Royals to face first-place Centenaires in OEHL semi-final

By Lee Griffi

The Tavistock Royals will face the Seaforth Centenaires in an Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) South Division semi-final series beginning Friday, Feb. 27.

The two teams battled three times during the regular season. Seaforth took all three by scores of 4-1, 5-1 and 5-1.

Head coach Tyson Zehr is expecting a tough series against the regular-season champions.

“Seaforth is a very good team and they finished first for a reason. They’re structured, disciplined and limit opportunities. We know it will be a big test, but we like our group and the way we’re playing right now. It should be a solid series.”

He added the three losses earlier in the season mean nothing and the playoffs are a whole new ballgame.

“Playoffs are a clean slate. The regular season gives you information, but it doesn’t decide a series. Our team has grown since those games and we’re playing a different brand of hockey right now. The focus is on what we do moving forward. We need to be disciplined. Seaforth has strong special teams and will take advantage of their opportunities when given.”

Zehr added the Centenaires have skilled players throughout their lineup, and the Royals will have to be aware of who’s on the ice.

“But at the same time, our focus is more on execution than on overthinking matchups. I think the guys are really looking forward to playing playoff hockey against Seaforth again. Our two teams always have good battles in the postseason.” 

Schedule – Tavistock vs. Seaforth

Game 1 - Saturday, Feb. 28 in Seaforth @ 7:30 p.m.

Game 2 - Sunday, March 1 in Tavistock @ 1:30 p.m.

Game 3 to 7 - TBA