The Capitals are preparing for what is expected to be a long post-season run leading up to the 2013 RBC Cup Canadian junior A hockey championship in Summerside from May 11 to 19.
The Capitals, who had the best record in the 11-team MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) at 43-7-2-0 (won-lost-overtime losses-shootout losses), open the best-of-seven Roger Meek Division semifinal series at Eastlink Arena against the Miramichi Timberwolves (26-24-1-1). The opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m.
“They are anxious to get going,” said Capitals head coach Billy McGuigan. “We have had a good season, and any time you have a good season guys are happy and success is contagious. They want to get the playoffs rolling.”
After completing the regular season in Campbellton on Friday night, the Capitals had a couple of days off before the team returned to the ice Monday afternoon.
“Monday was an optional day, and we worked on some defensive things with the defencemen,” explained McGuigan. “Tuesday, we worked on some battling, one-on-ones, two-on-twos, three-on-threes just to get the battle level back up.
“Wednesday, we will go over our forecheck, D-zone coverage and neutral-zone transition. Coming into Thursday and Friday we will work on our special teams, PK (penalty killing) and PP (power play), and Saturday we will have a light skate and probably some more PP and PK, and way we go.”
Game 2 will be played in Miramichi, N.B., on Tuesday, March 19, with Game 3 back in Summerside on Thursday, March 21. Game 4 will be back in Miramichi on Saturday, March 23.
Advance tickets are on sale at the Credit Union Place box office.
Chiasson recognized by MHL
In other Capitals’ news, forward Danny Chiasson was one of the recipients of the league’s three-star awards.
Chiasson recorded four points in the Caps’ 7-2 road win over the Campbellton Tigers on Friday night.
Chiasson, who had 34 goals and 54 assists in 48 games, finished the regular season tied with the Truro Bearcats’ Kyle Morrison, who finished with 35 goals and 53 helpers in 50 games, atop the league’s scoring race. Both players finished with 88 points.
MHL president Derryl Smith confirmed on Tuesday that Morrison has been declared the scoring champion because he has scored more goals. Smith added the tiebreaker is the same one used by the NHL.
This is the third time this season Chiasson has been recognized with the three-star award.
jpsports@journalpioneer.com
