The Stobbs division final is set. The Essex 73's will get another kick at the can vs Lakeshore after knocking Blenheim out of the playoffs Friday night with a 5-0 win to take their best-of-seven series 4-1.
"It was a good series," said head coach Tony Piroski. "This team (the Blades), they peaked at the right time. I watched the Mooretown series and they didn't just beat Mooretown they dominated. I knew we were in for it. This will be good for us moving forward."
Blenheim finished 6th in the Stobbs division this season, 33 points behind Essex but the scores in this series were not lopsided as many may have expected. The 73's eeked out one goal victories in the first two games before losing 7-5 Tuesday night.
"I think it was huge," Essex forward Seth Martineau told Powerplay Sports. "I think it's going to prepare us for the next series here. We know how to battle. We know it's going to be a fight so kind of gets us ready."
Essex rebounded to pound Blenheim 8-2 in game 4 before closing the deal at home Friday night.
A year ago, Lakeshore beat Essex in game 7 of the Stobbs final at home en route to their second Schmalz Cup championship in three years. It was a hard fought series and the 73's expect the same when the curtain rises on this year's show.
"Obviously everyone knows the outcome last year and it's not what we expected or what we wanted but this year we're buzzing right now and we're excited to play," said Nate Dowling who had a goal and an assist in game 5 vs Blenheim. "We've been waiting for this all year so it's go time."
There will be a good rest period for both teams before the series starts with players getting charged up for what should be an entertaining series.
"I don't see any difference in this series than last. I hope it ends a bit different. It'll be a close series and I'm sure it'll go six or seven games. It'll be fun. Let's see what happens. It's good for local hockey." Piroski said.
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