The Biggar Nationals are coming off a pair of exhilarating wins. Back on February 10 the Nationals advanced in Hockey Saskatchewan Senior C Provincials with their 4-3 overtime win in Game 3 against the Rosthern WheatKings, and then on Tuesday, February 13 the Nationals avoided elimination in the SWHL playoffs with a massive 4-2 win in Game 2 against the Hafford Hawks.
It's been a fun season overall for the Nationals. Biggar finished seventh in the Sask West Hockey League, only two points behind the sixth seed Macklin Mohawks, three points behind the fifth seed Edam 3 Stars, and four points behind a second-place tie between the Kindersley Klippers and their playoff opponents in Hafford.
Undefeated, the Wilkie Outlaws led the way in the SWHL this season (Screengrab via saskwesthockey.com)Seeking more on the barn-burner at Biggar Jubilee Stadium back on Tuesday night, WestCentralOnline reached out to Nationals captain Derek Argue, who shared the environment was impeccable.
"For a Tuesday, it was like a $600 50/50, and we had a really good crowd. I didn't quite expect that, I didn't know what to expect for a Tuesday, but it was rocking pretty good for mid-week."
The team has been fun to follow this season. Goaltender Brett Matlock continues to stand on his head. Skaters Jonathon Redlich, Chris Henry, and Brett Novak were all over a point-per-game. Coaching has also been a major reason for their success this year, as Argue chimed in on the situation behind the bench.
"Matlock keeps us in every game for sure," said Argue, before going into the importance of coaching. "We had kind of struggled with having coaching these past couple of years. (Now we have) a couple guys who have been committed to coaching, and I think that has helped to make some of those decisions, and make sure we are playing the right way."
The team is no stranger to low scoring games, and SWHL Coach of the Year co-winners Colter Zarubiak and Kyle Laturnus are a big reason why.
"Having those people there to make sure we are playing the right way, and the way we have to play to be successful, has been a huge thing for us this year."
Despite having two of the leagues top ten leading scorers, the Nationals know their identity. Play strong team hockey in front of your MVP candidate goaltender, and you will have a chance. That's why the plan of attack isn't changing much headed into Game 3 in Hafford.
"We had the same plan for Games 1 and 2, and I think we executed a bit better (on Tuesday) to win Game 2. They have a lot of firepower, so if you get away from what you are trying to do, they can score in a hurry for sure."
The Nationals will be hitting the road for the winner-take-all Game 3. The elimination game will be played Friday, February 16 at 8:30 PM from the Hafford & District Communiplex.
A win for Biggar would set them up for a second round series with the top-seeded Wilkie Outlaws, who they are already taking on in the next round of provincials beginning this weekend.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
