After missing out on the postseason two years in a row, the Concordia Stingers are back in the playoffs and about to face their long-time rivals, the McGill Redmen.
The men's hockey teams will battle each other in a best two out of three series that begins Wednesday Feb. 19 with a second game on Friday.
If a third game is needed it will take place on Sunday Feb. 23.
Stingers Coach Kevin Figsby said his players worked hard to clinch their berth early ony.
"You know, to have clinched the playoffs with seven games remaining is quite an accomplishment for a young team at this level especially having four of the top 10 teams in country in our division," said Figsby.
The extra games will be special for Captain George Lovatsis who will graduate following the school year.
"I've done a lot of reflecting these last few days. Obviously for my last year I want to put together a nice run and I think we truly have the team to do it ," he said.
Throughout the regular season Olivier Hinse led the team in scoring, and he's expected to continue producing throughout the playoffs.
"We're all going to play for George. We want him to play as long as possible so we're gonna work hard to make sure he's happy and he leaves here with great memories," said Hinse.
On paper the Stingers are the underdog in this series, and goaltender Antonio Mastropietro seems just fine with that.
"I don't find that there's any pressure. I'm just going to try my best and give the boys a chance to win," said Mastropietro.
The goaltender says his only goal is simple:
"Try to get as far as we can."
