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Loss to Truro in 2007 final still stings for Caps’ players


Thursday, April 2nd 2009Loss to Truro in 2007 final still stings for Caps’ players

JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

  SUMMERSIDE — For six members of the Summerside Western Capitals, there’s a sense of unfinished business as they prepare for the Maritime Junior ‘A’ Hockey League’s Kent Cup final against the Truro Bearcats.
“That’s for sure,” said Caps defenceman Daniel Whelan. “Everybody who was here a couple of years ago, when we came very close, is very hungry this year to get the job done.”
Whelan, forwards Bradley Smith, Mike MacIsaac and Nathan DesRoches, along with defencemen Josh McKinnon and Parker Deighan, were members of the 2006-07 Caps, who lost the league’s championship series to Truro.
“We had a bad feeling in our stomach after we lost Game 6 at home and watched the other team raise the trophy right in front of us,” said Deighan.
The Caps host Game 1 of this year’s final at Credit Union Place on Sunday at 7 p.m.
“Some of us are taking it as a second chance,” added McKinnon. “We lost two years ago in Game 6, but it also makes you want it that much more.”
MacIsaac added that although he does not like to live in the past, he admits the Caps “want to finish the job this time.”

Huge differences
Two huge differences for the Caps entering this year’s final are they’re a well-rested team and they’ll enjoy home-ice advantage.
“It’s good to have rest and there’s a lot of sore bones that can get rested,” said MacIsaac. “Even the home-ice advantage will help us a lot and that year we didn’t have home ice.
“We have huge fan support here, it’s great and they help us along the way.”
Two years ago, the Caps and Moncton played a gruelling seven-game series to determine the Roger Meek Division champion. The Caps had one day off before opening the final in Truro.

This year
This year, the Caps swept Miramichi in four games and will go into the series opener having enjoyed a seven-day break from game action.
“Guys from two years ago know what it’s like to go to the final,” said Smith. “After just beating Miramichi, the first thing that comes to your mind is we still have some work to do and still have another series.”
DesRoches, who was a 16-year-old rookie, has not forgotten his teammates on the 2006-07 Caps.
“At the first of the (Miramichi) series, we all signed a stick and dedicated it to people,” said DesRoches. “I dedicated mine to the guys two years ago, especially the 20-year-olds.
“We had a great group of guys and I’d like to do it for them. I know that’s what a lot of the other guys are thinking for sure.”

jpsports@journalpioneer.com   Kent Cup final
series schedule:
Sunday, April 5 — Game 1: Truro at Summerside, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7 — Game 2: Summerside at Truro, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 9 — Game 3: Truro at Summerside, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 11 — Game 4: Summerside at Truro, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14 — Game 5: Truro at Summerside, 7:30 p.m., if necessary.
Thursday, April 16 — Game 6: Summerside at Truro, 7:30 p.m., if necessary.
Saturday, April 18 — Game 7: Truro at Summerside, 7 p.m., if necessary.
Note: Advance tickets are on sale at Credit Union Place’s box office daily from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.city.summerside.pe.ca
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