Red Wings, Maniacs to open semifinal series March 15

Oliver records shutout in playoff preview

ABRAM-VILLAGE – The Arsenault’s Fish Mart Western Red Wings and Eastern Maniacs will open the best-of-seven Island Junior Hockey League post-season on Friday, March 15.

The Maniacs, who are 5-28-0 (won-lost-overtime losses) and will finish the regular season in fourth place, will host Game 1 at the Eastern Kings Sportsplex in Souris at 8 p.m.

The first-place Red Wings (29-4-2) will then host the next two games to regain home-ice advantage in the best-of-seven semifinal series. Game 2 will be at the Evangeline Recreation Centre in Abram Village on Sunday, March 17, at 2:15 p.m., and Game 3 is Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Game 4 will be back in Souris on Friday, March 22, at 8:30 p.m. If necessary, a fifth game will be played in Abram-Village on Sunday, March 24, at 2:15 p.m.

The dates for Games 6 and 7, if required, have not yet been set.

PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Luke Oliver registered a 14-save shutout as the Red Wings blanked the Maniacs 7-0 in a playoff preview at the Evangeline Recreation Centre on Tuesday night.

Austin Taylor and Silas Handrahan each scored two goals to lead the first-place Red Wings. Chasse Gallant (1-2), Matt Thompson (1-1) and Isaac Knox (1-1) rounded out Western’s scoring. Alex Morrissey and Isaac Callaghan each added two assists.

Noah Laybolt made 46 saves on 53 shots for the Maniacs.