At some point this weekend, we will know what teams will square off in the finals of Western Junior C playoffs. While the drama between Wingham and Kincadine continues, other leagues vying for the Clarence Schmalz Cup are preparing for league finals of their own. These teams may possibly face the local champs as playdowns wind down.
Here is where the other league's stand...
Georgian Mid Ontario League:
The top seed, and a heavy favourite to face the Western Junior C champs in the provincial quarter finals are the Alliston Hornets. The Hornets are one win away from a spot in the GMOHL final, up 3-1 on Orillia. The winner between those two sides will face the number 6 seed Schomberg, who recently swept last years' champions Penetang. Players to watch are Steve Griggs of Alliston with 15 points in 8 games and John Gage of Schomberg with 14 points in 10 games.
SOJHL:
Locals Exeter are well on their way in the championship series. The Hawks swept Mt.Brydges in four games where they now await either Dorchester or Lambeth. The Dolphins were the victors in last year's playoffs and hold a 3-1 lead over the Lancers with game 5 tonight. Exeter forward Chase Thornton has continued the play that earned him MVP honors into the playoffs. He has 21 points in just 8 games so far. Other players of note include Warren Hargreaves of Lambeth with 22 points and Chris Carreiro with 16 points for Dorchester.
Great Lakes League:
Any Wingham Ironmen fans will remember the Essex 73's, and they are back in their league final. Essex is yet to lose in playoffs with sweeps of Mooretown and Dresden. On the other side, a series between Amherstburg and Blenheim is going into a game 6. The 73's have spread their scoring around with 40 points combined between the top 4 scorers on the team. Blenheim's Teddy McGeen leads the league with 16 points in playoffs.
Midwestern Junior C:
The Ayr Centennials are back in the finals once again. After losing in the championship last year to Paris, Ayr swept the Mounties in the semis. They await the end of a battle between Norwich and New Hamburg which heads into a game 6 Friday. The Centennials are lead by Jackson White who has 6 goals and 13 points in 8 games. Norwich forward Drake Morrell leads the scoring race with 16 points.
Niagara and District League:
Dundas leads the way into the finals of the NDJCHL playoffs after sweeping Dunnville in their second round match up. Top seed Grimsby is looking to finish off Hagersville in game 5, up 3-1. Some players leading the way include Dundas captian Kevin Jaczenko, who has 7 goals in 9 games. Grimsby goalie Marcus Hlywka has a 1.79 goals against average in playoffs.
Central Ontario League:
East of Toronto, the COJHL final is all set with Clarington taking on Uxbridge. The playoffs zoomed a bit quicker due to only 5 teams taking part. 4 close victories gave the Eagles a sweep of last year's Schmalz Cup champs Lakefield, winning 2-1, 1-0, 3-2 and 5-3. The Uxbridge Bruins also swept their semi, beating Little Britain in 4 games. The Eagles are led by over-agers Brad Down and Jarod Hollister who combined for 9 point in their first round series. Uxbridge will look to goalie Brandon Francy to continue his strong play leading to a .920 save percentage in playoffs. The Bruins won the season series 5-2, outscoring Clarington 25-16.
Empire B League:
Only 4 teams competed in the playoffs with the final putting Port Hope against Napanee. Both teams come in off of 4-1 victories in the league semi finals. Port Hope is running away with the scoring race in playoffs with the top 3 players in playoffs so far. Napanee goalie Tomo Mikuljan has been solid, posting a 1.73 GAA and .950 save percentage in the opening round.