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Majors 0 Blanked in Season Finale, Ready for Playoffs

March 18, 2012 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors News Release


It's time to bring on the playoffs in the Ontario Hockey League.

Christopher Festarini made 14 saves for the shutout and Joel Wigle and Tom Kuhnhackl scored the goals as the Niagara IceDogs blanked the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors 2-0 Sunday afternoon before 3,571 fans at the Hershey Centre in the OHL's regular season finale for both teams.

Spencer Martin made 46 saves in goal for the Majors, who were out-shot 48-14 with both teams resting some veteran players in preparation for the playoffs which open on Thursday night.

Mississauga winds up with a 33-28-1-6 record for 73 points, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Majors open the playoffs in Barrie against the Colts on Thursday night and return home for Game 2 Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Season ticket holders can pick up their playoff tickets starting Monday at noon, while all tickets are on sale for the first round at www.ticketmaster.ca or at the Hershey Centre box office.

The regular season finale was somewhat academic with all teams already knowing their final standing, so the focus was definitely on the post-season. Mississauga General Manager/Coach James Boyd was very pleased with the way his team performed down the stretch, winning seven of its last 10 games to snare sixth place.

"We responded well to the pressure of the last 15 games of the regular season and having to win a lot of important games," Boyd said. "In the race for a playoff spot we've formed a bit of an identity with this club and we know have a good idea of what it takes to succeed in the playoffs.

"The playoffs are a whole different animal of course, so know we have to concentrate and prepare for what's coming up."

One of the keys for the Majors down the stretch was goaltender Brandon Maxwell, who came over from the Sarnia Sting at the trade deadline. He recorded 16 wins, five shutouts, two OHL Goaltender of the Week awards and two CHL Goaltender of the Week awards as a Major and he feels this team has a good chance at playoff success.

"From the first game I came here you could feel there was something special in the dressing room, it's been unbelievable so far," Maxwell said. "I love it here.

"We have a great system and a great coaching staff. We also have a lot of experience so we're looking forward to the playoffs."

After a scoreless first period - in which the IceDogs out-shot the Majors 19-3 - Niagara finally opened the scoring at 18:57 when Wigle roofed a shot past Martin for his 14th goal of the year to make it 1-0 after 40 minutes.

Kuhnhackl then scored his eighth of the season at 8:12 of the final period to give the IceDogs a little insurance in a game that took just two hours and one minute to play.

There were just eight minutes in penalties called as well, as Mississauga went 0-for-3 on the power play while the IceDogs failed to score in their lone chance with the extra man.

The full OHL playoff schedules are available at www.ontariohockeyleague.com, with game three in the opening round Monday in Barrie and the fourth game next Tuesday at 7:30 at the Hershey Centre.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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