The Windsor Spitfires went 4-0 against the Kitchener Rangers during the regular season but are not taking their first round opponent for granted. "Heading into playoffs it's a different beast." said team captain Matthew Maggio. "They're a team that likes to play with a lot of skill and speed. I think we're gonna come in and bring a physical assertive game and that's gonna to be the key for us."
Maggio led the league with 54 goals and 111 points as the Spits won their second straight Western Conference title. The success garnered him the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as top scorer in the OHL and Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as highest scoring right winger.
Maggio embracing final playoff run in the OHL
The Spits fell one game short of winning the league title a year ago. A New York Islanders draft pick, Maggio heads into the stretch run of his OHL career trying to balance leading his team to the zenith while enjoying the experience. "I'm really just trying to do my best to soak in every moment realizing how lucky I am. Obviously I want to keep it going for as long as I can."
The 20-year old would love to lead the team to the Memorial Cup. "If I can do that I get two more months of playing at home. I think that's my motto. Enjoy every moment but do everything I can to make it last."
Dionicio out
The Spits lost over 160 man games this season which makes winning the conference that more impressive. Defenceman Rodwin Dionicio will add to the number after received a suspension from the league. He'll miss the first two games of the series.
