EHL FROZEN FINALS PREVIEW
The EHL Frozen Four begins Wednesday March 24th in West Chester, PA, check out our breakdowns of the four teams !
New Jersey 87s
Round 1
Bye
Round 2
Bye
Round 3
Game 1 - 3-2 Win vs Philadelphia Little Flyers
Game 2 - 3-2 (OT) Win vs Philadelphia Little Flyers
After a first round bye, New Jersey made quick work of Team Maryland with 2 decisive wins. Next up was division rival Philadelphia Little Flyers, and the 87s battled through 2 tough games, where they showed their ability to score timely goals. In game 1, after going down 2, New Jersey stormed back with 3 third period goals. Game 2 included the same heroics, with Dante Terramani scoring the game winner in overtime.
Entering the Frozen Four, the 87’s look ready for any challenge that comes their way. They have a deep lineup, and strong goaltending from Kopack.
Players to Watch
Dante Terramani - ‘01 Forward
Commit : Lawrence University
Terramani leads the 87s with 3 goals and 4 assists in the playoffs, including the game 2 overtime winning goal to clinch their ticket to the Frozen Four. The smooth skating forward is quick in transitions, and is confident to either to take on defenders or pass his teammates into open space.
Nick Swain - ‘00 Forward
Commit : Wilkes
The large frame forward has shown his ability to get to the net this playoffs, with 5 points in 4 games so far. Swain uses his strength in front, as well as offensive awareness to find soft areas and get shots to the net quickly.
New Hampshire Avalanche
Round 1
Bye
Round 2
Game 1 - 3-2 Loss vs Seacoast Spartans
Game 2 - 5-4 OT Loss vs Seacoast Spartans
After going 6-1 against the Spartans in the regular season, the Avs fell to the Spartans in the second round after 2 tight games but received the at large bid for the 4th remaining spot in the finals.
This team got cold toward the end of the regular season, but has the depth to be a real threat in a quick tournament. Goaltending was not great in their second round series against Seacoast. Look for goaltending to be the key if the Avs make a serious run.
Players to Watch
George McMichael – ‘00 Goaltender
Commit : Bowdoin
The athletic goaltender was not his true self in his first playoff game, allowing 3 goals on 25 shots. However, McMichael is a gamer, extremely quick from post to post and very efficient with his movements.
Christian Halbig – ‘01 Defenseman
Commit : Fitchburg State
The puck moving defenseman was quiet in his first 2 playoff games, tallying just 1 assist. Halbig skates well, maintains tight gaps and sticks with his man providing pressure to create turnovers. Solid, crisp outlet passes on the breakout as well as in the neutral zone.
Vermont Lumberjacks
Round 1
Bye
Round 2
Game 1 - 7-3 Win vs New England Wolves
Game 2 - 6-4 Win vs New England Wolves
Round 3
Game 1 - 5-4 Win vs Seacoast Spartans
Game 2 - 5-2 Win vs Seacoast Spartans
The Lumberjacks have had great production in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs, with both Paul Fine-Lease and Egan Schmitt both posting over 10 points each. David Reduzzi has been solid as well in net, posting a 4-0 record and a .904 save %.
Players to Watch
Egan Schmitt – ‘01 Forward
Commit : N/A
Veteran top line forward has 6 goals and 5 assists in 4 playoff games. Strong puck possession player, Schmitt generates scoring chances with ease. Away from the puck, Egan does a great job intercepting passes and back checking with a purpose.
Paul Fine-Lease – ‘00 Forward
Commit : N/A
Diminutive forward with high-end playmaking ability. He is very quick and can get to all areas of the ice. He has a fast release shot off the rush. He has an edge to the game being hard on the forecheck and tough in the corners. He is always looking to push the pace and stretch the play.
Boston Jr Rangers
Round 1
Bye
Round 2
Game 1 - 5-2 Win vs Railers Jr Hockey Club
Game 2 - 6-0 Win vs Railers Jr Hockey Club
Round 3
Game 1 - 3-1 Win vs Walpole Express
Game 2 - 4-3 Win vs Walpole Express
The Rangers third round matchup was arguably one of the most anticipated matchups of the playoffs. The Rangers played a very structured game, and were often up first on the Express.
Players to Watch
Nathan Young – ‘00 Forward
Commit : SUNY Fredonia
Young has 1 goal and 3 assists in 4 playoff games so far, and has been effective on both sides of the puck. Has shown his passing ability, creating chances throughout the playoffs. His game is perfect for playoff hockey, watch for Young to drive his line throughout the Frozen Four tournament.
Markus Cook – ‘00 Forward
Commit : Elmira
The playmaking forward is a point per game in the playoffs so far. He is an all situations player who is always in the right position. He demonstrates willingness to do the little things to help team win and reliable on a shift to shift basis.