What looked like a sure thing was confirmed this week: the Spirit will play the Wellington Dukes in the first round of the Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs.
The OJHL postseason begins Friday with schedules still to be announced and final standings to be determined. The regular season ends today.
Wellington (33-19-0-4), which completed its schedule last night, has 70 points, two more than the 32-19-0-4 Spirit.
Stouffville can tie the Dukes with a win in their final game, tonight against the Milton Menace. Home ice advantage would be determined by league officials using tie-breakers. The teams split their four-game series.
Milton (36-14-0-4) will finish third in the West Conference.
THE SCORES
Cobourg 2, Spirit 1, Feb. 27
Maxime Morin scored the only Spirit goal at the Stouffville Arena. A Zack Corte ‘goal’ was disallowed when the net was pushed from its moorings. The Spirit couldn’t cash in on some late penalties by the Cougars.
Spirit 8, Lindsay 1, Feb. 26
Player of the Game Josh Bonnyman and Peter had two-goal games in Lindsay. Riley Pope netted his 30th of the season. Other scorers were Evan Breckles, Brady Smith and Lachlan Wells. Corte had three assists
Haliburton County 4, Stouffville 3, Feb. 23
In Minden, the host Huskies scored the final two goals to erase a Spirit lead. Wells, Smith and Pope scored. Two more assists for Corte.
NOTEBOOK
The Spirit will thank its billet families during a pregame ceremony tonight.
It’s the Spirit’s only outing with the Menace this season.
A group of 20 from St. James Presbyterian Church will attend tonight’s game after enjoying dinner at Spirit sponsor Boston Pizza.
Come early to hear the pregame music from anthem singer Kendall Lily in the lobby.
Students and staff from Ballantrae Public School were guests of the Spirit Thursday.
MEDIA
All Spirit games are broadcast on 102.9FM whistlefm.ca radio and FloHockey TV.
https://www.flohockey.tv/leagues/10826657-ontario-junior-hockey-league-ojhl (subscription required).
Chris Mayberry and Jason Rehel anchor the local broadcasts.
Spirit This Week is sponsored by Farmer Jack’s in Stouffville.
