48 games down, Lakers ready for deep playoff
That’s the goal of the Fort Frances Lakers, who earned the regular season championship and a bye directly to the Bill Salonen Cup semifinals.
“We’ve had breaks throughout the season and every time we’ve came back, we’ve had energy and ready to play,” said Lakers Captain Pierce Gouin. “This break is no different and I know we will be ready to go for our first games.”
The Lakers had a run of three consecutive seasons where they not only clinched the top spot after the regular season but were also able to win the Bill Salonen Cup (2013-2016). Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Lakers have failed to get out of the Quarterfinals.
“We have a great group of guys this year that are driven to win,” Gouin added. “Obviously there’s been ups and downs throughout the year, but we’ve always been able to bounce back and stay on the right track.”
“I believe we are ready to just play hockey and win and that’s the only thing that’s on our minds.”
The Lakers will match up against the lowest remaining seed following the first round, which is scheduled to begin this weekend.
Gouin was asked how his group will prepare for an unknown opponent in the semifinals.
“Watch video, practice hard, and just have fun. There’s not going to be any change in what we do to prepare. We just have to play our game,” Gouin answered.
Gouin is one of six players that will graduate after the season:
Forward Daniel Tokariwski
Forward Nickolas Fagnilli
Defenceman Nolan Barker
Defenceman Bradyn Rowsell
Defenceman Justin Gelderland
Gearing up for playoff hockey should be easy for those Lakers who haven’t played in the post-season before.
“We will prepare just as we always do,” Gouin repeated. “There’s not going to be any change in what we do to prepare. We just have to play our game.”
There are two games on the schedule Friday as the North Stars host the Lumberjacks while the Fighting Walleye play host to the Bombers.
The Ice Dogs and Miners will kick off their best of seven series in Dryden on Sunday.
The Bill Salonen Cup champion will represent the SIJHL at the Centennial Cup in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Here’s what the round robin schedule looks like for that event:
Friday May 8th vs. Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) champions
Saturday May 9th vs. Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) champions
Monday May 11th vs. Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) champions
Tuesday May 12th vs. Summerside Western Capitals (HOSTS)
