Scotians, Bulldogs start playoffs on Wednesday
Game 1 at Trenton rink
The playoffs are here for the Pictou County Scotians.
Looking to win back-to-back Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League titles, Pictou County will face the Antigonish Bulldogs in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 taking place Wednesday in Trenton, starting at 7:30 p.m.
“Antigonish has a big team and they’re going to come out hitting. We expect that,” said Scotians coach Brandon Verge.
“We know they’ll be coming at us.”
Game 2 will take place Friday at Antigonish Arena, with the third game Sunday in Trenton, a 7 p.m. contest.
The Scotians eliminated the Bulldogs in a six-game playoff series a year ago on their way to the franchise’s first-ever league championship.
Barring injuries, Verge will have a full roster for the series, with three players who’ll be healthy scratches; he said he won’t be afraid to make lineup changes as the series progresses if one or more players don’t show up.
“That’s not a threat, it’s just how hockey works. We have a very solid, deep lineup and everybody has to come and play, just do their job.”
The Strait Pirates will take on the Glace Bay Miners in the other Sid Rowe Division series.
The Fred Fox Division matchups will see the East Hants Penguins play the Valley Maple Leafs, with the Liverpool Privateers –
last season’s playoff runner-up – pitted against the Cole Harbour Colts.
All series are best-of-seven.
NOTES:
• Pictou County had a record of 1-2-1 against Antigonish this season.
• Blake Meech will start in goal
for the Scotians.
• Forward Nick Fewer is rejoining Pictou County for the playoffs.
• Antigonish beat the Cumberland County Blues by three touchdowns on Sunday – a 21-0 embarrassment.
“Antigonish has a big team and they’re going to come out hitting. We expect that”
Scotians coach Brandon Verge