Paisley Pirates’ treble chase continues this weekend as they head to Fife Ice Arena for the SNL play-off finals event.
The Pirates play Kirkcaldy Kestrels in the last four, with Aberdeen Lynx taking on Dundee Comets in the other semi-final, and Head Coach Ian Turley (above) has warned his team they face a difficult task.
“It may have come as a little bit of a surprise to some that the Kestrels made it through, because after tying with Edinburgh in the first leg in Fife two weeks ago most folk would have fancied the Caps to finish the job in their own rink,” said Turley.
“That gives us all the warning we need that the Kestrels are bang on form, if they can go to Edinburgh and win.
“They’ll be playing in their own rink in front of their own fans, and they’ll really fancy their chances – in their position, so would I.
“We’ve had two tremendous games against them this year, and we managed to come through both with the points.
“We’ll have to be at our absolute best if we want to get to the final. We’re going there as league champions, so they’ve got all the incentive they need to want to turn us over.
“Everybody’s raring to go and we’ll be heading there determined to prove that we have what it takes to see us progress.
“We’re determined to finish the season with a bang rather than a whimper. We’re back there in a fortnight’s time for the Scottish cup final, but that’ll take care of itself when they time comes.
“All we’re focused is the Kirkcaldy tie – we lost on penalties at this stage last year, and it’s a gut-wrenching experience we certainly don’t aim on repeating.”
Kirkcaldy head into the Pirates game in buoyant mood after seeing off Edinburgh Capitals SNL in the quarter-final.
The Kestrels drew the home leg 5-5, but produced an excellent performance in the return game to win 5-3 and leave forward Sean Cochrane eagerly anticipating the play-off event.
“After a big win against the Caps on Sunday, I’m confident we can go all the way this weekend and pick up the silverware,” said Cochrane.
“The boys have been flying in training recently and we’re well prepared for anything the weekend throws at us.
“With the bond in the team stronger than it’s ever been and confidence high after last weekend, it’s all about executing the gameplan and we can’t wait to get going against the Pirates on Saturday.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday
Aberdeen Lynx v Dundee Comets
Paisley Pirates v Kirkcaldy Kestrels
Sunday
Aberdeen/Dundee v Paisley/Kirkcaldy
(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
