SPRINGHILL – The Cumberland County Blues finished the regular season with a win Sunday night by beating the Port Hawkesbury Strait Pirates by a score of 3-2.
They will now travel to Port Hawkesbury Wednesday and Friday to compete in the first round of the Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League Playoffs.
“When the playoffs start Wednesday the slate is wiped clean,” said Blues coach Dave Hyatt. “But one thing it does do for a group that’s lost more than they won this year is that it gives them a little bit of confidence, so it’s nice to go into the playoffs on the right foot.”
Scoring for the Blues last night was Evan Brennon, Geoff Burke and Liam Carr.
Burke, Brennon, Jordie Shaw, Connor Marsh, Brett Pendergast and Cameron Gordon had one assist each.
Neill Kelly made 32 stops for the Blues in goal and his teammates had 38 shots on the Pirates goal.
“We’re really pleased with how we played all weekend,” said Hyatt. "We lost 4-2 with an empty net goal against Windsor (Friday), and then to win 3-2 against a good offensive team, I think we’re finally starting to see some strides in our defensive game.”
The Blues go into the playoffs ranked fourth in the Sid Rowe Division and will be playing against the divisions top team Wednesday night.
“We didn’t give up a five-on-five goal, both Pirate goals were on the power play,” said Hyatt. “We’re going in as an underdog but I think we match up alright with them.”
dmathieson@amherstdaily.com
