By Lexi Obrycki / USPHLPremier.com
Great Lakes Division
Toledo Cherokee (1) vs. Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones (4)
Game 1: Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. EST at Team Toledo Ice House
Game 2: Saturday, March 11, 3:30 p.m. EST at Team Toledo Ice House
Game 3: Sunday, March 12, time TBA, at Heritage Bank Center (if necessary)
As the regular season comes to a close, the Cherokee and Cyclones prepare to face off in the playoffs. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout the season, but it all comes down to this: a chance to advance to the USPHL Nationals.
The Cherokee dominated the season series record, going 6-0 against the Jr. Cyclones in the regular season. Despite those results, both teams understand that playoffs is a different type of hockey and you need to show up and play your “A” game to make it a successful postseason.
Although the Cyclones have had their ups and downs this season, they know who to count on and what to work on to help advance their team to Nationals.
“Blake Mitchell, J.T. Hosack, Jack Lamm, and Jordan Winrod have been solid players all season, but they need to be the best for us to advance,” Cincinnati Head Coach Jim Mitchell said. “Defensive zone coverage is a big thing we’ve been working on. We have to make sure we can keep track of our guys in the D-Zone.”
The Cherokee finished the regular season with a record of 38-6-0, securing the first seed in the Great Lakes playoffs. Although Toledo is led by top goal scorers Nicklas Millhorn and Jason Crossland, the coaching staff hopes the entire roster steps up in the postseason.
“Our coaching staff really likes our entire lineup. We are a well-balanced team and expect everyone in our lineup to make an impact in the series,” Toledo Head Coach Kenny Miller says. “I like the fact that we can score, we have been able to score all season, and we hope to continue that in the playoffs this weekend.”
