The Sanford Sabres are off to a strong start in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League’s Winnipeg Free Press Division playoffs.
Sanford opened the post-season with back-to-back 6-2 victories over CPET on Feb. 17 and 19 to complete a two-game sweep and advance to the second round.
In Game 1 on Feb. 17, the Sabres set the tone early. Nathan Baxter opened the scoring in the first period from Austin Iliffe. Cooper Rodewald extended the lead in the second, finishing a setup from Dyson Dilk, before Baxter struck again later in the frame from Max Nabess and Nate Young to give Sanford control.
CPET pushed back in the third period with a power-play goal followed by a shorthanded marker to cut into the deficit. The Sabres responded quickly and decisively. Rodewald restored the cushion, Young added another from Rodewald, and Iliffe capped the scoring from Baxter and Colton Boulanger to secure the 6-2 win.
Sanford carried that momentum into Game 2 on Feb. 19, once again earning a 6-2 victory to seal the series.
Rodewald delivered a standout performance, scoring five of the Sabres’ six goals. He opened the scoring from Koston Laramee and Iliffe and added another late in the first period. Rodewald completed his hat trick early in the second and struck twice more in the third, including one from Brayden Strydhorst and Aiden Clarke. Baxter accounted for the other goal, finishing a play set up by Rodewald.
With the sweep, the Sabres advance to face Springfield in the second round. Sanford travels for Game 1 on Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. before returning home for Game 2 on Feb. 26 at 4 p.m.
Sanford to face CJS in MWHSHL playoff series
Sanford does not play this week but will open its next playoff series during the week of March 2 in the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League.
Sanford will face CJS in a best-of-three series beginning March 3 at 4 p.m. on the road. The series then shifts to Sanford for Game 2 on March 5 at 4 p.m.
If necessary, a decisive Game 3 will be played March 6 at 4 p.m., back on CJS home ice.
The series will determine which team advances in the MWHSHL playoffs.
