Road hogs of Hearst
Playing in enemy territory has brought out the beast in the Hearst Lumberjacks this Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League playoff season. Remarkably, Hearst has won eight of nine games away from home thus far in the playoffs.
It began in the East Division semi-finals when Hearst won all three contests in Powassan to eventually sideline the Lumberjacks in six games.
Then came the East Division finals where Hearst won three of four games in Timmins in front of packed crowds at McIntyre Arena, including the seventh and deciding match over the hometown Rock.
Now in the NOJHL championship series against the Soo Thunderbirds, Hearst has taken a two games to none lead thanks to a pair of road victories.
But while Hearst has an 8-1 road record thus far in these playoffs, the Lumberjacks are only 2-4 through six home games at Claude Larose Arena.
Home is where Hearst will be for the next two games of the best-of-seven final and if the Lumberjacks can have the same success at Claude Larose Arena as they do on the road, a championship will be there for the taking.
This series would be a shocker if Hearst wins in four but the way they are playing it’s quite possible.