Chiefs, Knights ready for first-ever playoff battle

The rivalry between the Lakefield Chiefs and North Kawartha Knights is about to enter a new stage.

While they are their closest geographic rivals and compete for players, the Chiefs have never met the Knights in the playoffs since North Kawartha entered the PJHL Orr Division four years ago.

Until now that is.

The first place Chiefs will face the fifth place Knights in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinal 7:25 p.m. Tuesday at the LakefieldSmith Community Centre. Game 2 is 7:25 p.m. Friday at the North Kawartha Community Centre in Apsley. The Knights knocked off the fourth place Clarington Eagles in six games in the quarter-finals while the Chiefs had a bye.

“We’re expecting a big, big fan base and that’s kind of exciting,” said Chiefs’ head coach Jamie Arcand. “There are a lot of local kids, whether they be from Peterborough or the surrounding area, that are playing on the North Kawartha team. I know a bunch of our guys know a bunch of their guys and I’m sure the chirping back and forth has already started. We have had the upper hand in the regular season but we have no playoff experience against these guys.”

The Knights have 12 players within a 30 minute radius of Peterborough and several from just beyond like Campbellford, Havelock, Fenelon Falls, Marmora and Courtice. They also feature a Lakefield native in Zack Pearson.

While the Chiefs will enter as favourites having lost only four games in regulation time all season, Arcand expects a battle.

“I went to four of the games they played against Clarington and they seem to be at the top of their game right now. We need to be at the top of our game,” said Arcand. “Their forte, as far as I’m concerned, is how hard they work. They seem to really get up against us and make us work for everything we get. I give their coaches and team credit, they have them working hard every time we play them. They play a simple game. They have a lot of speed and decent size throughout their lineup. They just grind you and don’t give up too much space on the ice. The challenge for us is going to be to match their intensity.”

The Chiefs are coming off a long layoff.

“With Little Britain folding we missed a couple of games late in the season and then taking the firstround bye I expect a bit of rust with our guys,” said Arcand. “The first few minutes and first game will be important for us to get our legs and lungs back to where they should be.”