NOJHL final four is set
Seventh-place finishers in a nine-team Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League during the regular season, the expansion Powassan Voodoos have reached the final four of the playoff round.
The Voodoos stuck a pin in the reigning champion Kirkland Lake Gold Miners and will play the Cochrane Crunch in one NOJHL semi-final while the Soo Thunderbirds and Elliot Lake Wildcats will face off in the other best-of-seven series.
Did anyone outside the Powassan inner circle really think the seventh-seeded Voodoos had a chance against the second-ranked Gold Miners from Kirkland Lake?
But here it is, Monday mourning — er, morning — in Kirkland Lake where the Gold Miners are feeling the effects of being stuck by the Voodoos in a stunning, six-game series setback.
So, it’s off to the East Division finals for Powassan against a Cochrane team that finished fourth overall and defeated the Voodoos seven times in eight regular-season meetings.
Over to the West Division finals, it will be first-place Soo against third-seeded Elliot Lake in a showdown between two teams that split 10 regular-season games.
On paper, the Soo-Elliot Lake set figures to be a lot closer and more even than the Cochrane-Powassan series.
But as the Voodoos proved in upsetting the defending champs from Kirkland Lake, the games are ultimately decided on ice — and on ice only.
I personally believe that the Voodoos drew the best opponent to give them a chance to reach the finals of the NOJHL. As good as Cochrane is Powassan has always skated well against them, where the Eskimos had the Voodoos number all season long. I`m sure if you ask Wray he’d love to get revenge on the Eskis when it matters.
Also, this story is starting to remind me of another that happened in the NB area not 1 year ago. (the only difference is the Troops were a re location and the Voodoos expansion) Team comes into the community, steals the heats of the fans and makes it to the finals of the league. I know I’m a series ahead of myself but its starting to shape out that way.
Hat’s off to Powassen who were prepared and well coached to beat KL. We had many injury’s but that is no excuse … the better “team” won.
My own predictions for the 2 Finals are:
Elliott Lake beats the Soo in 6 (E.L. won the last 3 games over the Soo).
Cochrane beats the VooDoos in 5 (even though the VooDoos are better Coached).
TBirds in 7 ….. Cochrun in 4.
T- Birds in 6, Voodoos in 7
best of luck to the final four in the NOJHL ! Better luck next year Barons all the best to the graduating players U gave it your all this year as I fan I cant ask for much more have a great summer guys and thanks for the great memories It was a fun one !
.Good job by the Crunch to beat Abitibi now on to play Powasan who would think that they are still playing in the 2nd Round. Still cant figure out why Abitibi did not stay with there goalie who got them to Game # 5 in Game # 6 what the hell was Gagner thinking! Oh well we will take it. Read the quote’s from Coach Ryan in the Daily Press that he was gonna fire him self LMFAO!!!
Big meeting tonight hear in Iroquois Falls called by the Town. To discuss new NOJHL team for our Town. Let’s hope so. that we get this. See you all tonite at 630. The new Owner will be here I think that is what Allie is saying.
Still think that the Barons had the team to beat Elliot Lake, but give them guys credit for to come back down 2 and win 4 strait is not easy. Rumour has the Barons moving rinks next season and as RR has said new team in French River.
Wild cats to kick TBirds ass all over the arena, let them lose a few games for a change
so called Golden Boys of the Soo…….
Crunch in 5
T-Birds in 6
T-Birds in 4
A lack of American scoring will be the demise of the Soo Thunderbirds. Elliott Lake in six.
SSM in 6, but every game will be tight. SSM exit the zone better and are extremely well-balanced and are close-knit as they say they are. Much better on possession. Kudos to EL. They don’t get much recognition from anyone, and have surpassed expectations. Very well-coached. They have some extremely talented players too. Will be a great series, probably better than the final now that KL are out.