Western Conference Final

The rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Final is set! The Smiths Falls Rideaus will face off against the defending EOSHL Champions, the Gananoque Islanders, in what promises to be an exciting best-of-five series to determine who will advance to the EOSHL Championship Series!

The Rideaus and Islanders split their regular season series 2-2, with the Islanders narrowly outscoring the Rideaus by one goal, 28-27.

To succeed, the Rideaus will need to find a way to slow down the high-flying Ben Blasko, Kevin Domingue, Ryan Pawlikowski, and reigning 2024 playoff MVP Brock Higgs. These players are especially dangerous on special teams, particularly while shorthanded. The trio of Higgs, Blasko, and Pawlikowski has combined for 3 shorthanded goals in these playoffs.

The Rideaus have balanced their attack with the likes of EOSHL goal-scoring champion (33 goals) and 2024 All-Star MVP Tate Leeson, former EOSHL top defender Brett Costello, and the grit of assistant captain Eric Witzel. There is no shortage of support, as the Rideaus are known for rolling four lines, with every player contributing significantly to the game.

The Gananoque Islanders won’t have the league’s top goaltender from 2024, Jake Kment, who has been out since early in the season due to injury. However, goaltender Alex Lapizzera has stepped up, leading the Islanders to a 5-1-0 record and a big series win over the Western Conference-leading Deseronto Bulldogs. Lapizzera boasts a 3.37 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.

The Rideaus have full confidence in their star goaltender, Dallas Slack, who continues to prove himself as one of the league's best. With highlight-reel saves and a calm, steady demeanor, Slack gives the Rideaus the confidence to take chances up the ice. In these playoffs, Slack has a 4-2 record with a 3.36 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. His ability to play the puck and keep the game flowing has been a key factor in generating offensive opportunities and rushes up the ice.

Will the defending champion Islanders make it back to the EOSHL Championship Series for the fourth consecutive year? Or will the Smiths Falls Rideaus avenge their 2024 loss and make it to the big dance?

Game 1: Sunday, March 16, 5:30 PM, Gananoque & T.L.T.I. Recreation Centre
Game 2: Tuesday, March 18, 7:30 PM, Smiths Falls Memorial Centre
Game 3: Saturday, March 22, 7:30 PM, Smiths Falls Memorial Centre
Game 4: Sunday, March 23, 5:30 PM, Gananoque & T.L.T.I. Recreation Centre*
Game 5: Smiths Falls Memorial Centre*

(*If necessary)