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The University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team is set for its 2019 playoff debut Friday, when a best-of-three Canada West semifinal begins at Merlis Belsher Place.
After decades of playoff history at Rutherford Rink, the Huskies are ready to establish a new era of playoff success at the new barn — a place where they lost only once this season.
Even with that stellar record, head coach Dave Adolph can’t help but think about all the playoff series at Rutherford.
“I don’t want to sound flippant, but Rutherford was pretty good at playoffs. We had full barns every night,” he said. “I remember a couple years ago, we played Alberta at home — (in the) Canada West final — and the rink was sold out before the bus even got there.
“The environment was pretty special over there … Once playoffs got around, everyone was there at 4:30 p.m.”
The Huskies went 13-1 at home this season to finish atop the Canada West standings and earn a first-round bye. Those accomplishments also earned the team home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
Captain Jesse Forsberg said establishing a winning culture at Merlis Belsher Place was the biggest goal for the team this season.
“We’re pretty comfortable playing here,” he said. “(To) make the other team come here and play in front of us and our fans is huge.
“Rutherford was fun, but I don’t miss it too much now that we’re here.”
The Huskies are facing the Mount Royal Cougars in the best-of-three series. The Huskies beat the Cougars by slim margins all season.
“Of the potential teams we could have faced in the second round, we have the most experience with Mount Royal,” Adolph said. “They’re a really big, physical team, well-coached and play four lines like we do.”
Games begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and Sunday (if necessary). Staff are expecting crowds near the arena’s 2,487 capacity.
Although the 88 years of Rutherford Rink is behind the Huskies, playing the program’s first playoff game at Merlis Belsher Place is a rare opportunity to start something new.
“Who knows what will develop here?” Adolph said.