Rimouski or Shawinigan?
Obviously everyone is well aware which team the Wildcats want in the finals for obvious reasons, but the other pressing question is when will the Q Finals start?
Photo Credit Daniel St Louis
The bright lights of Broadway have to shine before the Wildcats take centre stage.
Well, both the Oceanic and Cataractes will come from a way, but it’s looking like the Finals will no doubt start Saturday night to avoid any interference from the almost sold out run of Broadway shows slated for the Avenir Centre.
Clearly when worlds collide in the facility business that leaves a lot of people disappointed or rather pissed off.
“Come From Away” also leaves the Wildcats scrambling searching for ice availability across the city where local rival factions have a slew of prebooked ice times for their various Spring hockey programs.
Again for those on the outside looking in this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but all hockey players and coaches for that matter are creatures of habit. Any little change to their routine is an adjustment that they have to make, but the Wildcats are no doubt thrilled they aren’t playing hockey right now and have a chance to rest and recharge.
After Game 4 longtime journalist Stephane Paquette asked Cats Head Coach Gardiner MacDougall a great question about any potential “rust” and how would MacDougall avoid that.
“Stick to the plan,” MacDougall said almost instantly.
“Stick to the plan, because it’s worked.”
Game 1 and 2 of the Huskies series weren’t the greatest for the Wildcats even if the fan based believed they were.
After almost 7 days off the Wildcats looked flat and slightly unprepared at times.
The “rust” question coupled with the now subsequent ice availability does throw a slight curve ball at the Cats and their coaching staff.
Clearly the common theme of this group and their playoff run so far is “find a way.”
MacDougall will have his group ready to go, you can bet your ass on that, but how will the players approach their opponent?
It’s been incredibly well documented how banged up the Oceanic are right now, but that shouldn’t take away from the inspired play of the Cataractes.
The Wildcats have to play the waiting game, and it’s human nature to potentially think ahead at all the “what if’s” when it comes to their next opponent.
Stay in the moment is one thing and being prepared for the chance to hoist the Gilles Courteau Trophy is another, but rest assured that isn’t lost on the Wildcats organization.
They have waited for this opportunity for a long time, but they have to wait a little bit longer.
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