PJHL Roundup: Braves complete first-round sweep, division semi-final matchups set
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
By Lee Griffi
The Tavistock Braves steamrolled over its first-round opponent in the Doherty Division, a series win capped off with a 7-3 home-ice victory last Wednesday over the Paris Titans.
The Braves jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes and were led by Tyler Brezynskie’s two goals, while Ethan Stover, Yann Raskin, Carson Bernhardht, Evan Palubeski, Keegan Metcalf and Felix Isert-Bender added two points each.
Tavistock outscored Paris 26-10 and outshot them 183-103. The rough stuff continued during Game 4 as the Titans picked up 47 penalty minutes and the Braves 29. Paris earned 156 minutes during the series compared to 96 for Tavistock.
“I’m happy with where our game is right now, and the first round was a positive step for us,” said Braves head coach Zac Berg. “But at the end of the day, we haven’t accomplished anything yet. Our full attention is now on preparing for the second round, and we know the challenge is only going to get tougher.”
The Braves will have a bit of time off before facing the Norwich Merchants, something Berg is looking forward to.
“It’s always beneficial to get some rest during a playoff run. It’s a physical time of year, and getting healthy can give you a bit of an edge. We’ve got a couple of practices before the next round, and we’ll use that time to stay sharp and make sure we’re prepared for round two.”
He added the Tavistock community has been supportive this season but is hopeful for more support going forward.
“I think there’s still room for the community to take it to another level. These players deserve a packed barn, and we’d love to see even more people come out, get loud and help make the atmosphere something special for them.”
The Braves averaged just over 200 fans over two home games against the Titans.
Tavistock’s coaching staff picked up some hardware recently, being named the Doherty Division’s Coaching Staff of the Year after guiding the team to a second-place finish after finishing last season in seventh.
“Our focus is certainly on the playoffs, but it’s nice to see the hard work of so many people being recognized. This award really speaks to the commitment of everyone across the organization,” said Berg.
“I think we were chosen because of the way our group improved and competed all season. I think we are a hard team to play against and other teams recognized that. Any recognition we receive is really because the players bought in and worked hard to get where we are. Coaches don’t win anything without players who are willing to commit and do things the right way.”
Berg said general manager Brent Lange and the team’s scouting staff worked tirelessly to help build the roster and bring in the right people.
“Our equipment and training staff help keep the team prepared and healthy on practice and game days, the support staff are behind the scenes and make our jobs easier, and obviously, the players are the ones who execute, compete and make this possible. This is truly an organizational award.”
Braves prepare for Applejacks
Wellesley took the season series, winning four of the six matchups. The Braves downed the Applejacks 4-2 in their last meeting on Jan. 30. Each game was decided by two goals or less.
Wellesley defenceman Riley Noble has been the team’s top performer so far in the playoffs, earning nine points in four games. Noble had 40 points in the regular season, second in team scoring behind Ian Speiran. In round one, eight Applejacks players averaged a point or more per game.
Wellesley is coming off a four-game sweep of Hespeler, a series where the Applejacks outscored the Shamrocks 21-9.
Tavistock general manager Brent Lange said his team matches up very well with Wellesley and is expecting a great series.
“I know you mentioned they're playing some of their best hockey right now, but I think if you look at our record in the last two months, so are we. We won 10 of our last 11 games of the year and got a point in the last game as well. So, 21 of 22 points in the last 11 games of the regular season and won our first playoff round in four straight. I think that is playing some pretty good hockey as well, if you ask me.”
Lange said his team didn’t have its final roster for the first five matchups with the Applejacks, but the last game was different.
“We finally had our team against them and outplayed them for about 50 minutes basically and even had two shorthanded goals as well. But the regular season is in the past now and it doesn't mean anything anymore. It's about who wins four games first now.”
The Braves were led offensively in round one by defenceman Keaton Bartlett, who racked up 10 points in four games.
“He did struggle a bit throughout the season, but he's always been able to bounce back bigger and stronger from it. Things are going well for him of late, and we want to keep that going for him,” added Lange.
“He is a great leader for us who works hard every night, no matter the outcome. He is a great heads-up D-man who moves very well and gets pucks on net. It's exciting to know we still have him for two more years.”
Merchants in tough with Navy Vets
Norwich will take on first-place Woodstock in its second-round series. The Navy Vets took the season series four games to two, capped by a 2-1 Woodstock win in their last head-to-head contest on Jan. 18.
The Merchants will have to deal with one of the league’s most explosive offences and the big three of Charley Barnes, Owen Ireton and Cooper Vickerman.
Norwich disposed of the New Hamburg Firebirds in five games, including a series clinching 4-2 road win on Saturday night. Jayden Fischer and Cayden Livingston found the back of the net for the Firebirds who were outshot 35-30 in the game. The loss snaps a two-year run as Doherty Division playoff champions for New Hamburg.