DIDSBURY - The Mountain View Colts are off to a great start in their second-round Heritage League north division semifinal playoff series against the top-seeded Airdrie Thunder. The Colts won the first two games on the weekend to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Colts head coach Gord Olsen said the team is really playing well together and working hard at both ends.
"Right now the boys are working hard and putting pucks deep," said Olsen. "(Our) work ethic has been really solid. Our power play has been good. Our top guys have been our top guys and that's good. That's what you need to have success in the playoffs."
In Game 1 on Friday in Airdrie, the Thunder had a rude awakening as Colts defenceman Brandon Rude got the game-winner at 19:24 of the first overtime period to give the Colts the 2-1 upset win.
"We got the puck back to the point and the shot got through and went in the back of the net," said Olsen. "It wasn't anything flashy; it's just putting the puck towards the net and it went in."
Many in Airdrie thought the fourth-seeded Colts were done after Thunder forward Brayden Dunn put Airdrie up 1-0 with a goal at the 15:39 mark of the first period.
The Colts, however, were far from done, as Travis Gerrard tied the game at 7:54 of the third. Gerrard also assisted on Rude's overtime game-winning goal.
Ethan Woodward was strong in net for Mountain View, picking up the win by making 29 saves out of 30 shots.
Saturday's game at the Didsbury Memorial Complex was a much more high scoring affair, as the Colts came from behind once again to beat the Thunder 8-6.
Leading the Colts was Josh Gette with a hat trick, while Gerrard added a pair. Scoring singles were Sam Kolke, Mitch Visser and Alan Klinck.
Game 3 of the series went Monday night in Airdrie. Game 4 goes Wednesday in Didsbury at 8 p.m. Game 5 (if necessary) goes Friday, Feb. 28, in Airdrie with Game 6 (if necessary) in Didsbury Saturday, Feb. 29. Game 7 (if necessary) is scheduled for Airdrie on Monday, March 2.
