Déjà vu: Whalers vs Ice Hawks Preview

Underdogs with bite

Similar to how former Whaler goalie Keegan Maddocks led the six-game defeat of the Ice Hawks last year, current Pod starter Mark Paton will be the lynchpin for success.

Paton, 19, joined the Whalers in a trade earlier this season after two-and-a-half years with the Aldergrove Kodiaks. He has played every minute so far – 300 – in the 2023 postseason.

Underneath his calm exterior, Paton’s numbers trumpet his effectiveness: four wins and one loss with a 2.00 goals-against-average in a five-game series victory over the Richmond Sockeyes.

Underdogs with bite

Similar to how former Whaler goalie Keegan Maddocks led the six-game defeat of the Ice Hawks last year, current Pod starter Mark Paton will be the lynchpin for success.

Paton, 19, joined the Whalers in a trade earlier this season after two-and-a-half years with the Aldergrove Kodiaks. He has played every minute so far – 300 – in the 2023 postseason.

Underneath his calm exterior, Paton’s numbers trumpet his effectiveness: four wins and one loss with a 2.00 goals-against-average in a five-game series victory over the Richmond Sockeyes.

Paton’s Philosophy: Saves 101

He outlined his simple philosophy for saves: first, teammates will “box out” – or steer the opposition – to the outside of Paton’s crease; second, he will use every inch of his rangy six-foot-one frame to cut down angles.

So far, Paton has rarely given opponents “anything to look at. It’s been working well.”

“Maybe we look like the underdogs from the outside. But I think we’re really rolling right now. Everyone’s feeling good, everyone’s playing well. So, I think we have a good chance to surprise [Delta],” Paton said of the upcoming series.

For the Ice Hawks, head coach Steve Robinson played both goalies in a five-game series victory over the Grandview Steelers.

Each will provide a stern test. Zach Shaughnessy had two wins (one shutout) and a loss with a miniscule goals-against-average of 0.67; Merik Erickson notched the other two wins.

True grit

On the blue line, second-year Whaler defenceman Cole Dennis-Sharma called his teammates a “gritty group.” Dennis-Sharma has his own grit as the six-foot blue liner has blocked numerous shots this postseason.

“I’m really excited!” he exclaimed of the Shaw Conference Final.

White Rock head coach Jason Rogers had similar thoughts. He was “thrilled to go through to the next round” and looked forward to a “competitive series” with Delta.

Delta: Messrs. Consistent

Meanwhile, the Ice Hawks are quite similar to last year’s squad – pugnaciously resilient until the final whistle. Delta’s forwards will use their speedy skating strides to try to beat Whaler defencemen to the outside.

Unlike the Whalers, the Ice Hawks rely on goals from all four lines. This consistent approach led Delta to notch 21 goals and only allow eight in a five-game series victory over the Grandview Steelers.

Keep an eye on Delta’s top postseason scorers: Alex Scouras and Carson Merriman are tied for the team lead with five points each.