FINALS: RATTLERS VS TITANS
(Bradford, ON; March 20, 2013)
Sean Werth
The Bradford Rattlers will square off against the Temiscaming Titans in the 2012-13 Russell Cup Finals. The Titans were able to defeat the Bracebridge Phantoms in their game #7 match-up yesterday evening, earning the opportunity to represent the Northern Division in the Finals. The Titans had made it to the finals last season, but fell short against the Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks.
Fittingly, during the regular season the Rattlers and Titans finished numbers one and two respectively. Bradford held the perfect 42-0-0 record while Temiscaming had an outstanding 35-6-1 record. These clubs played twice during the regular season, where Bradford took both of the contests 9-6 and 6-4.
The team's play vastly different styles of hockey. Bradford relies on all four lines and strong defense whereas Temiscaming is primarily carried by their top two lines.
Players to watch on the Rattlers squad include Illes Gallo, Marcus Bergman and Conor Smith. Gallo led the league in points during the regular season with 106 and is the top point getter for Bradford during this playoff run. Bergman is experiencing a break-out playoff, after missing most of the regular season with a concussion. Smith has been one of the most dangerous scorers in the league dating back to last season. He finished second in league scoring during the regular season with 48 goals in just 41 games. John LoParco has been the man heavily relied upon to fill the goaltending duties.
On the Titans, Marc-Alian Begin and Bryon Katapaytuk have contributed most to this playoff run. Both players have scored an identical 46 points (16-30-46) in 13 games. They are tied for the play-off lead in point getting. Beyond that, Justin Norris and Francis Beauregard are the next biggest threats. Aaron Boyce will be the starter for the final series. Boyce has played 12 games for the Titans already in this playoffs.
The schedule will be as follows:
Game #1: 8:30PM Thursday, March 21, in Bradford
Game #2: 8:00PM Saturday, March 23, in Temiscaming
Game #3: 7:30PM Sunday, March 24, in Bradford
Game #4: 8:00PM Tuesday, March 26, in Temiscaming
Game #5: 8:30PM Wednesday, March 27, in Bradford
Game #6: 8:30PM Saturday, March 30, in Temiscaming
Game #7: 7:30PM Sunday, March 31, in Bradford
All games in Bradford will be broadcasted live over www.livestream.com, see www.rattlershockey.ca for game link. A fan bus for the Rattlers has been scheduled for the game in Temiscaming on Saturday. More details about the fan bus will be announced shortly.
All fans are encouraged to show your support and come out to the BWG Thursday to see the series opener.
#RattNation
