AMHERST - The Amherst Ramblers won their last game of the 2011-2012 Maritime Hockey League regular season last night, beating the Bearcats 3-1 in Truro.
The two teams will meet again Saturday at Amherst Stadium for the first round of the MHL playoffs.
"I feel confident in our club (going into the playoffs)," said Ramblers coach Jim Bottomley. "We're going to have to work really hard every shift because they're a hard working hockey club, so we're going to have to work very hard."
Bottomley said the Ramblers worked hard last night for the win.
"We didn't have as many shots but we did capitalize on our goals, so I'm pleased with our effort," he said.
Jesse Cox stopped 36 of 37 shots for the Ramblers, while his teammates had 24 shots on Bearcats goaltender Cameron Poirier.
"He (Cox) was outstanding," said Bottomley. "He made some great, timely saves and, at times, he kept us in the game, so we're very pleased with his effort."
The Ramblers Trevor Layton opened the scoring at 1:59 into the game with passes from Ryan Matheson and Brandon Street, and the first period ended with the game tied 1-1.
Kody Orr put the Ramblers up 2-1 at seven minutes into the second, with assists from Jamie Bishop and Mathieu Boudreau.
Layton scored his second of the night at 2:39 into the third period putting the Ramblers up 3-1. Boudreau and Street assisted on the goal.
The game had six penalties, three by each team.
"It's been a good year," said Bottomley. "It's nice to see them finish a strong second and it's great to see the success they've had so far."
Attendance was 498 at Colchester Legion Stadium.
