Season On the Line
(Bradford, ON; March 13th, 2012)
By: Sean Werth
If the Bradford Rattlers want to move on to the finals of the Russell Cup, they can’t afford to lose their next game. Down three games to none in the semi-finals of the Russell Cup, the Rattlers and Lumberjacks will play on Wednesday in what could be Bradford’s last game. Following back-to-back losses over the past two days, Bradford must regain their winning ways.
At the Bradford WG Leisure Centre, Bradford played two games on the Sunday and Monday of this week. Bradford fell short in both contests, 7-4 and 7-6OT. Sturgeon Falls now has a commanding 3-0 series lead heading into game four.
The bulk of the offensive load continues to be carried by Smith and White, who have 16 and 12 points respectively. The leading scorers for Sturgeon Falls are the trio of Rompkowski, Trautmann and Gallo with 14 points apiece.
Rob Sutherland started both games for the Rattlers. On the Monday game, he was replaced by Carson Bird at the mid-point of the second period.
Bradford will be without the services of Gatti and Thommen for the next game. Gatti continues to nurse an injury while Thommen will be serving a suspension after dropping the gloves last game.
Cheer on the Rattlers as they fight for their season in Sturgeon Falls on Wednesday. Puck drop will be at 8:30p.m. If the Rattlers force game five, which will also take place in Sturgeon Falls on the Saturday. Stay tuned to www.gmhl.net for full playoff coverage.
