The Yarmouth Junior A Mariners will know where they’ll begin the first round of the MHL playoffs after this weekend.
The Mariners host the Valley Wildcats tomorrow at 7:30 and South Shore on Saturday in their final tune-up before the postseason.
Game 1 of the playoffs looks to be Thursday, March 16th at either Truro or Pictou, with Game 2 at Mariners Centre on Saturday, March 18th.
It will be the Bearcats if the Mariners finish where they currently sit, third place.
If the Amherst Ramblers can overcome a three point deficit this weekend and pass the Mariners, Yarmouth would face the first place Crushers.
Head Coach and General Manager Laurie Barron says it makes no difference where they’ll end up playing.
“Both teams would be tough to play against. They are two very good hockey clubs. I think we have a great club as well. Everything is so tight, we’re only separated by three or four victories. It’s going to be a heck of a series, whoever we play.”
Barron says they aren’t looking past this weekend’s opponents.
“Valley is very capable, their goaltender has been playing lights out. South Shore has been playing everybody tough. Both opponents, if you take them too lightly and you don’t bring your best game, they’ll sneak up and bite you.”
In injury news, forward Andrew Martell is out 3-4 weeks, forward Matt Barron is set to return to the lineup tonight, as is Jordan Messenger.
Defenseman Noah McMullin should be ready for the playoffs.
Former Mariner goalie, 2012 playoff MVP Charles Grant will drop the puck before tomorrow night’s game.
