March 6, 2010

Top four seeds advance to Semi-Finals!

March 6, 2010

Semi-Finals set as top four seeds advance!

Parity?  What parity?!

In a season where scores were closer, upsets abounded, and the final standings
crowned a new regular season champion, this 4^th GMHL season left many anticipating a playoff tournament that included more of the same.

In the end, however, the QF?s were all swept in 3 straight games, and although some were close, and some were blowouts, the top four teams in the standings all advanced to the semi-final round.

Quarter-Finals Review

Series D - #1 Elliot Lake vs #8 Algoma

This one was never in doubt, with the Bobcats bouncing the Avalanche by scores of 10-3, 7-2, and 9-3.  The series got chippy at times, almost expected considering these two are closest to each other in proximity, and they'd already played each other 8 times during the season.

Series E - #2 South Muskoka vs #7 King

The Shield won 2 games by comfortable 4 goal margins, with one close game in King ? a 4-2 loss for the Wild.  Despite King recovering from a late season losing stretch to win some key games and bounce over Algoma for 7^th spot, the Shield were just a little too good.

Series F - #3 Bradford vs #6 Brock

In the toughest of the 4 QF?s, this battle of Russian laced squads faced off, and though the Rattlers won 3 straight, all 3 games were 1 goal victories, the clincher in double overtime!

Series G - #4 Deseronto vs #5 Innisfil

In a series most predicted would require additional games, the Storm also managed 3 straight wins, 2 of them by 3-4 goal margins, and only one 1-goal game.


On to a preview of the Semi-Finals!


Series H - #1 Elliot Lake vs #4 Deseronto

Elliot Lake should be given the role as favourite, considering they are the regular season champions.  However, the Storm were last year?s playoff finalists, and would dearly love another shot at the title.  These teams split their 2-game series this season, with the Bobcats outscoring Deseronto 7-6.  It?s also important to note the substantial travel required for this series, and the team who handles that best will have a distinct advantage!  For that reason alone, home ice may turn out to be critical.  Expect this one to go 6 or 7 games!

Series I - #2 South Muskoka vs #3 Bradford

These two have always played each other close and this season was no exception.  The teams split their 4-game series this year, with the Rattlers outscoring the Shield 19-14, including a very odd 10-3 win for Bradford .  The Shield are the defending GMHL Champions and would love the chance to repeat, matching the Rattlers success in the league?s first two seasons.  The Rattlers, on the other hand, are wanting another run at the title, and are committed to rebounding from last year?s disappointment when they were disqualified.  League President Bob Russell made that difficult decision after it was discovered the Rattlers had one too many active 20 year olds on their roster.  The Rattlers are two-time champions, dominating the league until last season, and are looking for redemption.  This one could definitely go the distance, and you?d be hard pressed to pick a favourite.


Stay tuned for schedules, results, and other news!