pm*
(* if necessary)
The Yeck Conference third ranked Exeter Hawks have the honour of facing off against the sixth ranked North Middlesex Stars in the second series of the post season. In the six games in which these two club met in the regular season this year, the Hawks managed to escape five times with wins and in the process outscored the Stars 29-12. The Hawks seemed poised to take this series, but anything can happen in the playoffs. Alex Garon (16 goals, 27 assists) and Trevor Thornton (19 goals, 20 assists) lead the way in scoring for the Hawks team. On the back end, the club will rely on the strong play of Mitch Wild (3 goals, 21 assists) and John Kingma (4 goals, 14 assists). It’s going to be a battle for the Stars in this series, count on a strong performance from forwards Chris Wilson (11 goals, 21 assists) and Mike Sharpe (10 goals, 13 assists). Brodie Balcom (13 goals, 14 assists) is a major key for the Stars if they are going to have any success in this first round. Defensemen Cam Purdy (1 goal 11 assists) will be looked towards to move the puck up the ice quick and efficiently. This series gets underway on Friday (February 17th) evening at 8:00pm in Exeter.
YECK SERIES C – (4) MOUNT BRYDGES BULLDOGS vs. (5) LUCAN IRISH
SEASON SERIES: Mount Brydges won season series 5-1
STATS: Mount Brydges outscored Lucan 34-22
SERIES SCHEDULE: GAME 1 – LUC @ MTB, Feb. 17, 8:30pm
GAME 2 – MTB @ LUC, Feb. 18, 8:30pm
GAME 3 – LUC @ MTB, Feb. 19, 3:30pm
GAME 4 – MTB @ LUC, Feb. 22, 7:45pm
GAME 5 – LUC @ MTB, Feb. 25, 7:30pm*
GAME 6 – MTB @ LUC, Feb. 27, 7:45pm*
GAME 7 – LUC @ MTB, Feb. 28, 8:30pm*
(* if necessary)
The third and final series of the Yeck Conference will certainly heat up when the fourth ranked Mount Brydges Bulldogs take on the fifth ranked Lucan Irish in an all-out first round battle. These two clubs faced each other six times this season and on five of those occasions the Bulldogs managed to escape with wins. With a combined goal total at 34-22 for the Bulldogs you can bet they feel pretty good about their chances against the Irish. We’ll see what happens when the action heats up in this series. Adam Fletcher (30 goals, 20 assists) and Jeff Kennedy (12 goals, 29 assists) head up the scoring for the Bulldogs and will be looked upon to produce in the teams post season run. On the back end, defensemen Ryan Battersby (12 goals, 20 assists) and teammate Connor Dunn (4 goals, 12 assists) are capable of providing points and shutting down the opposition. Irish coaching staff hope that forwards Jordan May (27 goals, 10 assists) and Nick Moniz (16 goals, 17 assists) can produce some timely points in the upcoming series. Defensively, the Irish will rely on the performances from David Latta (7 goals, 11 assists) and Jordan Vanderwel (1 goal, 7 assists). This final series of the Yeck Conference starts on Friday (February 17th) at 8:30pm in the Mount Brydges Arena.
Just one more sleep until it starts! Get ready hockey fans; this is going to be one great playoff run in the SOJHL. 15 teams start and only one can hoist the OHA Cup! Are you ready? We know that these hockey clubs are! Good luck to all the teams and players in this post season run. Play hard and fair, may the best team win!
CLICK HERE to see the entire SOJHL Playoff Bracket
