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CCM #MadeForHockey Teams to Watch in Playdowns – Finals

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 03/08/16, 11:00AM EST

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Plus a preview of the Bantam and Midget AAA Finals

With many of the semi-finals matchups now wrapped up, the final stage of the OMHA hockey season has arrived. The best teams from each division now battle for #RedHats as the competition reaches the championship level.

Here are some CCM #MadeForHockey Teams to Watch in Playdowns from all across the OMHA.

Atom B – Lambeth Lancers/Kincardine Kinucks

Both clubs faced some early adversity in their respective semi-final matchups but rallied to reach the Atom B finals. With two teams that play in tight games, every goal will matter that much more in this series. Which team can balance scoring key goals while playing strong defence could make the differences in the matchup.

Minor Midget BB - Erin-Hillsburgh Devils

It’s been an uphill climb for the Devils during Playdowns but they’ve certainly been up to the task. Erin-Hillsburgh finished in second place in the quarterfinals to the Collingwood Blackhawks but rattled off three straight one-goal wins in the semi-finals after being down 2-0 in the series to that same club. The Devils have proven they deserve to be in the Finals and are certainly riding a wave of momentum.

Peewee A – Nobleking Knights

The Knights had to play to the final game in each of their Playdowns rounds so far and have now reached the finals. This battle-tested club finished atop the standings during the regular season led by its strong defence – Nobleking allowed the fewest goals in its division.

Atom AE1 – Northumberland Nighthawks

The Nighthawks held on in their semifinal matchup and now enter a tough test against a strong offensive club in the Stoney Creek Warriors. Luckily for Northumberland, they don’t give up a lot of goals and have the ability to win close games but they will be facing their toughest test yet.

Bantam AA – Burlington Eagles (Gold)

The Eagles have gone back and forth in their quarterfinal and semifinal series but now find themselves in the finals against a Barrie Jr. Colts team that hasn’t had as tough a road. Burlington will need to find an offensive consistency but have shown the ability to fight through any situation.

Agree with our choices? Think we left a team out? Let us know on Twitter.


Bantam and Midget AAA Championship Previews

Bantam (Schedule and Standings)

Quinte Red Devils

The Red Devils are riding plenty of momentum after the best finish to the regular season and a sweep in the first round of the Playdowns. They grinded out a victory over the Colts in the semis and are tested enough to make some noise.

Halton Hills Hurricanes

The Hurricanes are anchored by their strong defence which has allowed the offence to thrive. Halton Hills boasts the best goal differential of all five teams and have just one loss in its last 10 games.

Brampton 45s

The team’s strong regular season finish has been carried over into Playdowns and the 45s took a decisive final game to advance to the championships. They will need to step up offensively to hang with the teams with more firepower but are sturdy defensively.

Barrie Jr. Colts

It was a strong season for the Jr. Colts, who finished in first place in the ETA standings. Barrie has shown the ability to run away with a lead so teams will need to keep the games close.

Whitby Wildcats

It’s been somewhat of an easy ride for the Wildcats, who found their regular season dominance carry over into Playdowns. Whitby doesn’t allow many goals so teams will need to grab an early lead and hold on.

Midget (Schedule and Standings)

Oakville Rangers

The Rangers are one of the best at protecting the net and will give fits to clubs trying to find the back of the goal. Combined with its offensive prowess, Oakville has a strong shot at the crown this year.

Ajax-Pickering Raiders

The Raiders didn’t have the best finish to the regular season but appeared to have found their groove during Playdowns. Ajax-Pickering could fly under the radar if teams aren’t careful and will be looking to win its second Midget title in three years.

Whitby Wildcats

The Wildcats earned the final spot in the Midget AAA Playdowns in a tight series against the Richmond Hill Coyotes. They can win the close games while also being able to put opponents away early. That versatility can only help them in this tournament.

Quinte Red Devils

The defending champions (winning Minor Midget last year), the hosts not only have home ice but also the top five point-getters in the ETA. Quinte looks in strong position to repeat as #RedHats winners. For as much as the team scores, they also give up a concerning amount of goals. They will need to tighten the screws.

Brampton 45s

The 45s certainly have the ability to light up the lamp and won’t give away much on defence. They haven’t lost a game since Playdowns began and will look to continue that trend during the championships.

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