Playoffs: So it Begins

Capital Branch – Round 1 Playoffs Set

The road to a Sentinel Trophy begins February 14, and there will be no easing into it.

Round 1 features four best-of-three series packed into a high-intensity stretch across Family Day weekend, with elimination games and “if necessary” matchups ready to push teams to the brink.

North Dundas Rockets vs. South Grenville Rangers

The Rockets open at home Saturday afternoon in Chesterville before the series shifts to Alaine Chartrand Arena on Sunday. If needed, Game 3 returns to Chesterville on Wednesday, February 18. Expect a physical, tight-checking series between two East Division rivals.

South Stormont Mustangs vs. Akwesasne Wild

Game 1 drops Saturday night in Long Sault, with Game 2 heading to A’nowara’ko:wa Arena on Sunday. A potential Game 3 swings back to Long Sault Monday night. Speed versus structure. This one could tilt either way.

Manotick Mariners vs. Paugan Falls Rapids

Manotick hosts Game 1 Saturday night before the Rapids counter at Gatineau Valley Arena on Sunday afternoon. If a third game is required, the series returns to Manotick. This matchup brings offensive firepower and playoff experience into a short, unforgiving format.

Madawaska Valley Wolves vs. Shawville Pontiacs

The Wolves strike first at Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre Saturday night. Shawville answers Sunday at home, with a possible Game 3 back in Madawaska Valley on Monday. Expect heavy shifts and zero room through the neutral zone.

County Royals vs. Deseronto Bulldogs

Game 1 opens Saturday night in Wellington before shifting to Deseronto on Monday afternoon. If needed, Game 3 returns to Deseronto on Wednesday, February 18. Two disciplined, hard-working teams. This series has grind written all over it.

Smiths Falls Rideaus vs. Tamworth Sabres

The Rideaus defend home ice Saturday night at the Memorial Centre, then host again Monday evening for Game 2. Smiths Falls will look to control the pace early and avoid giving Tamworth life in a short series.

Westport Lumberjacks vs. Tweed Oil Kings

Saturday’s opener goes in Westport before the series heads to Tweed Sunday afternoon. If required, Game 3 returns to Tweed on Monday. Expect a physical, rivalry-style series where special teams could decide everything.

Durham Hawks vs. Lindsay Barncats

Game 1 hits Orono Saturday night, Game 2 moves to Little Britain Sunday, and a potential Game 3 goes Monday afternoon in Lindsay. This one has speed and transition written all over it. Blink and it’s in your net.

Four series. Three games maximum. No second chances.

Capital Division Round 1 runs February 14–18. The margin is razor thin, and every shift matters.

The hunt for the Sentinel Cup starts now.

Metropolitan Branch – Round 1 Playoffs Underway

The Metro Branch wasted no time setting the tone.

Opening night delivered fireworks, including a statement win and a tight rivalry battle that already feels like it’s going the distance.

Strathroy Jets vs. Stratford Irish 

Strathroy drew first blood Friday night with a 4–3 win at Gemini Sportsplex, grabbing a 1–0 series lead in what looks like a grind-it-out matchup.

Game 2 heads to William Allman Memorial Arena on Saturday, with the series continuing next weekend if needed. With multiple “if necessary” games already scheduled into late February, this South Division battle has all the ingredients of a long war.

Alvinston Killer Bees vs. Tilbury Bluebirds 

The Killer Bees host Game 1 Saturday night before the series shifts to Tilbury on Tuesday. This one stretches deep into the calendar, with potential Games 5, 6, and 7 running through early March. Expect momentum swings and heavy minutes from top lines.

Orangeville Blitz vs. Woodstock Lakers 

Orangeville didn’t just win Game 1. They detonated it.

A 12–1 victory Friday night puts the Blitz firmly in control heading into Game 2 in Woodstock. The Lakers now face immediate pressure in a series that could extend all the way to a Game 6 if required. Orangeville has announced itself. The question is whether Woodstock can respond.

Halton Hills Coyotes vs. Six Nations Ironmen 

This North Division matchup opens Saturday in Acton before shifting to Six Nations on Sunday. The schedule leaves room for up to seven games, stretching into early March if necessary. Physical, emotional, and loud buildings on both sides. This one won’t lack intensity.

The Metro Branch isn’t easing into the postseason. Blowouts, one-goal games, and long-haul series potential are already shaping this into a playoff run that won’t be decided quietly.

The chase for the Apex crown has officially begun.