The Carleton Place Canadians wrapped up the CCHL season first place in the Robinson Division and are poised for a deep playoff run.
The Canadians have been bounced in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons in five games by the hands of the Smiths Falls Bears, who finished second in the division and will play the Pembroke Lumber Kings.
Owner, General Manager and Head Coach Brent Sullivan said everyone bought in early and it led to a strong season.
Sullivan wasn’t happy with their season a year ago and made a point to shift the locker room culture headed into this year.
He said those changes paid off.
Sullivan said the seven players they promoted from their EOJHL club adapted quickly, and considers second year goaltender Ian Vandenberg the best in the league.
The Canadians finished third overall in both goals for and goals against with a 36-15-1-3 record. They play Kemptville in the first round Thursday.
Story by Grant Deme