Kickers looking for an opening playoff Triumph - Carman Valley Leader

By Gene Still

Friday September 23, 2005

— The Carman Kickers were thinking upset heading into their opening round playoff contest with the Winnipeg Triumph. Unlike past seasons when Carman came up just short in securing a playoff berth, the Kickers not only qualified for the playoffs, they finished in sixth place overall with a 5-10-3 mark (the top eight clubs make the post season tournament). Carman Coach William Hoogerdijk was obviously pleased with the fact his club earned the right to compete in the playoffs. “It feels pretty good. We knew we were in but we didn’t know who we’d be facing,” Hoogerdijk said. “Now, it’s a single game, knockout tournament. “If any team has a good game or a bad one – any one can move on.” In this case, Carman’s opposition will be the Winnipeg Triumph. And beating the Triumph won’t be easy. They finished third overall in the standings with a solid 12-6 record. “The Triumph have come on the last part of the season. They’ve really come on strong,” Hoogerdijk said. He pointed out their speed at the forward position and their skill at controlling the midfield, as two of their strengths. But the coach was quick to add that anything can happen in the playoffs. And they have a lot of respect for their opponents, Capitalize on offence“When we play our games and play the way I know we can, we have a chance,” Hoogerdijk said. “The key for us is going to be that our offence capitalizes on their chances.” The coach added that among the key players for Carman will be forwards Lyle Vanveen and Jordan Vanderveen and they’ll need another strong showing from netminder Rich Vanderveen if they hope to move onto the next round. The game with the Triumph was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24 in Winnipeg.

Results were not available as of press time.