Canadiens can close out Ice with elimination Game 4 tonight

St. Paul Canadiens captain Rylan Cardinal retrieves a puck in the corner during Game 1 of their first round series. 

The St. Paul Canadiens can close out their quarterfinal series against the Cold Lake Ice tonight with a win.

With a commanding 3-0 series lead out of the gates, the ‘Yens have put together 2-1, 6-3, and 4-1 victories respectively to take a stranglehold lead in the series.

Defence, particularly early in these games, has been St. Paul’s strong suit.

They haven’t allowed a 1st period goal all series, allowing the Canadiens to get the early jump in each contest.

Fights leading to suspensions at the tail end of Game 3. Austin Rach vs Josh Butt. Aiden Ma vs Kade Fontaine.

“It’s one step at a time,” said head coach Corey deMossiac after the Game 3 win.

“We got to worry about what’s going on right now and Cold Lake’s a really good team. It takes four games to win a series, we know that. We got to be ready to go on Thursday.”

Jacob Labant currently leads the team with four points in the round, but Jacob Jean, Rylan Cardinal, Kayden Morrison, and Ashton Rach, have all potted two goals each in the three games.

Cold Lake will need to use home ice to their advantage to extend the series on Thursday night.

Head coach Scott Hood was given congratulations before the game on Monday. He was voted Coach of the Year by his peers.

Puckdrop is 8:00PM.

Naim combination

The series is not just a rivalry on the ice between two local clubs: it’s also a family rivalry between Ali and Ryder Naim.

Ali joined the Ice with a few games left into the year. Ryder has been an affiliate with the Canadiens from the Lloyd U18 Lancers AAA.

Husband Chad caught up with them both to talk about the moment on Family Day.

It’s the first time they’ve ever played against each other.

Killam catches Lloyd

The Killam Wheat Kings upset the Lloyd Bandits in Game 2 in overtime 5-4 to even up their series. The Bandits are heavily favoured in the series, and include MVP Kade Dennett.

Game 3 was in Killam on Wednesday night.

The Vermilion Tigers sit comfortably ahead 2-0 against the Vegreville Rangers. Game 3 in that series was also on Wednesday night.