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Eskimo's vs. Skyhawks series preview

The North Bay Skyhawks and the Abitibi Eskimos are ready to kick things off in Eastern Conference final Sunday night at Memorial Gardens in the Gateway City.
The North Bay Skyhawks and the Abitibi Eskimos are ready to kick things off in Eastern Conference final Sunday night at Memorial Gardens in the Gateway City.

The clubs will continue their regular season battle that saw them joust for first spot most of the season. The Skyhawks prevailed in the feet finishing three points ahead of the Eskimos which gained the Hawks home ice advantage through out the playoffs.

However, the locals will have their hands full with the high powered offence of the Eskimos.

The Skyhawks dropped six of eight meetings to the Eskimos during regular season play which included two losses in a home and home at the end of the season that almost cost the Hawks first spot.

The Eskimos were also able to outscore the Hawks 30-21 leaving a concern on the defense of side for the Skyhawks.

The Skyhawks have lacked at times defensively in their own zone leaving their goalies hanging. Tighter defense is going to be needed for the Hawks to have a chance to continue their goal towards a Dudley Hewitt appearance.

On the offense of side, with the playoff leading scorer Tyler Perry and a strong supporting cast that includes David Frawley, Josh Merson and Ontario Hockey league prospect Yves Bastien, the Skyhawks should continue to put the puck in the net.

Steve Hamel should get the start between the pipes for the Eskimos. Hamel was thorn in the Skyhawks side all year long recording five of the six victories and awarded a star in four of the games.

Look for Hometown boy Mike Lalande to get the nod in game one for the Skyhawks. Lalande started the last two games against the Sudbury Northern Wolves and sparkled in the 2-1 overtime victory that clinched the quarterfinal series for the Hawks.

Sudbury Wolves draft pick Chris Abbey should see rubber as well during the series as Coach Randy Edmonds had used the two man rotation all year.

The Skyhawks scoring depth could be the deciding factor in a series that should include a lot of goals, hard hitting, and stellar goaltending. Don’t be surprised if this one goes seven.

The winner will go on to face the winner of the West final which features the Northern Michigan Black Bears versus the Soo Thunderbirds.

Check the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey website for game times. www.nojhl.com