Hamilton hums into finals
Hamilton Bulldogs can take a break and await the winner of the Western Conference finals between the Soo Greyhounds and Kitchener Rangers.
Hamilton hummed to its third straight, five-game playoff triumph on Thursday to win the Eastern Conference championship and the Bobby Orr Trophy that goes with it.
A 2-1 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs gave Hamilton the best-of-seven series four games to one.
Earlier, Hamilton upended first the Ottawa 67s and then the Niagara Ice Dogs by four games to one margins to advance to the Eastern finals against Kingston.
Thus, the Bulldogs will take a playoff record of 12-3 into the Ontario Hockey League finals against either the Soo or Kitchener.
With the Greyhounds-Rangers series tied at 2-2, at least two more games will be needed to declare a winner.
Game 5 of the Soo-Kitchener set is slated for tonight at the Essar Centre in the Soo. Game 6 is on tap for Sunday at the Memorial Auditorium in Kitchener.
PHOTO: Eastern Conference champion Hamilton Bulldogs.