It’s a whole new season when it comes to playoffs and the Steelheads are off to a great start with their 7-5 win over Quesnel Kangaroos in the first round.
Coach Tom DeVries was pleased with the performances of the squad as they demonstrated their endurance and persistence throughout the game. The Kangaroos got on the board first and that was the wake up the Steelheads needed as they found ways to put the puck past the Quesnel goalie.
There was a little bit of a scare in the third as their commanding lead was chipped away at but when the final whistle went, there was no question as to who was the dominant force on the ice surface.
DeVries said that the game was a solid team effort.
“We had three full lines and four on defence so the team was able to play the way we wanted,” he said.
The team was able to dress several players who had been sidelined by injury or illness and went into the game on a positive note. He is looking forward to another full squad for the next game and counting on the usual great fan support for home games.
“Playoffs are a whole different story and I think all the boys are excited about it,” he said.
The Steelheads come back to Smithers for the second of the best-of-three game series and the third if necessary. Game time Saturday will be 7:30 p.m. at Civic Arena.