For the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League’s first six season, the Moose Jaw Mustangs were the only champions the league knew.
Now the local junior box lacrosse league team heads into the Tier I playoffs as decided underdogs. Despite coming in as the fourth seed, the Mustangs aren’t lacking for confidence as they prepare the post-season.
The 6-4 Mustangs will meet the 8-1-1 Prince Albert Predators Saturday (9 p.m., Kinsmen Arena in Saskatoon) in the PGLL Tier I semifinal.
The Regina Riot (8-1-1) will meet the Saskatoon Smash (7-1-2) in the other semifinal. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 7:30 p.m., also in Saskatoon.
The Mustangs head into the playoffs having lost three of their last four games, but head coach Doug Johnson isn’t overly concerned about that fact.
“I think these guys are ready to play,” said Johnson. “We’ve come together a bit in the last couple of weeks. We’re going to be competitive that’s for sure.”
Despite being the fourth seed, Johnson doesn’t see that wide of a gulf between the four teams that advanced to the Tier I playoffs.
“If you look at the games we’ve played against the other teams in the Tier I championship and we’ve been close with each one of them,” said Johnson. “I’m anticipating good games.”
While it’s a one-versus-four match-up, their meeting this season certainly gives the Mustangs caused for hope. The Predators won 8-7, but the Predators were a lethal 3-for-4 on the power play and the Mustangs weren’t at full strength.
For more please see Friday's Times-Herald.
