FireAntz: Eyeing the Playoffs
by JASON FLEMING
The Fayetteville FireAntz, through 40 of 56 games played, had a
tremendously successful season, so far. They
boast the Southern Professional Hockey
League���s leading scorer, Josh McQuade (34
goals and 26 assists), as well as one of the
elite goaltenders in the league, Marco Emond,
who has been among the goaltending leaders
all season. Add the fact that they have the topscoring offense and one of the best defensive
units, things have looked good this season.
The FireAntz also have had the luxury of
remaining relatively healthy throughout the
season, only losing a handful of man-games
due to injury. Additionally, due to the fact that
they���ve been amongst the league leaders in the
The FireAntz are playing hard to
standings all season, their roster has remained
make it to the playoffs.
mostly intact. They���ve had players called up
to higher leagues who have returned, and
some who have stayed but Head Coach Mark
DeSantis did such a good job assembling the roster, from day one, that they
haven���t had to cut a single player.
The FireAntz, collectively, have a much bigger goal in my mind, however, than
success in the regular season. With only 16 games remaining, seven at home, the
playoffs are right around the proverbial corner and that is where the FireAntz are
placing their focus.
���We are just trying to win each and every game.��� Defenseman Kyle Frieday said,
���Obviously, we are trying to stay healthy but we just want to keep rolling into the
playoffs.���
The FireAntz, in their 11-year existence, have won one SPHL Championship, in
2006-07. They are looking to repeat that feat this season.
���We are playing hard every shift, every night.��� Forward John Clewlow added,
���We are trying to play our best hockey as we get to the playoffs.���
With the FireAntz only four points out of first place, they are trying to capture
home-ice advantage for the playoffs. Each round of the playoffs contains an odd
number of games and the higher seed will host the deciding game of the series,
should it go that far.
There are only seven home games remaining for the FireAntz this
season. Come out and support your Fayetteville FireAntz as they
look to capture another SPHL
Championship. For more information JASON FLEMING, Contributing Writer.
about tickets go to the FireAntz Web COMMENTS? editor@upandcomingweekly.com
site at www.fireantzhockey.com.
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FEBRUARY 20-26, 2013 UCW
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