For the first time in 12 years, a hockey club from Wallaceburg will compete in the Junior ‘C’ playoffs.
The Wallaceburg Thunderhawks (5-24-2-1), formerly the Wallaceburg Lakers, have clinched the 8th seed in the West Stobbs Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.
The playoff drought for Wallaceburg was secured over the weekend with a 7-6 overtime win over the Dresden Kings (4-24-3-1).
Jacob VanCoille led the Thunderhawks with a hat trick, and two assists, including the OT winner.
Picking up the extra point propelled Wallaceburg ahead of Dresden in the standings.
The Kings had a chance to re-claim the 8th seed on Saturday, but they fell to the Mooretown Flags 5-1 on Saturday.
“Wallaceburg Junior ‘C’ team, now known as the Thunderhawks, (are) in the playoffs for the first time in 12 years,” team officials posted on social media.
“Come out and support your hometown team.”
Wallaceburg was last in the playoffs during the 2010-2011 season, when they were known as the Lakers and competing in the Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ Hockey League.
The Thunderhawks will open the playoffs when they visit the top seeded Lakeshore Canadiens (28-2-0-2) on Friday, March 11, 2022.
Game #2 will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Wallaceburg Memorial Arena.
Game #3 will be on Tuesday, March 15, in Lakeshore at 7 p.m. and Game #4 is Wednesday, March 16, in Wallaceburg at 8 p.m.
If necessary, Game #5 will be on Friday, March 18, in Lakeshore at 7 p.m., Game #6 on Saturday, March 19, in Wallaceburg at 7:30 p.m. and Game #7 on Sunday, March 20, in Lakeshore at 3 p.m.
