Well the wait is almost over, and one of the more intrigueing first round playoff series is just 2 days away, as the Flin Flon Bombers will meet the Notre Dame Hounds in the post season for the first time ever.
Both of these teams are soaked in junior hockey tradition and have a very impressive list of alumni that have played for these historic clubs.
The likes of Bobby Clarke, Reggie Leach, Blaine Stoughton, Jordy Douglas, Reid Simpson and countless others have donned the Maroon and White. While the Hounds have an impressive list of their own with the likes of Curtis Joseph, Rod Brindamour, Wendel Clark, Russ Courtnall and recent first round draft pick Jaden Schwartz.
The season series between the two clubs was 2-2, and both teams found a way to win in each others building, so a 7 game series is not out of the question.
Notre Dame finished with a record of: 37-14-1-4 for 79 points and fourth overall, while the Bombers were: 31-13-6-6 good for 74 points and fifth overall. Both teams had better records than Melville but they got third by finishing first in the Viterra Division.
The Bombers have an explosive offense and led the league in goals for with 207, while Notre Dame was good defensively only giving up 133 which was second best to the league leading Melfort Mustangs.
Flin Flon go's into the post season with an impressive home record winning 11 out of their last 12 at the Whitney Forum and finished 6-4 in their last 10. The Hounds go into the playoffs with an impressive 8-1-0-1 record in their last 10. The Bombers are also getting secondary scoring from Brandon Switzer, Tyson Empey, Austin Calladine and Austin Evans who have all caught fire at the right time.
If they can continue to score with the likes of Boehm, Allison and Rauckman the Bombers will be tough to beat.
In the head to head matchups , Brett Boehm had 5 points in 2 meetings with the Hounds including a hat trick in the final meeting Jan 31st. Alex Smith had 5 points in the two meetings while Allison and Rauckman had 3 points each.
Andrew Cummings led the way for Notre Dame with 2 goals and 2 assists, while Sam Aulie had a goal and 4 assists, and Ian Williams had 4 goals.
A big factor will also be goaltending with Alexi Thibadeau getting the nod for the Hounds and is considered one of the league's best with a 28-12-4 record and save % of .919 and gaa of 2.17. He played all 4 games against Flin Flon.
Simon Hofley played all 4 games against the Hounds, but it looks like Adam Beukeboom will be getting the call on Friday and was really hot going into the post season winning 3 out of his last 4 decisions. Beukeboom did not play a single game against Notre Dame, but the veteran will be ready with some good stats of his own going 10-5 with a gaa of 2.37 and a save % of .932.
No matter what happens you can count on 102.9 CFAR and flinflononline.com to bring you every single moment of Bomber playoff hockey action including the first two games from Wilcox this Friday and Saturday. Here is the complete playoff schedule.
Game 1 - Friday March 13 - 7:30 PM - Wilcox, SK (8:30 Flin Flon Time)
Game 2 - Saturday March 14 - 7:00 PM - Wilcox, SK (8:00 Flin Flon Time)
Game 3 - Tuesday March 17 - 7:30 PM - Flin Flon, MB
Game 4 - Wednesday March 18 - 7:30 PM - Flin Flon, MB
Game 5 - Friday March 20 - 7:30 PM - Wilcox, SK* (8:30 Flin Flon Time)
Game 6 - Sunday March 22 - 7:30 PM - Flin Flon, MB*
Game 7 - Tuesday March 24 - 7:30 PM - Wilcox, SK* (8:30 Flin Flon Time)
*If Necessary
