The hockey playoff buzz is in the air today in Winnipeg.
With the NHL’s Jets and AHL’s Moose eliminated from title contention, Winnipeg hockey fans have climbed aboard the bandwagon to support the ICE, who have moved from the smallest rink in the Western Hockey League to the 16,345-seat Canada Life Centre for the WHL championship series.
A big crowd was expected for today’s opening game (5 p.m. PT) in the best-of-seven final series against the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds and that added to the thrill of playing for another shot a championship ring for T-birds right winger Nico Myatovic.
“It’s going to be pretty cool playing in that NHL barn, playing in the finals is what’s giving us our boost here but obviously playing in an NHL barn is going to be pretty special too,” said Myatovic, whose team went on to lose 3-2 to the ICE in 4Friday's opener.
The 18-year-old Prince George native was in a similar situation last year at this time when Seattle played the Edmonton Oil Kings in the final, a series that ended with Edmonton winning in six games.
“I’m pretty excited for this opportunity again, not many kids get a second whack at it,” said Myatovic, who had one assist in Monday’s 4-2 series-clinching win over the Kamloops Blazers in a six-game Western Conference final.
“Kamloops gave us a really good battle, every game was tight and they did a really good job on us.”
Prior to that, Seattle swept the Kelowna Rockets and Prince George Cougars.
“It was our goal to get through the playoffs as efficiently as possible and we’ve done a pretty good job of that so far.”
This year they’re 12-2 in the playoffs and the ICE have been equally dominant, losing just two games in their three series this year as they defeated Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon.
“Obviously they’ve got a lot of high-end skill and like us they’ve got that depth too and they roll out good lines every shift so it’s going to be a challenge for us,” said Myatovic.
Winnipeg will also host Game 2 on Saturday. The series will switch to Seattle for Games 4 and 5 Tuesday and Wednesday and Game 5, if needed, next Friday.
The winner will advance to the Memorial Cup in Kamloops, starting May 26.
