SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals will face their toughest challenge of the 2018-19 MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) season.
The Caps will face a must-win situation at the Campbellton Memorial Civic Centre on Wednesday. The Tigers lead the best-of-seven Eastlink North Division final series 3-2, and a Caps’ win will bring the series back to Summerside for a seventh and deciding game Friday night. A Campbellton victory will send the Tigers into the league final for the first time since 2005.
“Honestly, we have a confidence and a trust with our group,” said Caps defenceman and assistant captain Conor MacEachern, who had three points in a season-saving 3-0 win in Game 5 at Eastlink Arena on Monday night.
With the Tigers drawing crowds of 2,048 and 2,610 to Games 2 and 4 in this series, another gathering of 2,600-plus raucous fans is expected.
“They have a great fan base and it’s going to be loud, but it should be fun,” said Dominik Tmej, who registered a 20-save shutout in Game 5.
MacEachern added, “We want to use the energy up there to our advantage and just try to block out the noise.”
The Tigers fully understand the opportunity that awaits them on home ice.
“We have approached the playoffs with the attitude that you don’t get too high or too low,” Tigers head coach Greg Leland told the Journal Pioneer following Game 5. “(Monday) was a low point since we started the playoffs.
“We have to make sure that we let it go and we regroup on Wednesday. Knowing this group, I have zero doubts.”
Gray back
Goaltender Tristan Gray, who has three wins – including two shutouts – and stopped 110 of 116 shots in the first four games, will return to the Tigers’ lineup after serving a one-game suspension in Game 5 after a match penalty was changed to a major following Saturday’s Game 4.
Tigers defenceman Francis Thibeault and Caps forwards TJ Shea and Kallum Muirhead will miss Game 6 as they sit out the second of two-game suspensions.
The Journal Pioneer attempted to contact Hockey New Brunswick referee-in-chief Mike McMullin on Monday for an explanation on Gray’s penalty change, but as of deadline time Tuesday there has been no response.
MHL interim president Dave Ritcey confirmed McMullin attended Game 4, and talked to MHL vice-president Tom Allaby, who handed out the suspensions. Ritcey added the referee’s report did list Gray’s penalty as a major, but the copy of the game sheet received by the Caps clearly lists it as match penalty.
Goaltending duel
Nonetheless, Gray’s return will also result in the resumption of a great goaltending duel. As good as Gray has been, Tmej has been equally as solid, allowing just seven goals while stopping 130 of 137 shots in five games. One of Campbellton’s goals was scored into an empty net.
“Dom has been outstanding throughout the whole playoffs,” said Caps head coach Billy McGuigan. “The issue that Dom is having is that we are not scoring enough goals to help him win. He has been good all series.”
With the Caps struggling to score, Tmej understands he has next to no room for error. But he relishes that challenge.
“It’s so much fun,” said Tmej. “Gray is an amazing goalie and he’s proven it this series.
“It’s so much fun battling with him and trying to get our team to the finals.”
Chippy play
Game 5 was the most physical of the three contests played in Summerside in this series.
“We played these guys a bunch in the regular season and we are going into Game 6 now,” said MacEachern. “Guys are being targeted, a lot of hits are being thrown, there’s a lot of chirps and it’s starting to get chippy.”
Both head coaches agree, however, that with so much at stake, discipline will be key going forward.
“There are no magic tricks, we just have to compete, work hard and try to stay out of the penalty box,” said McGuigan.
Leland commented, “We have to move our feet, we have to be more competitive and hungrier on pucks and more disciplined.”
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