Division Championship Title: (#2) Rapids Riverkings vs. (#1) Minnesota Squatch
Riverkings: (35-7-2)
Squatch: (36-6-2)
Season Series: Tied (2-2)
Game 1-3: Fri, Sat, Sun (if needed)
Fri & Sat: 7:15 PM CST
Sun: 6:00 PM CST
The Riverkings advance after derailing the Express in a hard-fought three-game series. Now, the Riverkings are set to travel to Minnesota, determined to reclaim the North Division title.
Round 2 Recap:
The Riverkings were tested in every way during their second-round battle, needing three games to finish the job. In Game 1, the Riverkings faced penalty trouble that allowed the Express to hang in there until the third period. But the Riverkings exploded for four goals in the final frame, securing a 5-2 victory.
Game 2 was a back-and-forth offensive battle, with both teams trading blows. Despite a late charge from the Riverkings, the Express managed to score an overtime winner, forcing a decisive Game 3.
In Game 3, the Riverkings came out strong from the opening faceoff, putting the Express on their heels. It was a dominant 7-2 victory that boosted team morale as they head into the championship showdown.
The Squatch:
The Minnesota Squatch have been the Riverkings’ toughest competition this season, with both teams battling fiercely throughout the year. The season series ended in a tie (2-2), but the Riverkings had the last word, finishing the regular season with a commanding 7-2 victory.
The Squatch are a dangerous team, especially with forward Cannon Bonnifay, who finished 4th in the league in points with 101 (including 12 power-play goals). The Riverkings will need to stay disciplined and avoid penalties to keep the Squatch’s potent power play in check. If they can do that, they’ll have the opportunity to disrupt Minnesota’s game plan.
Jake Bryceland:
Jake Bryceland has emerged as a standout in the playoffs, leading the Riverkings with 9 points. Bryceland looks to continue his strong performance this weekend when it matters most.
The stage is set. The Riverkings are hungry, and the Squatch stand in their way. Don’t miss the action this weekend as these two fierce rivals clash for the North Division Championship!
All games will be played at the Furniture-and-Things Community Ice Center in Elk River, Mn. Can’t make it? Go to FloSports.com to tune into the live action!