By Chris Zorbas

The Windsor Lancers men's hockey team is looking to recapture some of their early season success in the playoffs, and have good reason to think they can.
 
After a 12-3 start to the season, the Lancers finished just 15-13 in conference play. It's worth noting that two of those losses were wins, forfeited for playing an ineligible player. Nonetheless, the blue and gold feel good about their chances going into their series against the Brock Badgers.
 
"We're one of eight teams left," said head coach Kevin Hamlin. "Seven wins away from a Queen's Cup."
 
Hamlin addressed the late season slide, many of which were one goal games, saying though he didn't want to talk about injuries as an excuse, they certainly didn't help in close games. "Take Matthews and Marner out and the Leafs are much different," explained Hamlin.
 
Despite the slide in the standings, Hamlin says the adversity this group has faced, be it injuries, having to forfeit two games, or just close losses, will help come playoff time.
 
"When adversity hits, and it always does in the playoffs," explained Hamlin. "I think our guys will be better off to handle it given how the season has gone…we'll be fine."
 
The season was certainly a ride for the Lancers, with highs and lows, but Hamlin is proud of his players and the way they've played this season, calling their play great and noting that when they've won games, they've won big; including a 6-3 win over the Badgers to open their season.
 
"The Badgers are a big team with great goaltending," said head coach Kevin Hamlin, previewing the opponent and noting his team's 2-0 record against the Badgers, saying it should make for great hockey.
 
Goaltender Jonathan Reinhart was big in both games, recording 43 saves in a 6-3 win and 29 in a 2-1 win later in the season. The Lancers will also need big games from its two leading scorers, Brennan Feasey who's scored 18 goals on the season and Anthony Salinitri who isn't far behind with 16 on the season.
 
"At the end of the day," declared Hamlin. "We could care less if we're playing the first place team I the OUA, or the 10th place team, we don't want this season to end."
 
The playoffs get underway when the Lancers host the Badgers on Wednesday, February 12th at 7:30 p.m. at Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex in game one of a best of three series. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for youth/seniors, and $5 for UWindsor students. They can be purchased in advance at www.goLancers.ca/tickets.
 
Game two is set for Friday, February 14th at Brock at 7:15pm, followed by game three (if necessary), Saturday February 15th in Windsor at 7:30pm. All games can be seen live at oua.tv.