PHOTO BY SCOTT VANKOUGHNETT
With a win tonight the Barrie Colts will secure a birth in the OHL finals for a third time in their 15-year history.
The Colts have a commanding 3-1 series lead over their rival Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. The only loss of the series coming in game two in Mississauga. The Colts have yet to lose on home ice in these playoffs.
“Our confidence is high right now,” said Colts’ captain Stefan Della Rovere after scoring the game winner in game four.
The last time the Colts made it to the league finals was back in the 2001-’02 season where they lost four games to one against the Erie Otters. It’s a different team this time around where they’re able to roll all four lines and have everyone contribute.
“That’s the great thing about our team,” said Della Rovere. “Every night it’s a different line, some nights it’s two lines. I think we’re happy with our play.”
If there were a team that had a chance to derail the Colts run, it would be the Majors. The Colts and Majors split their season series at three games apiece.
The Majors have been called one of the best defensive teams in the OHL all season long, while the Colts are known more for their offensive prowess. Just don’t mention that to Colts’ head coach Marty Williamson.
“We’ve played good defense all year,” said Williamson. “I think we finished 10 goals different than the Majors did and yet they get credit for being the best defensive team in the league because we’re seen more as an offensive team.”
The Colts’ defensive play has really stepped up in the playoffs allowing just over two goals per game.
“We think we play good defense,” continued Williamson. “We’re a little more conscious of when we turn the puck over. Rather than hoping that something happens offensively we’re getting back on defense.”
It also doesn’t hurt that your back-up goalie can step in and dominate the way Mavric Parks has since replacing the injured Peter Di Salvo.
“I don’t know what you can say about Mavric,” said the coach. “His save percentage is one of the highest all year. He’s come over to our team and he knew that Pete Di Salvo was my guy and accepted every game and every role that I gave him. Obviously with the injury he has got an opportunity. He’s just another guy stepping up. That’s what this team has been about all year.”
The Colts will need all four lines and Mavric Parks going tonight if they hope to end this series on home ice.
“To finish a series, to finish a team’s season is the toughest thing.” Reiterated Willamson. “We’re going to need a full 60-minutes not 45 if we want to win.”
Topics: Barrie Colts, Marty Willamson, Mavric Parks, Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, OHL, OHL Playoffs, Stefan Della Rovere
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