Great Lakes Junior C Playoff Preview

The Great Lakes Junior C playoffs are set. CKSN runs down each series, and makes a prediction for the 2015 playoffs. While we don’t see upsets in our crystal ball, there will be some interesting series’ to watch.

(1) Essex 73s vs. (8) Mooretown Flags

When many see a 1 versus 8 matchup, in particular featuring the Essex 73s, you’d figure a sweep is a foregone conclusion. Don’t be so sure in this matchup against the Mooretown Flags. Mooretown does feature some elite Junior C talent (although unmotivated), and in their last meeting of the season, Mooretown beat Essex 3-1. Some might argue the 73s didn’t go for it, and they’d likely be right, but earlier in the season, Mooretown lost a pair of one goal games to Mooretown. A loss in the opening round would likely be good for Essex, who traditionally face adversity only when it is too late. Essex has stumbled in recent weeks, but even if Mooretown does steal one game, expect the 73s to power through this series quickly.
CKSN Prediction: Essex in 4 games.

(2) Amherstburg Admirals vs. (7) Wheatley Sharks

On paper, this again would look like a foregone win for the Amherstburg Admirals. However, no team outside the Essex 73s has given Amherstburg more problems this year than Wheatley. Amhersburg took the season series 3-2, but two of those three wins were by one goal only. That being said, Wheatley has stumbled in the second half. Rather, they’ve slumped, hard. James Brooks has proven himself as the most dynamic scorer in the Great Lakes, and Wheatley will need to shut Brooks, and Mark Gagnon, down to have a chance. The Admirals have a deep offensive attack with 8 double digit goal scorers.
CKSN Prediction: Amherstburg in 4 games.

(3) Lakeshore Canadiens vs. (6) Dresden Kings

The Dresden Kings made some key late season pickups, including adding Dede Cato and Jordan Durston. With a trio of the league’s top scorers in Ross Krieger, Dillon Liberty, and Derek Daly, and a defense capable of jumpstarting their offense, Dresden has the capability to steal games. The question mark for the Kings? Can one of Scott Tricker or Daniel Tonietto steal a game or two in net for the Kings. They’ll need to to beat a deep Lakeshore squad, that features a group of scorers that can easily rival Dresden’s top players, which was on display during their final meeting on the seasons final weekend, where Lakeshore doubled up on Dresden 8-4.
CKSN Prediction: Lakeshore in 6 games.

(4) Blenheim Blades vs. (5) Alvinston Flyers

Alvinsto has always featured some of the leagues best offensive players, but have never been able to put things together in the playoffs. Blenheim, has had a plethora of lineup changes this season, and could be the surprise of the playoffs. If Klinton Kenney can put together a solid series in net for Blenheim, this is the Blades’ series to lose. Watch for their veteran defense corps to finally make the impact many expected they would early in the year now that their season, and for some, Junior careers, are on the line. If those defenders can stifle Karsten Berg, and December GLJCHL player of the month Joe Archer, Alvinston won’t get out of round one.
CKSN Prediction: Blenheim in 6 games.