Lively atmosphere expected at Gardens
Wild hosting ‘Noisemaker Night’ for Game 1 of playoffs vs. Pride
“You notice that, and you can hear the fans. It’s motivating when you are playing, and you can hear you have the support of your community.” Kensington Wild forward and captain Tayler Read
The Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild is hoping to start the playoffs with a bang, both on and off the ice.
The Wild will host the Charlottetown Bulk Carriers Pride at Community Gardens in Game 1 of the best-of-seven provincial major midget hockey championship series on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The series then shifts to the Bell Aliant Centre on the UPEI campus in Charlottetown for Game 2 on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“There is definitely a rivalry being the only two major midget teams on the Island,” said Wild third-year forward and team captain Tayler Read of Wilmot Valley. “The fans like coming to the games in the playoffs.”
Big crowds are expected throughout the series, and the Wild has announced it’s ‘Noisemaker Night’ on Saturday, and all Kensington Area Minor Hockey Association players wearing their team jersey will be admitted free. Read acknowledges the players feed off the energy of the fans.
“You notice that, and you can hear the fans,” said Read, 17. “It’s motivating when you are playing, and you can hear you have the support of your community.”
Wild rookie defenceman Carter Cahill of Tignish expects a fast-paced and long series. Cahill notes consistency and speed will be big factors for the Wild, especially in the smaller confines of the Gardens. “Charlottetown has bigger bodies, so we are really going to have to use our speed,” offered Cahill, 15.
Facing friends
For Wild first-year forward Ryan Richards of Cornwall, this series is a special one.
“I will be playing against some of my closest friends,” said a smiling Richards, 16. “It’s going to be a close series.”
Richards knows the Pride will be tough to play against. “They work hard, and they are going to come ready for the playoffs,” said Richards. Both Cahill and Richards describe their first year with the Wild as an enjoyable experience. “I have improved a lot,” commented Cahill. “We have great coaching here, and they have taught me a lot this year. I love playing down here.”
Richards offered: “I have loved it. It’s the closest group of guys I have ever played with. You can talk to anyone about anything.”
When asked if he has set any goals for the playoffs, Richards responded, “The bottom line is I just want to win.”