The Windsor Clippers are gearing up for the second round of the Ontario Junior B Lacrosse playoffs beginning at home Saturday, July 9 at 7pm against the Hamilton Bengals. "Hamilton is a solid team. We know this is going to be a dogfight." said Zane Dalpe, who put up 4 goals and 15 points in a first round sweep of Owen Sound.
Game 2 will be in Hamilton July 10th. Game 3 in Windsor Friday, July 15th at 8. Game 4 is on the 16th in Hamilton at 7 if necessary while Game 5 is slated for Sunday, July 17th at Forest Glade Arena if the series goes the distance.
Both teams finished with a 16-4 regular season record and split their two head-to-head games as each won on the road. "I think the guys know what we're capable of and as long as we play the right way good things will continue to happen for us." said Dalpe. "We feel as if we can play with and beat any team here on in, as long as we continue to execute and come to play every night."
Windsor had four players hit double digit scoring in the opening round. Xander Derkatz led the Clippers in scoring with 9 goals and 8 assists. He was followed by Dalpe, Max Frattaroli (14pts) and Malikye Good (12pts).
Allen Reed was the lone player for Hamilton to hit double digits in their first round sweep of Six Nations. The Bengals led the league with a 94% penalty kill rate against Nations and were 11th on the powerplay with a 21% success rate.
Windsor cashed in on 52.9% of their powerplays against the North Stars (2nd in the OJBLL) while stopping 78.5% of their PK's (7th).