The No. 5 Lakehead Thunderwolves begin their OUA Far West Division Semi-Final series Wednesday night against the Waterloo Warriors in Waterloo, Ont. The Thunderwolves placed second in the Far West with a record of 18-4-2 OUA mark (25-6-3 overall). The resurgent Warriors returned to the playoffs for the first time in three years (2000-2001 season) by finishing third with an 8-14-0-2 record in OUA play. Fans in Thunder Bay can listen to Wednesday's game live on 580 CKPR AM and Wolves and Warriors fans across Canada can listen live via the internet at www.ckpr.com.
Lakehead was 4-0 against Waterloo this season in OUA regular season play, outscoring the Warriors 24-8. The Wolves are 11-0-1 against the Warriors in three years of OUA play. However, this season, the Warriors have played Lakehead tough, forcing them to overtime in one game.
One of the reasons for the Waterloo resurgence is the confidence and work ethic brought to the team by first year Head Coach Karl Taylor. Another is the standout play of goaltender Scott Gouthro who sports a 91.04% Save Percentage. The Warriors also have players who can score this season such as Mike Della Mora (12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points), Kevin Hurley (7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points), and Richards Scott (4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points). Adam Metherel and Mike Nixon are close behind with 17 points apiece.
Lakehead Head Coach Pete Belliveau said his team is expecting a tough series. "This should be an exciting series! Coach Taylor has brought a great system to his squad, combined with an excellent work ethic. These games will be hard fought on both sides; goaltending, special teams and discipline will the key factors!"
The Thunderwolves were the second highest scoring team in the OUA, potting 124 goals this season, just better than 5 per game. The Wolves are led by speedster Jeff Richards whose 18 goals and 23 assists put him third in OUA scoring and fifth in the CIS. More importantly he did that in 21 games, scoring at just under a 2 points-per-game clip. Captain Joel Scherban can also score, notching 14 goals and 23 assists, good for fifth in the OUA and ninth in the CIS. Bryan Duce (13 goals and 12 assists), Murray Magill (9 goals and 15 assists) and rookie Mike Wehrstedt (6 goals and 14 assists) can also suplly the Wolves with scoring punch.
Lakehead's improved defensive corps can also provide scoring as well as protect the Wolves goaltenders. D-man Kris Callaway tied Jeff Richards for the OUA lead in game winning goals with 4. The Thunderwolves allowed the second fewest goals in the OUA this season, just behind UQTR. Lakehead goaltender Grant McCune is a proven big game goaltender, who will be counted on to come through in the clutch. McCune sports a 2.79 GAA this season, 8th best in the CIS.
Waterloo Head Coach Karl Taylor said the Warriors are ready. "Our program is thrilled to have the opportunity to play the Thunderwolves in the Divisional Semi-Finals. Pete is a good coach who will have his team very prepared for what we try and throw at them. We hope to compete hard and make the Thunderwolves earn everything they get."
Special teams will also play an important role in this series as both teams are both strong on the power play and the penalty kill. Lakehead is second in the OUA in the penalty kill at 89.39% while Waterloo is third at 86.82%. The Thunderwolves are fourth on the powerplay at 19.35% while the Warriors are sixth at 17.19%.
Game One begins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday night at the Columbia Icefields Arena in Waterloo. Game Two will take place at 7:30 p.m. EST on Friday night at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay. Game Three, if necessary, will be Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Gardens.