OHL Conference Semi-Finals Preview

By Aaron Bell

With the first round of the OHL playoffs in the books, eight teams remain in the hunt for the J. Ross Robertson Cup. Here is a look at each of the four conference semi-final playoff series.

Eastern Conference

Peterborough Petes (1) vs. Sudbury Wolves (5)
(Season series tied 2-2-0 — Sudbury won one game in a shootout)

Despite the Petes finishing 25 points ahead of the Wolves during the regular season, the clubs split the season series and match-up well in the second round. The Petes proved to be a playoff-ready squad with a pair of overtime wins in their six-game opening series win over the Ottawa 67’s. They have a solid group of forwards, including Daniel Ryder, who picked up seven points in the first round, Jordan Morrison and Jamie Tardif. Agitators Steve Downie and Patrick Kaleta are at their best in the post-season. David Shantz was solid in the first round and has plenty of playoff experience after backing the Mississauga IceDogs to the championship series two years ago. The Wolves are most effective when they are playing a gritty game. Benoit Pouliot shrugged off criticism of a lackluster regular-season by scoring eight goals — including three game-winners – in the opening round. He is a dominant player and will be the main focus of the Petes’ defence. On the back end, Marc Staal leads a steady group of blueliners that have helped third year netminder Kevin Beech post solid playoff numbers.

Game 1 – Thurs., April 6 at Peterborough 7:00
Game 2 – Fri., April 7 at Peterborough 7:00
Game 3 – Mon., April 10 at Sudbury 7:30
Game 4 – Tues., April 11 at Sudbury 7:30
Game 5 – Thurs., April 13 at Peterborough 7:00 (if necessary)
Game 6 – Sat., April 15 at Sudbury 7:00 (if necessary)
Game 7 – Mon., April 17 at Peterborough 7:00 (if necessary)

Brampton Battalion (2) vs. Barrie Colts (3)
(Barrie won season series 4-1-0-1)

Brampton’s dynamic duo of Wojtek Wolski and Luch Aquino have been the league’s most dangerous combo in the second half of the season and they continued their torrid scoring pace through the first round of the OHL playoffs. They combined for 25 points during Brampton’s six-game win over the Belleville Bulls. Goalie Daren Machesney was solid in net, especially during the three games that went to overtime. The Colts cruised through the first round, dropping the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors in four straight games. After number one netminder Dan LaCosta went down in the first game, rookie Andrew Perugini capably filled in. Captain Bryan Little remains the Colts’ offensive leader, but the emergence of Travis Fuller — who scored seven goals in the first round — along with Ryan Hamilton, Jakub Petruzalek and Vladimir Nikiforov gives the Colts several dangerous weapons up front.

Game 1 – Thurs., April 6 at Brampton 7:30
Game 2 – Fri., April 7 at Barrie 7:30
Game 3 – Sun., April 9 at Brampton 7:00
Game 4 – Tues., April 11 at Barrie 7:30
Game 5 – Thurs., April 13 at Brampton 7:30 (if necessary)
Game 6 – Sat., April 15 at Barrie 7:30 (if necessary)
Game 7 – Mon., April 17 at Brampton 7:30 (if necessary)

Western Conference

London Knights (1) vs. Owen Sound Attack (6)
(London won season series 4-2-0 with one overtime win)

Talk about playoff success. The London Knights are 31-6 in the post-season during the past three years and well on their way to defending their OHL championship from one year ago. The usual suspects of Rob Schremp, David Bolland and Dylan Hunter were at the top of their game during the first round sweep of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Goaltender Adam Dennis, who also backed the Guelph Storm to an OHL championship two years ago, is geared up for an unprecedented third straight championship. Owen Sound is the biggest surprise of the post-season to date after knocking off the third seed Kitchener Rangers in five games in the first round. Captain Bobby Ryan, the second overall pick in the NHL draft last June, was flat out dominant against the Rangers. Mike Angelidis and Jeff Kyrzakos continued their success from the regular season and sophomore defenceman Bob Sanguinetti continues to show why he is a top-end prospect for this summer’s NHL draft.

Game 1 – Fri., April 7 at London 7:30
Game 2 – Sat., April 8 at Owen Sound 7:30
Game 3 – Mon., April 10 at London 7:00
Game 4 – Wed., April 12 at Owen Sound 7:00
Game 5 – Fri., April 14 at London 7:30 (if necessary)
Game 6 – Sat., April 15 at Owen Sound 7:30 (if necessary)
Game 7 – Mon., April 17 at London 7:00 (if necessary)

Plymouth Whalers (2) vs. Guelph Storm (4)
(Guelph won season series 3-1-0)

On paper, this series looks like an easy win for the Guelph Storm. They finished with more regular season points than the Whalers, took three of four in the regular season and picked off the Saginaw Spirit in four games in the first round while the Whalers battled through a seven-gamer with the Windsor Spitfires. But, the Whalers are a gritty bunch that won a season-ending battle with Saginaw to claim the West Division title and lock up the second seed spot in the conference. They hope to use that home ice advantage in this series. James Neal and John Vigilante lead the team offensively while Andrew Fournier continues his breakout season with three powerplay markers in the first round. For Guelph, goaltender Ryan MacDonald was rock solid in the first round, stopping nearly 95% of the shots he faced. All-Star defenceman Ryan Parent is one of the best in the business — especially at this time of year. His steady demeanor sets the tone for the entire defence corps. Up front, Ryan Callahan is still the top shooter while sophomore Matt D’Agostini and veteran Kelsey Wilson also provide depth up front.

Game 1 – Fri., April 7 at Plymouth 7:30
Game 2 – Sat., April 8 at Guelph 7:30
Game 3 – Mon., April 10 at Plymouth 7:30
Game 4 – Wed., April 12 at Guelph 7:00
Game 5 – Fri., April 14 at Plymouth 7:30 (if necessary)
Game 6 – Sat., April 15 at Guelph 7:30 (if necessary)
Game 7 – Mon., April 17 at Plymouth 7:30 (if necessary)