Flyers ready for playoffs after reality check

The Leamington Flyers open their quest to win the OJHL championship Friday at home when they host Niagara Falls in round one of the playoffs. "We are excited to get the post-season going as I am sure most of the teams are in the league," Head coach Dale Mitchell told Powerplay Sports. "I know our fast base and players are ready to go come Friday."

Dale Mitchell behind the bench during a recent game in Leamington

The Flyers finished first in the West Conference and second overall in the league after posting a 45-7-3-1 record and 94 points. They were on a nine-game winning streak before closing out the regular season with a tie and loss last weekend.

"We needed that as a group," Mitchell said. "We took away a lot of learning lessons and keys to our game where we take for granted what we can and what we can’t get a way with."

The Flyers beat the Canucks in all four of their regular season meetings but Mitchell isn't taking the opponent lightly.

"We need to be disciplined in both our structure and emotions. They have some players there that can score goals and can make plays off the rush. We need to be ready and limit those grade A chances."

Puck drops at 7:10pm. Here's a look at the full schedule.

March 9 at Niagara Falls, 3pm

March 13 at Leamington, 7:10

March 14 at Niagara Falls, 7pm

if necessary,

March 16 at Leamington, 5:10pm

March 18 at Niagara Falls, 7pm

March 20 at Leamington, 7:10