CHA JR. B WILDCATS CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT!

With the Springfield Pics flying high after beating the high powered Mass Maple Leafs Friday night, the Wildcats entered their building focused on Saturday night.  Playing well as of late, the Wildcats got off to a fast start and carried the play.  Finishing has been a problem these days, and this night was no different.  The Wildcats let a few golden opportunities slip through their hands, and eventually the Pics got a bounce their way.  The boys went into the room down 1-0 to the home team.

            The top line started the second period with a flurry.  Kenneth Dahdah got loose for a breakaway and knotted things at 1 just a minute into the second.  Linemate Mark Sytsma banged one home their next turn on the ice.  Then Jonathan Jones turned in one for the highlight reel, making his way through the entire Pic team on an end to end rush and beating the Pics goalie to give the Wildcats a 2 goal lead.  The Pics did not lay down,  coming right back with 2 scores less then a minute apart, tying things up at 3.  Joey Redmon put the Wildcats back on top, with a short side snipe to end the scoring for the period.  New addition to the top line, Slava Okshin, scored the lone goal in the third period with assists going to both of his new linemates.  Leaving the rink with a road win, it was time to do some scoreboard watching.

            Waking up Sunday morning, the team was well aware that a win would all but guarantee them a spot in the postseason.  Again, carrying the play from the drop of the puck, the Wildcats struggled to find the back of the net.  With the Pics having a two man advantage, Redmon poked the puck past both Pic defensemen and broke in alone to get the Wildcats on the board first.  Going into the locker room up 1-0, the Wildcats were confident and felt they would begin cashing in on their opportunities sooner or later.  Teddy Udelsman found Robbie Astalos sliding into the slot from the point, and the second period scoring had begun.  The Pics got the next one, bringing them within a goal, but that was the closest they would get.  The new combination of Dahdah, Sytsma, and Okshin would all continue their scoring streaks in this one, with Redmon and Jones chipping in to give the Wildcats a 7-2 victory. 

            It was realized on the bus that everything had gone on our way and we were off to the playoffs.  Captain Zachary Birnbaum has moved back to the blue and solidified our defensive corps.  The offense has been carrying the play for the Wildcats as of late, and they seem to be getting hot at the right time of year.  With both Joe Guliana and Vinny Pizzi looking strong in net, the Wildcats are looking to make some noise in the playoffs.