2012 MJHL/MMJHL

Now is the time of the year when I turn my attention to the junior hockey playoffs. I frequent the local arenas and have also made excursions to Portage and Selkirk to experience real grassroots hockey. Believe me, it is worth the trip. Here's how things stand.



|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



PORTAGE TERRIERS -
SELKIRK STEELERS -
(Portage already won series 4-0.)

The Terriers shifted from the Sherwood Division (western Manitoba) to the Addison Division (eastern Manitoba including Winnipeg). This was part of the reason why the Addison was the dominant division this year. In any event, this rematch of last year's final (won by Portage) was touted as a tough series. Portage led the league with 89 points and 4th place Selkirk had 76. But Portage won the series handily. There was one overtime game, however the rest were convincing wins for the Puppies.



WINNIPEG BLUES -
WINKLER FLYERS -
(Blues already won series 4-0.)

As disappointing as was the Portage-Selkirk series, this one was worse. The Blues were 2nd with 81 points and the Flyers were 3rd with 78. On paper, this was a pick-'em.

As of yet, the dates for the Addison final between the Terriers and Blues have not been announced. I really hope I am able to attend some of these games. It should be a great series, and hopefully a long one. IMO these two teams are the best two in Manitoba this year.



DAUPHIN KINGS 3
WINNIPEG SAINTS 6
(Saints win series 4-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

I was listening to CKDM on-line for most of this one. It took the Kings just over 3 minutes to build a 2-0 lead. However, the Saints were able to gain a 3-2 lead before the period was even over. They then pulled away and won the game and the series in convincing fashion.

The Saints crossed over from the Addison to participate in the Sherwood playoffs because that is what happens when the 5th place team in one division has a better record than the 4th place team from the opposite division. Still, Dauphin had 87 points and the Saints 74, so by any measure this was an upset.

There are many in the Addison who envied the Saints' 5th place finish for that reason. However, the Saints will have to spend a lot of time on the bus next round when they will be traveling back and forth to either Swan River or The Pas.

Of course, this series will go down in history as the series where Dauphin coach Marlin Murray lost his mind during a game 4 loss. The MJHL announced that he got two games for receiving a gross misconduct and a ten game suspension for receiving a match penalty for "physical harassment of officials". His stick-tossing even made it on to TSN. The video is also at The Sun with a story by Kirk Penton. They also ran a follow-up story. Not to be outdone, the Free Press ran a story by Adam Wazny, one from The Canadian Press, and a staff story on the suspension.



OCN BLIZZARD -
SWAN VALLEY STAMPEDERS -
(OCN leads series 3-2.)

The underdogs from Swan built a surprising 2-0 lead. The Blizz are on a 3-game roll and game 6 goes Sunday in Swan. The Blizzard had 69 points and Swan just snuck into the playoffs with 62. So they were #7 and #8 overall in the league.

I am not sure if the radio call will be available on-line. But GX940 from Yorkton carries some games from Wayway and Swan. More likely, the game will be on CJ1240 / The Pas Online. Check it at 7:30 CDT. (We spring forward this weekend!)



|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS -
ST. BONIFACE RIELS -
(Charleswood leads series 2-0.)

The Riels snuck into the playoffs with a win over St. James on the final night. They tied with River East but held the tie-breaker. But Charleswood had 69 points on the season to 24 for St. B., so it is no surprise that the Hawks have won 5-1 and 5-3 so far. Game 3 goes Sunday the Eric Coy Arena.


RAIDERS J.H.C. -
ST. JAMES CANUCKS -
(Raiders lead series 2-0.)

Not so long ago the Seven Oaks Raiders appeared to be ready to go under. Now they are a solid #2 in the MM. They have racked up 6-3 and 9-2 wins. Not surprising, since the RJHC had 57 points and St.James had 26. Game 3 is Sunday at the Billy Mosienko Arena.


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS -
PEMBINA VALLEY TWISTERS -
(Series tied 1-1.)

The Twins lost last year's final to Charleswood and had a good season, finishing with 52 points in 3rd place. The Twisters were 6th at 45 points and so this figured to be a tighter match-up. Game one went to FGFR 3-2 in overtime and the Twisters gained revenge in game two with a 6-3 win. Game 3 is Sunday at the Century Arena, former home of the Blues.


STONEWALL JETS -
ST. VITAL VICTORIAS -
(Stonewall leads series 2-0.)

On paper this would be the toughest match-up. Stonewall had 48 points and the Vics had 46. But Stonewall has thus far posted 5-2 and 2-1 wins. Game 3 is Sunday in Stonewall.

The Dauphin coach is a complete tool. His actions during the game are moronic and deserved a much longer suspension than 12 games.

His lack of remorse and excuses make the idiot a completely wrong choice for coach of young impressionable minds.

This dude had the audacity to claim a 12 game suspension too long. What a twit.

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



OCN BLIZZARD 2
SWAN VALLEY STAMPEDERS 1
(OCN wins series 4-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

I listened to most of the game at CJ1240 / The Pas Online. Swan had a 1-0 lead they were nursing but OCN scored a couple of quick ones in the 3rd to wrap it up. OCN outshot Swan 38-18 on the night and 13-2 in the 3rd period. Swan's goaltender, Jason Argue, was the 1st star.

So Swan blew a 2-0 series lead. OCN will now face the Winnipeg Saints in the Sherwood final. The schedules for both division finals are not yet announced.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]

Note that all series will play Tuesday - Friday - Sunday as required this week.


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 10
ST. BONIFACE RIELS 3
(Charleswood leads series 3-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The Hawks have won the title 8 of the last 10 years, including the last 3. They were also 45 points ahead of the Riels this year. So the fact that they now lead the series 3-0 is not a shock. But 10-3 in the playoffs? That's not what you want.


RAIDERS J.H.C. 9
ST. JAMES CANUCKS 3
(Raiders lead series 3-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The Raiders have now whipped St. James three straight times. Here's hoping for another merciful end to another mismatch. The fact that two of the four quarter-finals are severe mismatches like this is not a good thing for the MMJHL.


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 5
PEMBINA VALLEY TWISTERS 6
(Pembina leads series 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

This is more what one would expect from the playoffs. The Twisters return home to Morris for game 4 with a 2-1 lead. The Twins were last season's runner-up and the champs in 2000. The Twisters won the league title in 2008. So neither side is a stranger to success. This game featured free-wheeling offence. The Twins outshot the Twisters 46-34 on the night.


STONEWALL JETS 3
ST. VITAL VICTORIAS 4
(Stonewall leads series 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

This one was similar to the FG-PV series in that it was free-wheeling and close, and the losing team held the edge in SOG (48-37 for the Jets). The Vics needed a road win to avoid going down 3-0. I wonder if Stonewall has whiteouts?

BTW, Grumpy, the rumour is that Dauphin is replacing the coach next year.

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



OCN BLIZZARD -
WINNIPEG SAINTS -

Friday Mar 16 7:00 Saints at OCN
Saturday Mar 17 7:00 Saints at OCN
remainder TBA



PORTAGE TERRIERS -
WINNIPEG BLUES -

Friday Mar 16 7:30 Blues at Portage
Sunday Mar 18 7:30 Portage at Blues
Tuesday Mar 20 7:30 Blues at Portage
Thursday Mar 22 7:30 Portage at Blues
Friday Mar 23 7:30 Blues at Portage
Monday Mar 26 7:30 Portage at Blues
Wednesday Mar 28 7:30 Blues at Portage

The MJ at least have the Addison Division ready to go. The Saints must be awaiting a decision on arena availability. Good to see that they will play the first two games at OCN rather than switch for each game. That will save the guys major bus ride time. It looks like I'll be able to see a couple games in the Blues-Terriers series.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 8
ST. BONIFACE RIELS 1
(Charleswood wins series 4-0.)
|> [Boxscore]


RAIDERS J.H.C. 7
ST. JAMES CANUCKS 3
(Raiders win series 4-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

All I can say about these two series is: TGIO (thank God it's over). The Riels had somewhat respectable 5-1 and 5-3 losses but otherwsie these games weren't pretty.


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 5
PEMBINA VALLEY TWISTERS 2
(Series tied 2-2.)
|> [Boxscore]


STONEWALL JETS 3
ST. VITAL VICTORIAS 4
(Series tied 2-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

The links to the boxscores are up but data has yet to be completed as I post, so it might be there as you read.

FGFR went down to Morris to beat the Twisters, where they had to be considered slight underdogs. Game 5 is at the Century Arena on Friday and game 6 is at Morris on Sunday.

The Vics have now taken two in a row in what is a toss-up series. Game 5 goes in Stonewall on Friday and game 6 is at St. V. on Sunday.

After a kind of long break, it was back to action both the MJ and the MMJ. Friday night was made for junior hockey, even when the Jets have a big home game.


|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



WINNIPEG SAINTS 3
OCN BLIZZARD 1
(Saints lead series 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The Saints continue to profit from their cross-over to the Sherwood Division. A win in The Pas is never a given but the Saints now have to be considered heavy favourites to take the series.

Saint goaltender Addison Herosian allowed only one goal on 44 shots, good for first star. This one was not decided until the Saints scored an empty-netter.

Game two goes Saturday at 7:00 at The Pas. For on-line audio try CJ1240 / The Pas Online.



WINNIPEG BLUES 4
PORTAGE TERRIERS 5
(Terriers lead series 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

Although Portage fell behind 2-1 after one, they scored four straight goals to take what ought to have been a commanding lead. But the Blues scored a pair of late ones so that they had a chance to tie it up with 2+ minutes left. Portage got their 5 goals on only 26 shots.

Game two goes Sunday at 7:30 at the Iceplex. For on-line audio, try CFRY 920AM 93.1FM.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


PEMBINA VALLEY TWISTERS 1
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 5
(Twins lead series 3-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

Although the Twins took this one going away, it was only 2-1 midway through the 3rd period. The Twins had an incredible 51 shots on goal. Yikes! Game 6 is Sunday at 8:00 pm in Morris. If necessary, game 7 will be at the Century Arena on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.


ST. VITAL VICTORIAS 2
STONEWALL JETS 3
(in overtime)
(Jets lead series 3-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

The pivotal game 5 was a come-from-behind effort for the Jets. This figured to be the closest series of the lot and so far it has turned out that way. This is four straight one-goal games in the series. Game 6 goes Sunday at the St. Vital Arena at 7:30 pm and game 7, if necessary, will go Wednesday in Stonewall.

'Twas a light evening in Manitoba's junior hockey circles on this St. Patty's Day. Only one game on which to report ...


|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



WINNIPEG SAINTS 3
OCN BLIZZARD 2
(in overtime)
(Saints lead series 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The Saints rallied from a 2-0 deficit win this one. There were only 4 minor penalties assessed to the Saints and 2 more to the Blizzard. Games 3 and 4 are slated for Tuesday and Wednesday at the St. James Civic Centre. OCN rallied from being down 0-2 against Swan but methinks that the Saints will be a little different.

I got home too late to check for a broadcast but I assume that the games in Winnipeg will be at CJ1240 / The Pas Online.

This could be the last of the busy Sunday nights in Manitoba junior hockey. With the nice weather it is easy to forget that we still have lots of hockey to go.


|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



PORTAGE TERRIERS 2
WINNIPEG BLUES 3
(in overtime)
(Series tied 1-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

I was tempted to head out to see this one but instead chose the Jets in HD. This was a tight game throughout. The Blues had a -20 lead but the Derrieres tied it up to force OT. Here's a quirky stat: The teams were a combined 1-for-17 on the PP. Game 3 goes Tuesday in Portage and game 4 goes Thursday at the Iceplex. For on-line audio, try CFRY 920AM 93.1FM.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 5
PEMBINA VALLEY TWISTERS 2
(Twins win series 4-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

What started as a tight series ended with the Twins winning 3 straight one-sided games. The Twins will now face the Raiders in the semi-finals. No schedule has been announced, but my guess is both series will start on Friday night.


STONEWALL JETS 5
ST. VITAL VICTORIAS 1
(Jets win series 4-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

This was a tight series throughout. But in the end the Vics were out of it in this one. Stonewall outshot them 38-17 and won going away. Their reward is a semi-final match-up against the Charleswood Hawks.

As we await the MMJHL semis, the MJHL heats up ...


|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



WINNIPEG BLUES 5
PORTAGE TERRIERS 0
(Blues lead series 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

This was a surprisingly one-sided road win for the Blues. They outshot the Derrieres 29-19, and held them to only 3 shots in the 3rd period.



OCN BLIZZARD 4
WINNIPEG SAINTS 0
(Saints lead series 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CJ1240 / The Pas Online]

OCN BLIZZARD 6
WINNIPEG SAINTS 3
(Series tied 2-2.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CJ1240 / The Pas Online]

After the Saints won two games in OCN they must have been brimming with confidence for games 3 and 4 on back-to-back nights. But the Blizzard got right back into the series with a sweep of their own. One note: the Saints outshot OCN 33-26 on Tuesday and OCN outshot the Saints 33-29 on Wednesday. So the games may have been closer than the score would indicate.

As the Saints and Blizzard get a couple days off, Portage turns around their series with the Blues. And the MMJHL finally gets back to business.


|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



PORTAGE TERRIERS 5
WINNIPEG BLUES 2
(Series tied 2-2.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]



WINNIPEG BLUES 1
PORTAGE TERRIERS 3
(Terriers lead series 3-2.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

The defending champs can never be counted out. So a pair of wins on Thursday and Friday nights is not a hug surprise. But the Blues have found out how to hold the Terriers in check. The Dogs managed 5 goals on 20 shots on Thursday and 3 goals on 22 shots on Friday. If the Blues can hold down the SOG numbers then they have a chance. Game 6 is Monday at the Iceplex and game 7 (if necessary) is Wednesday at Portage.



OCN BLIZZARD -
WINNIPEG SAINTS -
(Series tied 2-2.)

These two resume hostilities Saturday night at The Pas.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


STONEWALL JETS 1
CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 4
(Hawks lead series 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The Hawks enter the series as prohibitive favourites. They finished 21 points ahead of the Jets in the regular season. But the shots were close and it was not until the Hawks broke open a 1-0 game with two quick ones 2 minutes into the 3rd that they pulled ahead. Game 2 is Sunday in Stonewall.


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 4
RAIDERS J.H.C. 3
(Twins lead series 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The Twins were leading this one 4-0 in the 3rd period. However, the Raiders stormed back to make it close before they ran out of time. (Ironically, the Jets stormed back on the same night on the Washington Capitals.) These teams were only 5 points apart in the regular season so one should expect a long series. Game 2 is at the Century Arena on Sunday night.

In a strange twist, there was only one game in the MJHL on the weekend.


|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



WINNIPEG BLUES -
PORTAGE TERRIERS -
(Terriers lead series 3-2.)

These two had the weekend off. Too bad. I would have loved to have gone to a game on Sunday. Game 6 is Monday at the Iceplex (when I have Jets tix) and game 7 (if necessary) is Wednesday at Portage.



WINNIPEG SAINTS 4
OCN BLIZZARD 3
(in overtime)
(Saints lead series 3-2.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CJ1240 / The Pas Online]

This is pretty crazy. After five games, the home team has yet to win a game. Game 5 in The Pas must have been a thriller. The shots were even throughout. But the Saints built a 3-0 lead, only to see OCN tie the game and force overtime. There were not too many penalties, yet the Saints scored 3 PP goals and the Blizzard had one of their own. Monday will be a busy hockey night in Winnipeg. The Jets host the Senators in the NHL and the Blues and Saints both have a game 6 on tap. Crap! It is spring break and I wanted a hockey game every night.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 4
STONEWALL JETS 3
(in overtime)
(Hawks lead series 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The summary on this one is still being updated as I post so hopefully you can get more detail on this game once it is up. Game 3 is Tuesday at the Eric Coy Arena and game 4 is Friday in Stonewall.


RAIDERS J.H.C. 5
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 4
(in overtime)
(Series tied 1-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

This might be a series worth checking out. The Raiders built a 3-0 after the 1st period, then led 4-1 after the 2nd. The Twins scored a pair of goals 32 seconds apart to make it close, and then tied it with just over a minute left. The Raiders tied the series with a PP overtime goal. Game 3 is Tuesday at the Billy Mosienko Arena. The Twins will then shift their home base to the Civic Centre for game 4 on Friday.

Time to get ready for the 2012 Turnbull Cup. Too bad that the two Winnipeg teams were playing big games at home on a night when the Jets were playing. But here's what happened ...


|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



PORTAGE TERRIERS 6
WINNIPEG BLUES 3
(Terriers win series 4-2.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

The Dogs pulled off their 3rd straight win en route to yet another division title and another trip to the Turnbull Cup. They scored 5 times on 22 shots on goal, then into an empty net to salt it away.

The Blues seem to have done a good job defending Portage, but could not get the goaltending needed to win a series. The Blues took a 2-1 series lead when Isiah Plett recorded a 19 save shutout in game 3. In game 4 Portage scored 5 times on 20 shots to even the series. Then they notched 3 goals on 22 shots in game 4. That's 13 goals on 64 shots in games 4-6, a .797 save percentage.



WINNIPEG SAINTS 5
OCN BLIZZARD 1
(Saints win series 4-2.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CJ1240 / The Pas Online]

The home team finally won one. This was a decisive win for the Saints. They outshot OCN 44-22 on the night, and an incredible 18-3 in the 2nd period alone.

I suspect that the final will start on Friday or Saturday night in Portage, but nothing has as yet been announced.

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



Here's the schedule:

April 01 Winnipeg Saints at Portage Terriers 6:30 pm
April 03 Portage Terriers at Winnipeg Saints 7:30 pm
April 05 Winnipeg Saints at Portage Terriers 7:30 pm
April 07 Portage Terriers at Winnipeg Saints 7:30 pm
April 10 Winnipeg Saints at Portage Terriers 7:30 pm
April 12 Portage Terriers at Winnipeg Saints 7:30 pm
April 14 Winnipeg Saints at Portage Terriers 7:30 pm


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


STONEWALL JETS 0
CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 4
(Hawks lead series 3-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

Charleswood now has a commanding lead, as usual. The summary would indicate that this was a tough battle. Two goals in the latter half of the 3rd period put this one away for the Hawks. The Hawks outshot the Jets 16-7 in the 3rd period, which is unusual for a team nursing a lead. Game 5 goes Friday night in Stonewall.


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 2
RAIDERS J.H.C. 3
(in overtime)
(Raiders lead series 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

This is the third straight one-goal game in the series. The boxscore lacks data as I post but may be complete when you read. Game 3 is now scheduled for the Century Arena on Friday night. The MMJHL site had it listed at the St. James Civic Centre, which would have been nice.


The MMJHL announced that Transcona is back in the MMJHL fold after a one year absence. The new team will be called the "Transcona Railer Express", which sounds odd to me but I guess it is similar enough to "Transcona Railers" to keep it familiar.

|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 5
STONEWALL JETS 2
(Hawks win series 4-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The world would be out of synch if the Charleswood Hawks were not in the MMJHL final. The Hawks have now swept 8 consecutive playoff series. Here's the tally for as far back as the MMJHL stats archive goes:

2008:
Stonewall 4-0 win
River East 4-0 win
Pembina Valley 4-0 loss

2009:
Stonewall 4-0 win
St. Boniface 4-3 win (were down 0-3)
Fort Garry 4-3 win

2010:
Stonewall 4-0 win
St. Vital 4-0 win
Pembina Valley 4-0 win

2011:
St. Boniface 4-0 win
Raiders 4-0 win
Fort Garry 4-0 win

So this is the 4th time in the last 5 years that Stonewall has been eliminated by Charleswood in 4 straight games. But at least this year it happened in the semi-final round.

In Friday night's game the score was 2-2 after two periods, although Charleswood held a 27-17 lead in shots. But the 3rd period was all one-way traffic. The Hawks dominated the 3rd period both in shots (21-5) and goals (3-0).


RAIDERS J.H.C. 4
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 8
(Series tied 2-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

After three hard-fought games the Twins gave the Raiders are real hiding in game four to even the series. It was 8-2 after two periods. So a pair of late goals by the Raiders served to enhance the scoreline. The series will now go Sunday - Tuesday - Thursday.

|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 5
STONEWALL JETS 2
(Hawks win series 4-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

The world would be out of synch if the Charleswood Hawks were not in the MMJHL final. The Hawks have now swept 8 consecutive playoff series. Here's the tally for as far back as the MMJHL stats archive goes:

2008:
Stonewall 4-0 win
River East 4-0 win
Pembina Valley 4-0 loss

2009:
Stonewall 4-0 win
St. Boniface 4-3 win (were down 0-3)
Fort Garry 4-3 win

2010:
Stonewall 4-0 win
St. Vital 4-0 win
Pembina Valley 4-0 win

2011:
St. Boniface 4-0 win
Raiders 4-0 win
Fort Garry 4-0 win

So this is the 4th time in the last 5 years that Stonewall has been eliminated by Charleswood in 4 straight games. But at least this year it happened in the semi-final round.

In Friday night's game the score was 2-2 after two periods, although Charleswood held a 27-17 lead in shots. But the 3rd period was all one-way traffic. The Hawks dominated the 3rd period both in shots (21-5) and goals (3-0).


RAIDERS J.H.C. 4
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 8
(Series tied 2-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

After three hard-fought games the Twins gave the Raiders are real hiding in game four to even the series. It was 8-2 after two periods. So a pair of late goals by the Raiders served to enhance the scoreline. The series will now go Sunday - Tuesday - Thursday.



With the MJHL having a few days off, here's what is happening elsewhere:

SJHL
Weyburn Red Wings v Humboldt Broncos
(final starts this weekend)

SJHL winner v MJHL winner play for Anavet Cup and West region berth in RBC Cup.

AJHL
Spruce Grove Saints v Fort McMurray Oil Barons
(North Final tied 2-2)

Brooks Bandits v Olds Grizzlies
(Brooks won South Final 4-0)

BCHL
Powell River Kings v Surrey Eagles
(Coastal final tied 1-1)

Penticton Vees v Merritt Centennials
(Interior final tied 1-1)

AJHL winner v BCHL winner play for the Doyle Cup and Pacific region berth in RBC Cup.

SIJHL
Wisconsin Wilderness v Fort Frances Lakers
(final starts this weekend)

NOJHL
Soo Thunderbirds v North Bay Trappers
(final starts this weekend)

OJHL
Stouffville Spirit v Gerogetown Raiders
(North/West final tied 3-3)

Whitby Fury v Toronto Lakehsore Patriots
(Whitby wins South/East final 4-1)

SIJHL, NOJHL, and OJHL winners join Thunder Bay North Stars in tournament for the Dudley Hewitt Cup and Central region berth in the RBC Cup.

CCHL
Nepean v Pembroke Lumber Kings
(Pembroke leads semi-final 2-0)

Cornwall v Hawkesbury
(Cornwall leads semi-final 2-0)

LHJQ
St.Jerome Panthers v Princeville Titan
(final starts this weekend)

MHL
Woodstock Slammers v Summerside Western Capitals
(Woodstock wins Meek final 4-0)

Yarmouth Mariners v Amherst Ramblers
(Bent final tied 3-3)

CCHL, LHJQ, and MHL winners join Kanata Stallions in tournament for the Fred Page Cup and East region berth in the RBC Cup.

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]


WINNIPEG SAINTS 3
PORTAGE TERRIERS 5
(Terriers lead series 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

The Terriers took game 1 before over 1,500 fans in P la P. The last goal was into an empty net so it was a tight one, as expected. The Dogs are the favourites here. Game 2 is Tuesday at the Civic Centre.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 4
RAIDERS J.H.C. 7
(Raiders lead series 3-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

This series started out so tight and now each side has thumped the other. The shots were an amazing 62-47 in favour of the Raiders. Those numbers are hard to believe. Game 6 goes Tuesday at the Century Arena with the Twins facing elimination.

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]


PORTAGE TERRIERS 4
WINNIPEG SAINTS 3
(in double overtime)
(Terriers lead series 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

So the lengthy overtime games must be starting now. This one went 16 minutes into the second overtime period. I don't see a great chance for a comeback by the Saints. But game 3 goes Thursday night in Portage, and it might be worth a drive.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


RAIDERS J.H.C. 3
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 4
(Series tied 3-3.)
|> [Boxscore]

Back to the nail-biters in this one. It is appropriate that these teams will be going 7 games. Thursday night the Billy Mosienko Arena should be rocking. The winner will face the Charleswood Hawks. No word on when that series will start.

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]


WINNIPEG SAINTS 1
PORTAGE TERRIERS 6
(Terriers lead series 3-0.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

The Puppies racked up 4 goals on 10 shots in the 1st period and then cruised through the last two periods en route to an easy win. I don't fancy the Saints' chances now. Mission Impossible begins Saturday at the Civic Centre.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 4
RAIDERS J.H.C. 3
(in overtime)
(Twins win series 4-3.)
|> [Boxscore]

It was fitting that this series went down to OT in game 7. The Twins amassed a 3-0 lead mid-way through the 2nd period. A late 2nd period goal made it 3-1 and then a pair of goals within 39 seconds 5 minutes into the 3rd tied the game. So the Twins will face the Charleswood Hawks one more time in the final.

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]


PORTAGE TERRIERS 1
WINNIPEG SAINTS 3
(Terriers lead series 3-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

Well at least the Saints won't get skunked. The game recap is in the Winnipeg Free Press. The series resumes Tuesday in Portage and, if required, will be back at the Civic Centre on Thursday.


|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]



CHARLESWOOD HAWKS -
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS -

The rematch will start tonight at the Eric Coy Arena. They list game 2 as being Tuesday at the Civic Centre. Last season the Hawks swept the series 4-0.

|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]



FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 1
CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 2
(in overtime)
(Hawks lead series 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

This was quite the opener in the battle for the Jack McKenzie Trophy. A 2-1 overtime game may seem like a defensive battle. But the Hawks outshot the Twins 57-38, including 21-16 in 23 minutes of OT. The whole schedule for the series is up now:

Apr 10 Charleswood Hawks at Ft.Garry/Ft.Rouge Twins 7:30 St. James Civic Centre
Apr 13 Ft.Garry/Ft.Rouge Twins at Charleswood Hawks 7:30 Eric Coy Arena
Apr 15 Charleswood Hawks at Ft.Garry/Ft.Rouge Twins 7:30 St. James Civic Centre
Apr 17 Ft.Garry/Ft.Rouge Twins at Charleswood Hawks 7:30 Eric Coy Arena
Apr 20 Charleswood Hawks at Ft.Garry/Ft.Rouge Twins 7:30 St. James Civic Centre
Apr 22 Ft.Garry/Ft.Rouge Twins at Charleswood Hawks 7:30 Eric Coy Arena

|> [Playoff Brackets] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]


WINNIPEG SAINTS 1
PORTAGE TERRIERS 2
(Terriers win series 4-1.)
|> [Boxscore] : [Story]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

I listened to a bit of this one and it was a tight battle in which the Dogs always held the lead. The Saints were held to 24 shots. Brendan Harms had both goals for Portage.

The Terriers will now face the winner of the SJHL for the Anavet Cup. In the SJHL final, the Humboldt Broncos defeated the Weyburn Red Wings 4-2 to take a 3-2 lead in the series. Humboldt has assured themselves of a berth in the RBC Cup as the host team. So if they win the SJHL title the Terriers will have an assured berth in the RBC Cup as well.




|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]



CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 1
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 4
(Series tied 1-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

After nine straight playoff wins, the Hawks had their first taste of defeat. The Hawks outshot the Twins 42-32 but still trailed all night. The Twins scored only 44 seconds into the game. Nevertheless the score was only 2-1 until the Twins scored twice in the last two minutes, the last into an empty net.

Game 3 goes Friday night at the Eric Coy Arena.

|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 5
CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 6
(in overtime)
(Hawks lead series 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

This one required only 46 seconds of overtime to see the Charleswood Hawks take the series lead at the Eric Coy Arena.

The Twins had a remarkable 64 shots on goal. I don't see how that's possible. Neither team had more than a one goal lead at any point int the game.

Game 4 will be on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre.



SJHL
Weyburn Red Wings 0
Humboldt Broncos 6
(Humboldt wins series 4-2)

Humboldt will play Portage for the Anavet Cup. Portage will get the West region berth in RBC Cup because Humboldt gets the host's berth.

AJHL
Fort McMurray Oil Barons 1
Brooks Bandits 4
(Brooks leads series 3-2)

BCHL
Penticton Vees 3
Powell River Kings 2
(Penticton wins series 4-0)

Penticton v AJHL winner for the Doyle Cup and Pacific region berth in RBC Cup.

SIJHL
Wisconsin Wilderness 4
Fort Frances Lakers 3
(Wisconsin wins series 4-3)

NOJHL
North Bay Trappers 2
Soo Thunderbirds 3
(Soo wins series 4-1)

OJHL
Stouffville Spirit 4
Whitby Fury 3
(Stoufville wins series 4-2)

The Thunder Bay North Stars will host Wisconsin, Soo, and Stoufville in a tournament for the Dudley Hewitt Cup and Central region berth in the RBC Cup.

CCHL
Nepean Raiders 0
Cornwall Colts 2
(Series tied 1-1)

LHJQ
St.Jerome Panthers 3
Princeville Titan 7
(Series tied 2-2)

MHL
Woodstock Slammers 3
Yarmouth Mariners 4
(Woodstock leads seroes 3-2)

CCHL, LHJQ, and MHL winners join Kanata Stallions in tournament for the Fred Page Cup and East region berth in the RBC Cup.

PORTAGE TERRIERS
HUMBOLDT BRONCOS

|> [MJHL] : [SJHL]
|> [RBC Cup - Hockey Canada]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

Here's the schedule for the Anavet Cup:

Game 1: Friday, April 20th in Humboldt
Game 2: Saturday, April 21st in Humboldt
Game 3: Tuesday, April 24th in Portage
Game 4: Wednesday, April 25th in Portage
Game 5: Thursday, April 26th in Portage * if necessary
Game 6: Saturday, April 28th in Humboldt * if necessary
Game 7: Sunday, April 29th in Humboldt * if necessary

And, since both Portage and Humboldt are in the RBC Cup, here is the schedule:

Saturday, May 5, 2012
03:00 PM Central v Pacific
07:30 PM Humboldt v Eastern

Sunday, May 6, 2012
03:00 PM Central v Portage
07:30 PM Pacific v Humboldt

Monday, May 7, 2012
07:30 PM Eastern v Portage

Tuesday, May 8, 2012
03:00 PM Humboldt v Central
07:30 PM Pacific v Eastern

Wednesday, May 9, 2012
07:30 PM Portage v Pacific

Thursday, May 10, 2012
03:00 PM Eastern v Central
07:30 PM Portage v Humboldt

Saturday, May 12, 2012
02:00 PM Semifinal
06:00 PM Semifinal

Sunday, May 13, 2012
TBD Final

|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 9
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 1
(Hawks lead series 3-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

The MMJHL site has yet to update game 4, which is odd because there are normally live updates throughout the night. Anyhow, I was there.

The Hawks started fast, scoring about 28 seconds in. The Twins were then dominated throughout the 1st period, being outshot 23-7. Yet it was only 2-0, so the Twins still had some hope.

But the Hawks scored twice in the opening minute of the 2nd period and the Twins were toast. They switched goaltenders. But the Hawks pumped in 5 more goals on the backup for a 9-0 lead after two.

Not much happened in the 3rd period, except that the Twins managed to spoil the shut-out.

Game 5 goes Tuesday night, 7:30 p.m. at the Eric Coy Arena.



AJHL
Brooks Bandits 4
Fort McMurray Oil Barons 0
(Brooks wins series 4-2)

Brooks will play Penticton for the Doyle Cup and Pacific region berth in RBC Cup.

The Thunder Bay North Stars will host Wisconsin, Soo, and Stoufville in a tournament for the Dudley Hewitt Cup and Central region berth in the RBC Cup.

CCHL
Cornwall Colts 5
Nepean Raiders 1
(Cornwall leads series 2-1)

LHJQ
St.Jerome Panthers 3
Princeville Titan 4
(Princeville wins series 4-2)

MHL
Woodstock Slammers -
Yarmouth Mariners -
(Woodstock leads series 3-2)

Princeville, the CCHL winner, and the MHL winner join Kanata Stallions in tournament for the Fred Page Cup and East region berth in the RBC Cup.

|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 4
CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 3
(Hawks lead series 3-2.)
|> [Boxscore]

So these two got back to playing close games. This really makes that game 4 blow-out look odd, doesn't it?

Game 6 will go Friday night at the Civic Centre and game 7, if necessary, would go Sunday night at the Eric Coy Arena. All games start at 7:30 p.m.

|> [MMJHL.ca - with live updates] : [Playoff Schedule]


CHARLESWOOD HAWKS 6
FORT GARRY/FORT ROUGE TWINS 2
(Hawks win series 4-2.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> [Free Press story]

The Hawks got off to a fast start to dump the Twins and claim yet another Jack McKenzie Trophy. At the end of the 1st period the shot clock said 22-7 and scoreboard said 3-0, both in favour of the Charleswood Hawks. After that the Twins rallied a bit but the Hawks don't blow 3-0 leads.

With this title, the Hawks have now won 9 of the last 11 MMJHL championships.


|> [MJHL] : [Playoff Schedule] : [Live Scores]



PORTAGE TERRIERS 2
HUMBOLDT BRONCOS 8
|> [Story]
|> [Boxscore]
|> [CFRY 920AM 93.1FM]

The Derrieres were whupped it the opener of the final Anavet Cup. Since Humboldt is hosting the RBC Cup, both teams are assured of a spot in the nationals, thus taking a bit of an edge off of this series.

This is the last Anavet Cup because starting next year there will be one tournament between the winners of each western province and a host team, with the top two going to the RBC Cup. This series between the Manitoba and Saskatchewan champs started in 1971 (when the St. Boniface Saints beat the Weyburn Red Wings) at which time Canadian junior hockey was divided into "Major Junior" (or Tier I) and "Junior A" (or Tier II). The winners of Alberta and BC play for the Doyle Cup. Until 1990 the Anavet Cup winner would play the Doyle Cup winner for the Abbott Cup. After 1990 the RBC Cup (national) finals became a 5 team tournament instead of an east-west best-of-seven series. So the country was divided into four regions, and the Anavet and Doyle champs qualified without having to play the Abbott Cup series.

I find that to be a step backwards. The new tournament will be a 5 team round-robin followed by sudden-death semi-finals and a final. So instead of getting a best-of-seven series to gain a berth, one must win a single sudden-death game. I also know that the Anavet Cup has been a big money-maker for Junior "A" teams.

In the last five years the only Anavet Cups won by Saskatchewan have been the wins by Humboldt over Portage in 2008 and 2009. But the first time they met was in 1973. The Terriers beat the Ponies in game 5, which featured a 3rd period brawl, to take a 3-2 series lead. Humboldt chose to forfeit game 6 rather than face the Terriers once more. A 2008 story recalls that series.



OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

Doyle Cup (Pacific Region)

Penticton Vees 7
Brooks Bandits 2
(Penticton leads series 1-0)
|> [Boxscore]

Dudley Hewitt Cup (Central Region)

Round-Robin
Game 1: Soo 4 Wisconsin 3 (OT)
Game 2: Stouffville 2 Thunder Bay 1 (OT)
Game 3: Wisconsin 5 Stouffville 2
Game 4: Soo 4 Thunder Bay 3
Game 5: Stouffville 10 Soo 2
Game 6: Thunder Bay 4 Wisconsin 3 (OT)

Semi-final:
Soo Thunderbirds 8
Thunder Bay North Stars 5
|> [Boxscore]

Final:
Soo Thunderbirds -
Stouffville Spirit -
Saturday - 7:30 p.m.

Fred Page Cup (Eastern Region)

This is the only regional yet to start. Here is how the component leagues stand:

CCHL
Nepean Raiders 3
Cornwall Colts 2
(in overtime)
(Series tied 3-3)

LHJQ
The Princeville Titan already beat the St. Jerome Panthers 4-2.

MHL
Yarmouth Mariners 3
Woodstock Slammers 4
(in triple overtime)
(Woodstock wins series 4-2)
|> [Boxscore]

CCHL, LHJQ, and MHL winners join Kanata Stallions in tournament for the Fred Page Cup and East region berth in the RBC Cup.