That’s because the Capitals will face McGuigan’s former team, Miramichi Timberwolves, in the best-of-seven Roger Meek Division semifinal. The Caps host Game 1 at Eastlink Arena on Sunday at 2 p.m.
“It’s nerve-wracking playing a team you coached for three years and had lots of success with, and we won a lot of hockey games in Miramichi,” said McGuigan. “You want the best for that organization, but in this round I’m cheering for the Summerside Western Capitals.
“I’m on this side of the fence now, and I’m real happy to be here. It’s a series our players want to win, and I definitely want to win.”
McGuigan, who is in his second season behind the Caps’ bench, compiled a 99-45-4-8 (won-lost-overtime losses-shootout losses) regular-season record with the Timberwolves, along with an 8-13-1 playoff resume.
With the Capitals, McGuigan is 69-28-3-4 in the regular season, including a league-best 43-7-2-0 mark this season. The Caps had a playoff record of 4-6 last year.
Fan support
The Capitals, who were second in the league in attendance this season averaging over 1,200 fans a game at Eastlink Arena, are looking for those numbers to grow in the post-season.
“It’s nerve-wracking playing a team you coached for three years and had lots of success with, and we won a lot of hockey games in Miramichi,” said McGuigan. “You want the best for that organization, but in this round I’m cheering for the Summerside Western Capitals. I’m on this side of the fence now, and I’m real happy to be here. It’s a series our players want to win, and I definitely want to win.” - Capitals head coach Billy McGuigan
“We have the best fans in the league,” said McGuigan. “You see that any time we play in Amherst with the number of fans that make the trip. We’ve had busses of fans come to games in Miramichi this season. . .
“It’s (momentum) been growing and growing as the year has gone on. We are looking for them to get behind us, be that seventh player that we need and give us the support going forward.”
Twitter.com/JpsportsJason
All-Stars
MHL first-team all-stars
announced Wednesday:
Goal: Shayne Campbell, Truro Bearcats.
Defence: Josh Desmond, Yarmouth Mariners.
Defence: Rodney Mahoney, Yarmouth Mariners.
Left wing: Kyle Morrison, Truro Bearcats.
Centre: Danny Chiasson, Summerside Western Capitals.
Right wing: Zach Cahill, Dieppe Commandos.
