Junior A Hockey
For crucial Game 5 vs. Blizzard
Caps and Blizzard set to meet in Game 5.
The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals are heading back into enemy territory.
The Capitals were travelling on Friday for a crucial Game 5 in the best-of-seven Eastlink North Division final series in the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) against the Edmundston Blizzard. The teams return to what will be a sold-out and raucous Centre Jean Daigle on Saturday tied 2-2. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m., and the teams are back in Summerside for Game 6 at Eastlink Arena on Monday at 7 p.m.
“We have to steal another one up there, and it’s a real tough barn to play in,” said Caps head coach Billy McGuigan, whose team won Game 1 by a 5-4 score after Chris Chaddock scored with 52 seconds remaining in regulation time to break a 4-4 tie. “I love our rink here and we have the nicest facility around for junior A hockey, but that up there is a great atmosphere. It’s a great place to play, it’s a lot of fun and the guys will be ready to go.”
Blizzard head coach Ryan Salvis is confident heading back home.
“If we have the same effort we had for the majority of the first two games, then we are in a good position,” said Salvis. “That’s what it comes down to, hard work and focus. I think the boys will be ready for Saturday.”
“We have to steal another one up there, and it’s a real tough barn to play in. I love our rink here and we have the nicest facility around for junior A hockey, but that up there is a great atmosphere. It’s a great place to play, it’s a lot of fun and the guys will be ready to go.” Caps head coach Billy McGuigan
Nail-biting finishes
The first three games were all decided by one goal, including the Blizzard’s 3-2 overtime win in Game 3. Game 4 was another nail-biter as an empty-net goal by TJ Shea with 1:01 remaining in regulation time sealed a 6-4 Caps’ win.
Salvis said he is “not totally surprised” this series has been so close, with the outcomes of the first three games coming right down to the final buzzer. “Throughout the season we had a lot of one-goal victories (against Summerside), and it’s two evenly-matched teams,” said Salvis. “I’m not surprised with how close it’s been. “We just have to find a way to win those close games.” Capitals’ second-year forward and Summerside native Brodie MacArthur, who takes a 45-game point streak into Saturday, said it’s been a few years since he played in a series this close. “Maybe in the finals in bantam back in the day, but not recently,” said MacArthur, who is tied for the league lead in playoff scoring with 15 points in nine games. “We knew it was going to be a close series, and it could go the distance as both teams are pretty similar.”
Coaching adjustments
After the Blizzard made some adjustments following Game 1, the Caps countered with some of their own in Games 3 and 4. Most notably, McGuigan broke up his top line of MacArthur, Shea and midget-aged Cameron Roberts. Kallum Muirhead was moved onto a line with Roberts and MacArthur while Chris Chaddock and midget-aged rookie Josh MacDonald started Game 4 with Shea.
“We needed a little bit of an adjustment, and they did it and it worked out for them,” said McGuigan. “Once they changed their lines and matchups we had to get away from it, and make some more depth for us.” MacArthur talked about his new line: “Kallum obviously has the big shot and is a big body. Cameron and I like to cycle it down low, so we are a pretty good fit for each other. We all work well together.” Another Capital who has quietly been making huge contributions without much fanfare is steady defenceman Brodie MacMillan. “Brodie has been a horse for us,” emphasized McGuigan. “He’s a big, strong body and he’s great on our PK (penalty killing), and does a good job on our power play as well.
“He has a heavy shot as well, and is doing a great job.”