HTJHL: The Playoff's Have Arrived

The Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League playoffs are under way and already there have been a couple of nail biters. This is going to be fun.

Looking at the opening round, best of 5 series, all three have the potental to be the type that goes right down to the wire. 

Grunthal (21-1 for 42 points): First place and earned the bye.  

Steinbach Huskies (2) vs Mitchell Mohawks (7)

Season Series: 4-0 Huskies

The Huskies were 25 points up on the Mohawks in the regular season. They scored 44 goals in 4 games. Saying the Mohawks are an underdog is an understatement. Anything can happen in playoffs and for the start-up Mohawks who just came back after a number of years away, building confidence will go a long way to improving the a program the league is happy to have back.

*If Necessary

Springfield Xtreme (4) vs Niverville Clippers (5)

Season Series: 2-1 Niverville (1 win in overtime)

 These two teams could not be any closer. They both finished with 10 wins and 21 points. Except for the first meeting of the season, they played one goal games. In game 1 it was the Clippers needing overtime to pull out the victory, goal scorer Luke Toews netted his second of the game giving Niverville the lead in the series. Springfield's Jeff Bleue had two goals and an assist in a losing effort. 

Niverville leads Springfield 1 game(s) to 0

*If Necessary

 Red River Mudbugs (3) vs Lorette Comets (6)

Season Series: 2-1 Red River (Lorette's win was in a shootout)

 Another series that has the chance to go all five games and finish in a thrilling fashion. These teams play a tight, hard-nosed game and match up perfectly against each other. One goal games have been a plenty with the Mudbugs and the Comets throughout the regular season. Red River pulled out a 2-1 win in game 1 and both teams will have a chance to rest up before meeting again on Sunday.

*If Necessary