Forget that the Sault Ste. Marie Blue Devil hockey team finished the regular season 19-5-1 with many impressive wins over highly ranked teams.
Forget that the Blue Devils ended up ranked #6 in Division 3 at the end of the regular season.
Forget that they are playing Thursday evening an unranked Manistique Emerald team in the Region 18 Semi-final that has an 11-13 record.
Coach Rick Mackie is throwing all the records and rankings out the window because he says none of that matters in the playoffs.
"Manistique is one of those teams you do not overlook. They have a lot of good hockey players. It doesn't matter who comes in. Whoever comes into your building, you have to play well. We have to focus on what we do well. We do not change one thing. We have to make sure they play to our pace and physicality. We have to dictate everything and make them adjust to us. I think we have done that this season," Mackie said.
On Tuesday, Manistique came back in the third period to beat Kingsford 5-2 to advance.
There have been several keys to this season's success for the Blue Devils. One is the dedication of the players since they were in elementary school.
"This group is just wonderful. They have been together since eight or nine years old. They are stronger and faster. You see a lot of togetherness and continuity. They pass the puck well and skate well together. Every one of them are very coachable. It's impressive," Mackie said.
Another huge factor has been the play of Blue Devil goalie Cam Labadie.
"Labadie became #1 in save percentage in the state as a goalie by the end of the regular season. He is tracking pucks so well right now. He is very smart. He hates to get scored on. At the same time, he is quiet and humble about it. But credit to the other players because they battle for him. They play a tight defensive team for him. Whoever comes in here, is going to have a real tough time when our game is at the highest level," Mackie concluded.
The puck drops at 6 p.m. at the Big Bear Arena. Tickets must be purchased online if you plan on attending.
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