PJHL Roundup: First-round playoff series set

By Lee Griffi

The Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) regular season came to an end on Family Day, and the Doherty Division matchups have been confirmed, though as of press time, the schedules were not.

Tavistock (2) vs. Paris (7)

The Braves will take on the Titans in the first round, a team they defeated five out of six games during the regular season. Tavistock outscored Paris 31-18 in those matchups.

Captain Marc Dionne said while Paris had a tough time staying consistent and beating the top teams in the division, he’s taking nothing for granted.

“We have had a good year playing against them, and even though there were definitely some close games, we always managed to find a way to pull through. They are a physical and gritty team, and if we want to be successful, we need to work harder and play with more physicality every single night. There is no easy matchup this year. We have to be ready to give everything we have for the entire series.”

The Braves' 10-game win streak was snapped in New Hamburg on Monday with a 7-6 overtime loss. Owen Bruder scored his third of the game 78 seconds into the extra period. Bruder added two assists while Ben Oliver had a goal and three helpers. Yann Raskin, Keegan Metcalf and Evan Palubeski led Tavistock with three points apiece.

The Braves won their two other weekend games, 5-3 over Norwich and 4-2 against Hespeler.

Tavistock paid tribute to its graduating players before Friday night’s game. Along with Dionne, the Braves will say goodbye to Ryan McKellar, Tyler Brezynskie and Carter Arseneau once the season is over.

Dionne said being recognized with his teammates meant a lot.

“Being given the opportunity to thank our parents and get appreciation from the community and the Braves organization was something I’ll never forget and I can’t be more thankful for it.”

He added he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to help Tavistock make a playoff run.

“Knowing this is my last shot, I’m going to fit into any role my team needs me to play. Being a part of this team for five years and dealing with heartbreak in the playoffs; there’s nothing else I want to do more than win for Tavistock, something that I know is long overdue. Each shift, period and game, I will be giving everything I have. There is no more time for failure.” 

Wellesley (3) vs. Hespeler (6)

The Applejacks may have won five of six matchups with the Shamrocks, but four of the matchups were decided by a single goal.

Head coach Derek Lebold said there will be no counting chickens before they are hatched in his locker room.

“They are going to play with a lot of speed. They are going to check hard on every puck and they have some of the best skaters in the division, in my mind. The Doherty is the best Junior C division in Ontario.”

He added his team’s main advantage against Hespeler is its depth.

“Our motto is 20 men in the lineup have to play. We win when everybody is on, from what we consider the first to the fourth line. They all get shifts and that’s how you are going to win in the playoffs.”

Lebold said that has been his team’s game plan throughout the season.

“The biggest thing for us is consistency from everyone playing so we can leverage all four lines. I think we have one of the deeper lineups, maybe not with the high-end talent, but we can match anyone with our depth.”

Wellesley dropped a 7-2 decision to New Hamburg on the weekend before a 3-2 win over Dorchester.

The Applejacks held a ceremony to honour their overage players on Monday. Boden White, Jake L’Heuruex, Dimitri Eleftheriadis and Riley Noble are in their final season with the team.

New Hamburg (4) vs. Norwich (5)

It came down to the wire, but the Firebirds' win over Tavistock on Monday gave the team home-ice advantage in their series with Norwich, one that is expected to be tight. The teams split the six games they played this season, but New Hamburg outscored Norwich 31-23.

Firebirds captain Andrew Gear said the win was a big one for his team.

“You learn pretty early in this league that playing in Norwich is not the most fun place to play. Their fans are hectic and it’s a small rink. We knew getting home ice to have that extra home game and have our crowd behind us was huge.”

Gear, in his last season of junior eligibility, expects a tight series with the Merchants.

“We’ve had tight games with them throughout my four years. They have some highly skilled forwards, are gritty at the same time and are well-coached. It will be a good battle.”

Gear and his fellow overagers –  Owen Bruder, Ben Oliver, Justin McManus and Owen Sculthorp – were honoured before Sunday’s game during the team’s annual OA night.

“I remember my first year and the OA night back then. It feels so far away, and then all of a sudden, I’m at that day. It’s a sign it’s coming to an end, and obviously, we want to make a long (playoff) run here and win another championship. That’s the goal,” Gear said.

The Firebirds took all six points last weekend, including a 2-1 victory over Dorchester.

While PJHL playoff schedules were not finalized by press time on Wednesday, readers can now visit www.thepjhl.ca/stats/playoffs/77 to see the quarter-final Schmalz Cup playoff schedules for Tavistock, New Hamburg and Wellesley.