Thunder Talk: March 3rd

Once a week Kenny Trenton from CK750/CJVR checks in with us to give us his view of the NorthEast Hockey Scene.

---

Hey hockey fans!

This is the greatest time of the year. Playoff hockey is here in all leagues in our area (except the WHL).

I’ve been covering the Melfort-Flin Flon series. The first two games were in Flin Flon this weekend with the Bombers winning 6-0 Friday, and 3-0 Saturday. The young Mustangs are in big trouble because they haven’t scored in four straight games and Bombers goalie Mat Weninger hasn’t allowed a goal in 4 games. In game one, the Bombers looked great, and Melfort looked overmatched. Rookie Mat Lecours had 5 points in game 1. Lecours was captain of the Telus Cup Champion Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves. It goes to show that once a winner, always a winner. Experience like that cannot be taught in practice or on film. However, the Mustangs have some winners too. Owen Roschuk and Tommy Brown each have two Telus Cup rings, and Devin Stillar was there last year for Sudbury. Games 3 and 4 are at the Palace tomorrow and the Mustangs NEED to win both games. We saw how momentum carried the Battlefords over the Nipawin Hawks. If Melfort can get the pendulum swinging their way, a comeback could happen.

Darryl Skender has been covering the Humboldt-Batrlefords series, which is even at one. Kyle Birch continues to play amazing goal for the Stars, but I still believe the Broncos will take this one in 5. Too much experience and skill for the Stars to keep up.

The Tisdale Trojans start their playoffs against the Prince Albert Mintos tonight as well in Tisdale at 8:00. They were 2-2 against the Mintos this year with each team winning their games at home. I think Tisdale will win this series in 4 games. However, in saying that, the Mintos are capable of pulling off an upset. While on the topic, I’ll offer my predictions on the other series’.

Notre Dame Hounds vs. Saskatoon Blazers. After seeing how disciplined the Hounds are, and how great their execution is, the Blazers will have their hands full. The Blazers have some explosive forwards, but the Hounds have a ton of skill, and are really well coached. Hounds in 3.

Saskatoon Contacts vs. Regina Pat Canadians. Regina’s Derek Tendler and Warren Shymko of the Contacts can make this a dandy in between the pipes. Shymko and Tender were 2nd and 3rd in the league in GAA respectively. Tender was 2nd in save percentage, while Shymko was 4th. Both teams have a good D, but Regina has three key injuries. Forwards Brent Struble and Andrew Rieder, are all out for the series. Struble would have led the team in scoring if he didn’t get hurt. I would have picked an upset here if Rieder, and Struble didn’t get hurt, but I cannot see Regina overcoming those injuries, but I expect a close series. Contacts in 5.

Beardy’s Blackhawks vs. Moose Jaw Warriors. The Warriors have the better goaltending with Jesse Ehnisz, but four of the top five scorers in the league play for the Blackhawks. Both teams are extremely well coached. Dale Grayston has done an amazing job in Beardy’s, but Ray Wareham’s attention to team defense could give Dylan Wruck’s line some difficulty, but Wruck is an outstanding talent who can win the series himself. Blackhawks in 4.

As for the Tri-Town Thunder, here’s my advice to them. Not one period at a time, one shift at a time. Just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The Trojans were up 2-0 on the Blazers last year, and the Blazers ended up winning the series 3-2.

That’s my 2 cents.

Until next time, keep your head up.

Kenny