Weekend Recap: After a sweep at home on April 19-20, the first round of the best of 5-game Robertson Cup playoffs moved to Janesville. The Windigo completed the first round sweep of the Jets with a 3-1 victory on Friday, April 26. In the other Midwest Division playoff series, the Anchorage Wolverines traveled to Minnesota, after sweeping the Wilderness the previous weekend in Anchorage. The Wilderness won on Friday night, to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, Anchorage closed out the series on Saturday with a 6-2 win. Having won the regular season title over the Windigo by just 1 point in the standings, Anchorage holds home ice advantage in the series with the Windigo. Games 1 and 2 of the NAHL Midwest Division Championships will be held in Anchorage on May 3 and 4. If the Windigo win one or both of those games, game 3 of the series will be held in Anchorage on May 5. Otherwise, games 3, 4 and 5, of the series will be held at the historic Dome in Eagle River on May 10-12. The first team to win 3 games, advances to the semi-finals on May 17.
Friday, April 26: Wisconsin 3 at Janesville 1: The Windigo established their presence from the opening faceoff. Just over a minute into the game, Tyler Grahme collected a pass in the neutral zone and drove into the offensive zone with speed. He was tripped by a Janesville defender as he maneuvered thru the slot, putting the Windigo on the power play. Twenty seconds into the power play, Max Martin cycled low with the puck. He moved the puck to Everett Pietila, who in turn passed to Erick Comstock on the point. Meanwhile, Martin drifted into the low slot unnoticed. Comstock’s shot from the blueline was tipped into the net by Martin, putting the Windigo up 1-0 just 1:34 into the game. Ten minutes later, Jacob Jastrzebski bore down on a Jets’ defender as he tried to skate the puck out of his zone. Jastrzebski’s forechecking pressure resulted in the Jets turning over the puck. Pietila swooped in to take the loose puck just inside the blueline and skated to the net all alone. Pietila went forehand to backhand and deposited the puck behind Jets’ netminder Matthew Alberti. To their credit, Janesville responded with significant pressure of their own and outshot the Windigo 11 to 10 in the opening frame. The Windigo struck again just over 4 minutes into the second period. Everett Pietila skated the puck into the offensive zone, with Will Schumacher crossing behind him. Pietila dropped the puck to Schumacher who released a shot from the high slot that found its mark on the short side. Schumacher’s 33rd goal of the season put the Windigo up 3-0. With 6:25 remaining in the second period, Conner Brown brought the Jets to within 2 of the Windigo. Brown’s power play goal came off a shot from the point that hit the post and caromed into the net. Janesville continued to apply pressure, outshooting the Windigo 8 to 5 in the second period and 9 to 6 in the third. Windigo standout Max Beckford was strong in net, turning away 27 of the 28 shots he faced in the game. For his 1-goal and 2-assist effort, Windigo forward Everett Pietila was named NAHL Robertson Cup second star of the night, for all 8 playoff games contested on Friday.
Coach’s Comments: Windigo head coach Blake Hietala shared the following after the game on Friday, “It was great to close out the series in 3 straight games. Our guys were focused and on a mission. We set the tone early on with our team speed. Tyler Grahme pushed the offense early and forced them to take a penalty right away. I like that we capitalized on the power play early in the game. That put them on notice. Our forecheck posed problems for them all game. Everett Pietila had a great game. It was nice to see him capitalize on the turnover he created. Will Schumacher’s goal was typical of the type of goal he’s been scoring all season. He has a quick release and accurate shot. Max Martin’s tip-in on the power play was nicely executed. That’s a look we’ll take every time when we get the chance. I liked our team defense again tonight. We’ve emphasized that. Everyone took their assignments seriously. Max Beckford was key to the win tonight. He tracked the puck well and controlled his rebounds. He gave up a total of only 3 goals in this series. When he plays like that, we have a chance to win every night.”
Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Update: Prior to the game on Friday, April 19, Windigo co-captain Max Martin and general manager Chris Hedlund presented a check for $15,149 to the Berklee Strong Fund. Lindsey Riedel and Jared Adamovich were on hand to accept the check on behalf of the Berklee Strong Fund. The Windigo thank all those who participated in the live and online auctions in support of the fundraiser.
Up Next: The Midwest Division Playoff Championship series finds the Windigo taking on the Anchorage Wolverines. Games 1 and 2 of the series will be in Anchorage on May 3 and 4. If the Windigo win one or both of those games, game 3 of the series will be held in Anchorage on May 5. If Anchorage wins the first two games, the balance of the best of 5 series moves to the historic Dome in Eagle River, WI, for games 3, 4 and 5, as necessary, on May 10-12. Playoff tickets are $20 for reserved section access, $15 for general admission adults, $10 for youth tickets (ages 6 to 18). Children ages 5 and under will be admitted free with an adult. Tickets will be available at the door 1 hour prior to game time and are available online at www.wisconsinjuniorhockey.com/tickets.