Mariners forward Kurtis Lang moves the puck in the Yarmouth Mariners 4-3 win over the Valley Wildcats on December 3, 2021 (Ken Chetwynd Photo)
It’s been three years since playoff hockey was played at Mariners Centre.
After winning the 2019 MHL Canadian Tire Cup in four games over the Campbellton Tigers, the Yarmouth Mariners have been waiting to defend their championship.
Two cancelled playoffs seasons later, the time has finally come.
The Mariners host the Valley Wildcats in Game 1 of the Eastlink South Division semifinal at 7:30 p.m.
Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says tonight is a celebration.
“The first game of the playoffs normally has a lot of nerves associated with it, but this is just such a relief to finally be playing these games. I’m so happy for our team, and all the players in the league and the fans. They should go out and enjoy it, because we’ve been waiting a long time to do this,” says Barron.
Yarmouth went 4-2 against the Wildcats in the regular season, with three games decided by one goal.
The Mariners finished first in the Eastlink South Division with a record of 25-8-4-1, while Valley went 19-16-2-1 in fourth place.
It’s the first playoff series meeting between the clubs since 2015, when the underdog Wildcats upset the Mariners in five games in the first round.
Barron says it’s going to be a battle.
“They’re a good hockey club, every game against them was a war. They’re well coached. (Luke) Wilson is one of the best offensive players in the league, and we need to limit him. We’ll also need lots of traffic in front of their goalie and lots of shots.
Goaltending for the Mariners hasn’t been a problem this season, as Christophe Beluse and AJ DiChiara have shared duties.
Barron says Beluse will get the start tonight.
“I’ve been treated to an easy year with goaltending. I believe in both guys. They’re 1 and 1A, if one guy doesn’t have a good night, the other one steps up. They’ve been a tandem all year and I don’t expect anything different going forward.”
DiChiara will likely get the start in Game 2 tomorrow night in Berwick.
The third game is back at Mariners Centre on Tuesday night.
