Waywayseecappo Wolverines made franchise history this past weekend when they beat Dauphin Kings in their best-of-three ‘Survivor Series’ playoff.
It was the first time in team history that they had won a playoff series.
“I was really proud of our organization, all the players who played for this organization, and the guys who are with us now,” GM/Head Coach Barry Butler said. “This is really good for our confidence and I’m very proud of everyone who was, and is associated with the team.”
Butler is very much the team’s unofficial historian. Now in his 12th season with the Wolverines, he’s seen his share of adversity, challenges, disappointments and finally……success. But, the Wolverines won’t have much time to bask in their glory. On deck: the CJHL’s No. 1 ranked team, Portage Terriers.
“Beating the Kings has certainly given us confidence as we look towards Portage,” said Butler. “We know we’ll have our work cut out for us. They were No. 1 in the nation for practically all season.
“They are a tremendous team. Balanced in all areas. Lots of depth, and lots of weapons. We have to keep the game as simple as we can. Simple and tight.”
Despite the daunting task of facing the Terriers, Butler admits the series victory will pay dividends in the future: particularly when it comes to recruiting players and building on the team’s history.
“We’re not a big-budget team,” said Butler. “We don’t do a lot of transactions. We go with the guys who are with us in the fall. We work with them, and build from there. It was a proud moment for us to have won that playoff series.
“It was our first ever. I know I’ll remember it for a long time.”
