‘Canes are confident heading into playoffs

Matt Metcalf
Posted 3/12/15

By MATT METCALF

Sports Editor

The Warwick Vets boys’ hockey team has struggled for the last handful of years and, because of this, no player on their roster has playoff experience.

But …

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‘Canes are confident heading into playoffs

Posted

By MATT METCALF

Sports Editor

The Warwick Vets boys’ hockey team has struggled for the last handful of years and, because of this, no player on their roster has playoff experience.

But that will change this weekend.

The ‘Canes, who have put together a resurgent season, have earned the four-seed for the Division III playoffs after a season in which they finished with a record of 9-9.

West Warwick/Exeter-West Greenwich Co-op and Ponaganset earned the first and second seeds, respectively, with each team earning a bye into the semifinals.

That means that the ‘Canes will get fifth-seeded Mt. Hope in the quarterfinals for a best-of-three series starting on Friday.

Going into the postseason, Vets is a confident group, particularly regarding its first round match-up.

The ‘Canes swept the Huskies in their regular season series, earning wins of 7-0, 5-1 and 5-2 en route to a perfect 3-0 record.

Vets dropped its final three regular season games, but was encouraged with the way that it played against some of the top teams in the league.

“We went 0-3 down the stretch, but we were very competitive,” Vets’ head coach Mike Boyajian said. “I think that we showed that we can compete and will have a legit shot to win the division. I think we can do some damage in the playoffs.”

Boyajian feels that his team’s youth and lack of playoff experience will actually help them entering the playoffs.

“I think the fact that the kids don’t know what to expect will help us more than anything else,” Boyajian said. “I don’t think they’ll feel that pressure and grip the stick too tight. For them, it’ll be just another hockey game and they’ll just be so pumped to go out and play.”

Vets will look to lean on goaltender Colby Howard to come up big during the team’s playoff run.

Howard regained the starting role midway through the season, after playing a good amount last season, and has played well behind the ‘Canes’ solid defensive core led by fellow senior Tyler Dipetrillo.

“He’s taken to the fact that it’s his role and his job to lose,” Boyajian said of Howard. “He’s getting hot at the right time.”

Another thing that the ‘Canes have is a deep group of forwards – something that the team hasn’t had in years.

The group led by David Kowalik, Jake Mitchell, Brandon Major and freshmen Collin Csoszor and Noah Kane averaged well over four goals per game for the regular season.

“It’s nice to have some depth,” Boyajian said of his forwards. “We don’t have to rely on one guy to do all of the work.”

The ‘Canes will host game one of the series on Friday night at 6 p.m. at Thayer Arena, while game two will be on Saturday at Portsmouth Abbey at 5 p.m. If a game three is necessary, details for the game are to be determined. The winner will get top-seeded WW/EWG in the semifinals next weekend.

The ‘Canes are feeling good going into the playoffs and will look to make the most of their opportunity.

“We’re a very prepared, young group that’s ready to go,” Boyajian said.

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