Post by avalanchegm on May 9, 2011 15:06:54 GMT -5
REGINA, Sask. -- The Regina Rebels were wary of the comeback.
After watching the PEI Frostbite cough up a 3-0 series lead to the Texas Stars in the opening round of the playoffs, the Rebels vowed not to befall that same fate in their series with the Stars.
The Rebels needed just one elimination game to complete the series, beating the Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-final series. Regina gained steam as the series went along and outshot the Stars 33-18 in the final game of the series.
"Rest and momentum are big things in the playoffs," said forward Chris Kelly. "We knew we were facing a very resilient team that was capable of bringing us to the brink, so we dug down deep and made sure we finished this series when we had the chance."
Regina is back in the AsHL's final four after winning the championship last season under GM Nate Hickerson.
While the team is similar with many players carried over from last year, there are a few differences driving this group. Most obvious is a new general manager, Patrick King, and some new faces sprinkled throughout the lineup.
The most notable player additions are defenceman Jakub Kindl and forward Justin Keller.
"People said we were a weaker team than last year," veteran forward Chad Larose said. "We don't feel that way. We're confident we can achieve greatness and we still have that hunger this season."
The Rebels will now await the winner of the Oakland-Kansas City series. The Seals lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 going Tuesday.
On the other side, the Rochester Americans lead the Jacksonville Jokes 3-2 while the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hold that same lead on the Quebec Rock.
After watching the PEI Frostbite cough up a 3-0 series lead to the Texas Stars in the opening round of the playoffs, the Rebels vowed not to befall that same fate in their series with the Stars.
The Rebels needed just one elimination game to complete the series, beating the Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-final series. Regina gained steam as the series went along and outshot the Stars 33-18 in the final game of the series.
"Rest and momentum are big things in the playoffs," said forward Chris Kelly. "We knew we were facing a very resilient team that was capable of bringing us to the brink, so we dug down deep and made sure we finished this series when we had the chance."
Regina is back in the AsHL's final four after winning the championship last season under GM Nate Hickerson.
While the team is similar with many players carried over from last year, there are a few differences driving this group. Most obvious is a new general manager, Patrick King, and some new faces sprinkled throughout the lineup.
The most notable player additions are defenceman Jakub Kindl and forward Justin Keller.
"People said we were a weaker team than last year," veteran forward Chad Larose said. "We don't feel that way. We're confident we can achieve greatness and we still have that hunger this season."
The Rebels will now await the winner of the Oakland-Kansas City series. The Seals lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 going Tuesday.
On the other side, the Rochester Americans lead the Jacksonville Jokes 3-2 while the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hold that same lead on the Quebec Rock.