The 2010-2011 AJHL playoffs are underway and the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs aim to build on a successful regular season with an extended playoff run.
But first round opponent Sherwood Park Crusaders will be no pushover.
In fact, the season series between the two teams is tied at three wins apiece.
There are many comparisons to be made between the third place Pontiacs and sixth place Crusaders. Let's take a closer look at the two first round opponents.
The Pontiacs' offence can be streaky, although it scored 198 goals, good for third in the north division.
The defence however is among the league's best. Led by top goaltender Julien Laplante, the Pontiacs were third in the AJHL in goals allowed, with 150 getting by the goalies.
On the flip side, the Crusaders are not the most adept scorers, netting only 175 goals, but they have some talent up front that can be very dangerous at times.
The Crusaders defence has little to brag about, allowing 198 goals – albeit that is far less than the 280 allowed by the Calgary Canucks this season.
Speaking of talent up front, the Pontiacs boast some of AJHL's best.
Clearly the defensive presence of top defenders Donnie Harris and Michael Westfall and the goaltending prowess of Laplante will be crucial to the team's extended success. But to ensure victories you must have scoring and Bonnyville will look to key guys up front for that.
Top scorers Matt Montesano and Devon Kalinski will be leaned on heavily by head coach Chad Mercier and both can deliver goals regularly.
One player that has the ability and desire to be a major impact for the Pontiacs is forward Dante Borrelli.
Borrelli suffered two tough injuries this season, but has bounced back both times with increasingly strong performances. Borrelli had one of his best games Sunday against the Crusaders, playing with speed and structure, even netting the tying goal in the third period. Look for a strong series from Borrelli.
Although the Crusaders were among the lowest scoring teams in the league, they do come at you with speed, aggressiveness, and one of their top scorers, Jesse Hilton.
The Crusader forward racked up 28 goals this season, nine of which came on the power play. Hilton is one player the Pontiacs will have to contain if they want to keep the Crusaders off the score sheet.
One advantage the Pontiacs have is home ice – if they use it.
Bonnyville was 19-7-4 at home this season, while Sherwood Park was 12-14-4 on the road. However, the season series has both teams winning once at home and twice on the road.
By all appearances the Pontiacs should run away with this series, but don't anybody go getting ahead of themselves, there is still work to be done.
Look for the crowds at the R.J. Lalonde Arena Friday and Saturday night to possibly be a contributing factor.
My guess, Pontiacs take it in four.
The Alberta Junior Hockey League Awards were announced Wednesday and of the nine handed out, three were to Pontiacs.
Julien Laplante was named Top Goaltender. Kevin Carthy was honoured as Most Dedicated, and Chad Mercier was named Coach of the Year.
For the full story on league awards read next week's Nouvelle.
And continue to check out the Nouvelle's website for breaking news and sports, including full Pontiacs playoff coverage.
