The Head Coach of the Frankford Huskies has been telling his players to enjoy the moment, but also realize the work is not done.
The Quinte West Junior C club has joined Tavistock, the Lakeshore Canadiens, and Fergus in the Schmalz Cup semi-finals, which get underway this weekend.
It is a first for the Huskies in the very deep Tod Division, where typically the Napanee Raiders represent deep into the playoffs.
In fact this was the third straight year that the Raiders and Huskies met in the post-season, the first time Frankford came out victorious.
Local Mat Goody is coaching the Huskies.
The long-time player, who spent time in local junior hockey, played many years in various pro leagues, including time in the American Hockey League.
Goody spoke about the path to get the Huskies where they are.
“The Lakefield (Chiefs) series was a heavy series and took a toll on us for sure. Uxbridge (Bruins) was a completely different team, they push pace and very dangerous off the rush, and they just never seemed to go away. This team (Frankford) has never done this before and for these guys, it’s learning how to win.”
MORE BELOW
The Hockey Operations staff for the Frankford Huskies. (Photo: Frankford Huskies Facebook Page)
We asked Goody about balancing enjoying the moment, while also knowing the final job is not complete.
“You really do have to savour those moments like the Eastern Conference (PJHL Conference Title) and the Tod (Division Championship) and those things, because they don’t come around very often. If you get so focused on the end goal, you kind of miss out on those really fun moments you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”
He says they have been watching a lot of video over the last few days on what the Fergus Whalers bring to the ice.
“Very good team. They counter very well and their power play is very strong. They’ve got some guys that have some experience. It’s going to be a tough series, it’s going to be a real battle-type series, much like the one we just had.”
SCHEDULE
Game 1: Sunday April 19 at 3:30 p.m. (Fergus)
Game 2: Tuesday April 21 at 7:30 pm (Trenton)
Game 3: Thursday April 23 (time tbd) (Fergus)
Game 4: Saturday April 25 at 7:00 p.m. (Frankford)
Game 5: Sunday April 26 (time tbd) (Fergus) * if necessary
Game 6: Tuesday April 28 (time tbd) (Trenton) * if necessary
Game 7: Thursday April 30 (time tbd) * if necessary (Fergus)
Huskies Director of Operations Frank Robinson says the team made the decision to move games two and six to the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton, due to the larger capacity.
Game 4 is back in Frankford, due to the Bay of Quinte Home Show.
