Medicine Hat Cubs start playoffs this weekend

Randy Wong, head coach and general manager of the Cubs, said each team winning all of their home games has been the difference.

“Not getting that home ice advantage is certainly disappointing, but I think we’ve tried to make some changes in our game and playing on the big ice is different up there,” Wong said.

“I think we’ve approached it the right way. I think we’re mentally ready to play in that rink, and it should be a good series.”

The wider ice in Strathmore is similar to the ice at the Big Marble Go Centre in Medicine Hat, where the Cubs have been practicing this week.

After reviewing game tape, Wong said minimizing mistakes will be key to winning the series.

With the top two point scorers in the league on the Cubs in Kyle Woolridge and Caleb Garrecht, the team isn’t expected to be short of offense going into the series.

Wong adds they have other good support players that are ready to go.

“Your playoff guy is going to be coming from that third, fourth line just because they’re not looked at as dangerous as kind of a Woolridge or Garrecht,” Wong said.

“They’ve got a little bit more open ice. They’re not playing against the other team’s best defensemen or line,” he added.

“There’s opportunity for those guys to excel. They just have to do it the right way, and they have to make sure they execute and bring their ‘A’ game.”

Game one goes at 8 p.m. on Saturday in Strathmore, with the Cubs at home for game two, Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Kinplex One Arena.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat Cubs start playoffs this weekend

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