Capitals hoping to reverse the trend

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Monday, April 13th 2009Capitals hoping to reverse the trend
JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE -- The Summerside Western Capitals are hoping to reverse the trend this time around.
The last two times the Capitals competed in the Maritime Junior 'A' Hockey League final, it was the opposition parading the championship trophy around Cahill Stadium and Credit Union Place.
The Antigonish Bulldogs clinched the 2001 title with a double-overtime win at Cahill Stadium in Game 5, and the Truro Bearcats won the 2007 title in Game 6 at Credit Union Place. But now, with a 3-1 lead over the Bearcats, the Capitals are one win away from claiming the Kent Cup. They can do just that with a win on home ice Tuesday night at 7:30.
"Just saying that gives me goose bumps," said Capitals assistant coach Scott Bridges, who was an assistant coach with the 2000-01 team. "We've been chasing this Kent Cup for eons it seems.
"Every year you think, 'Well, one more year, we have the team.'
"Now we're one game away."
A sellout crowd is expected to watch the Caps go for their first MJAHL championship in 12 years. They won a seven-game series against Dartmouth in 1997.
As of late Sunday afternoon, over 2,700 tickets had been purchased for Game 5. Fans can purchase advance tickets online at www.city.summerside.pe.ca 24 hours a day, and Credit Union Place's box office is open daily from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
"The Summerside fans have gone all over the Maritimes watching this team chase a championship," said Bridges. "They only have to come down to Notre Dame Street on Tuesday night to watch us."
The Capitals, who have averaged 2,624 fans in their first six home playoff games, have also received outstanding support on the road in the post-season, including two bus loads of fans at Game 4 of the Roger Meek Division final in Miramichi and Game 4 in Truro on Saturday night.
"We know the fans are incredible," said Bridges. "They've been incredible on the road and now we have a chance for them to feel it at home."

jpsports@journalpioneer.com