Final Home Game Has High Stakes
Lakeshore, ON - The Lakeshore Canadiens have plenty to play for as they take home ice for the final time of the regular season tonight against Petrolia.
A win tonight will secure first place in the PJHL's Stobbs Division for the Canadiens, and to go with it, home ice advantage for the entire Division playoffs.
Lakeshore Head Coach, Justin Solcz says the players know what's on the line.
"Obviously our guys are aware of the standings and the situation," Solcz comments. "However, we are really focused on being prepared for next week and in the playoffs. Our guys know we must get more consistent efforts than we have the past few weeks."
It would be the first time since the 2010-2011 season the Canadiens would finish first in their division or conference.
It's an odd scenario for the Canadiens and Petrolia Flyers, as the teams also faced off last night and would be first round playoff matches, thus playing each other up to nine times in three weeks.
"We pride ourselves on being a very prepared team," Solcz states. "It's rare in this league to have back-to-back games like this and the potential for more, but it will give us the chance to make a solid game plan and adjust if needed."
Last night's game resulted in a 6-2 Lakeshore victory, setting up for tonight, where the Canadiens will look to sweep the five game regular season series against the Flyers.
The team has averaged 7.5 goals for in the previous four meetings.
With Sunday's game in Amherstburg the final contest of the regular season, Solcz says there is little time to celebrate their successes so far.
"We are happy where we are at this point in the season," Solcz admits. "It's been a long process and we are just trying to ensure we are playing our best hockey as we head to the playoffs."
