The West Bend Power and Rochester Grizzlies will face off in the Central Division finals for the second consecutive year, with the winner earning a trip to the Fraser Cup in St. Louis. The Power is the number one seed and will have 2 games (if necessary) in the best of 3 series on home ice at Kettle Moraine Ice Center. Game one is Thursday, March 19 at 7:00pm sponsored by SKB Landscaping. The Great Outdoors Supper Club will be serving Reuben Sandwiches before the game beginning at 5:00pm. Game two will be in Rochester on Friday, March 20 at 7:00pm at the Rochester Recreation Center. Game three, if necessary, will be Saturday, March 21 at Kettle Moraine Ice Center at 7:00pm. Saturday’s pre-game meal is pork or chicken mac-n-chees bowls.
The Power advanced from the semifinal round after defeating the St. Louis Jr. Blues in two games, and the Grizzlies advanced after beating the Wausau Cyclones in two games. The teams faced each other eight times in the regular season, with the Power winning 7 of the 8 games, outscoring the Grizzlies 35-22. The Grizzlies handed the Power their first loss on home ice on February 14 with a 6-3 victory.
The Power was lead in scoring in the regular season by Jace Fitzgerald wtih 61 points, Danny Jurcich with 59 points, Aidan Callaghan with 53 (total) points and Quinn O’Connor, Drew Sparacino and Nolan Mix iwth 49 points each. The Grizzlies were led in the regular season by Mason Decker with 67 points, Jace Jordan with 50 (total) points and Brett Ludvigsen with 49 points. Shaun Paulson leads the Power in playoff points with three, while Adian Callaghan scored two goals and Sam Ahl had two shuouts, posting a 1000 SV% and 0,00 GAA. Mason Decker had 7 points so far in the playoffs leading the Grizzlies. On special teams in the playoffs, the Power are posting a 30.0% power play and 100.0% penalty kill to Rochester’s 42.86% power play and 50.00% penalty kill.
“We’re excited for a great series with Rochester. Every time we play them it’s a tough, competitive game. Our group has been in big moments like this before, and that experience helps. The key for us will be staying disciplined and playing our best hockey when it matters most,” said Power Head Coach Jason Woods.
All games will be broadcast on NA TV. Catch Friday’s away game at one of two Power watch parties. Both The Great Outdoors Supper Club and BlondiePop will have the Power games on Friday at 7:00pm.
Watch Power social media for updates.