BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – The 37-day march to the championship game of the Telus Cup West Regional starts today with Round 1 of the SMAAAHL playoffs.
When the puck drops at the championship game on Sunday, April 5 in Regina, we will have been through three playoff rounds, seven playoff series – and the round-robin games of the West Regional.
Buckle-up for the next five weeks. Without any further preamble, here is a preview of the four first-round series – complete with comments from each head coach AND the insight/prediction from our six-member Insiders Panel of league coaches and broadcasters.
#1 Regina Pat Canadians vs. #8 Saskatoon Contacts
Ryan Hodgins, Regina head coach: “The parity in our league is unbelievable. We prepare the same for every team.”
Ryan Keller, Saskatoon head coach: “The beauty of the playoffs (is) everyone starts with the same record. We have our hands full, no doubt, but we’re excited for the opportunity. Momentum can change quickly over the course of a series, and you never know when it will shift. We need to be ready to go Sunday and find a way to build momentum in our favour – early.”
Insiders analysis: “On paper, Regina finished 39 points ahead of the Contacts in the regular season. But, it’s unclear when Regina will have the services of 15-year-old star Maddox Schultz and 16-year-old stud Liam Pue – both are playing with the WHL’s Regina Pats.”… “The Contacts can build confidence from the fact they beat Regina late in the regular-season. It was only one of three regulation defeats on Regina’s record this year.”… “Regina has the firepower to take control of the series.”… “The key (for Saskatoon) will be keeping games tight. Saskatoon will have more success in lower scoring games.”… “Contacts may have willed their way into the post-season but they will have their hands full in this one, even without Schultz and Pue.”… “If the Contacts are going to make any noise, their goaltender will have to steal some games.”… “Contacts will give Regina all it can handle, but the experience and skill of Regina will prevail.”
Insiders prediction: Regina 3-0 (five predictions); Regina 3-1 (one prediction)
#2 Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors vs. #7 Battlefords Stars
Trevor Weisgerber, Moose Jaw head coach: “We know Battlefords has a good group. Our guys are excited to get started. The only thing we are focusing on is Game 1.”
Martin Smith, Battlefords head coach: “People are not giving us a chance against MJ and that’s fine. The new season starts now. We are the underdog and we’re going to play hard.”
Insiders analysis: “Another lopsided match-up on paper. Battlefords played tough against the top teams at times during the season. But hard to see them stealing more than one game in this series.”… “NB may steal one at home with their work ethic.”… “Moose Jaw is deep everywhere. Battlefords plays a sneaky physical game but they don’t have the weapons to keep up with the top offence in the league.”… “With MJ’s depth, they will have a chance to get a few early and run away with games.”… “Moose Jaw is focused on their first-round series and will come out with a lot of confidence.”
Insiders prediction: Moose Jaw 3-0 (four predictions); Moose Jaw 3-1 (two predictions)
#3 Saskatoon Blazers vs. #6 Warman Wildcats
Troy Walkington, Saskatoon head coach: “Our team needs to manage pucks and play within our structure. We can’t give them anything free in transition and will need to win the special teams battle.”
Courage Bear, Warman head coach: “I think (the keys are) discipline, playing sound defensively and timely scoring. You always need good goaltending. Blazers are well balanced with depth from net out and have playoff experience.”
Insiders analysis: “Might be the closest series in the first round. Two great head coaches will have their team ready.”… “Will be a tight series. Blazers have more depth and boast the league’s top goaltender.”… “Warman will need to find some consistency to push five (games).”… “Teams are pretty evenly matched but Blazers found another gear after winning Saskatchewan Hockey Classic – only losing twice in regulation since Christmas.”… “Warman will have to play strong defence and take advantage of their transition game. Could see multiple OT (games) in this series.”… “Season series was split. This is not your average 3 vs 6 match-up.”
Insiders prediction: Saskatoon 3-1 (three predictions); Saskatoon 3-2 (two predictions); Warman 3-2 (one prediction)
#4 Swift Current Legionnaires vs. #5 Estevan Innovex Bears
Todd Hornung, Swift Current head coach: “We are a team that has offensive capabilities but can play heavy as well; staying disciplined will be key and not giving them a lot of power-play opportunities.”
Ryan Pilon, Estevan head coach: “Anytime we’ve had a big game during the regular season, our players have done a real good job rising to the occasion and not straying from our plan. That will have to continue starting (in Game 1).”
Insiders analysis: “Exciting series. Estevan is loaded with fire power. But Swift will have their players well coached.”… “Estevan’s goalie and top six forwards may be the difference.”… “Estevan gets the edge in goaltending and team speed.”… “Possibly the closest first-round series. Gunner Moore‘s game and Estevan’s goaltending tips the series their way.”… “This will be fun to watch. Estevan’s top line could have problems this series against a tough Swift team.”… “Swift has a lot of firepower that can make you pay.”
Insiders prediction: Swift 3-2 (one prediction); Estevan 3-0 (one prediction); Estevan 3-2 (three predictions); toss-up (one prediction)
