The Vulcans players and coaches stand behind the bench during a shootout in a game in Camrose on Dec. 29. (Vulcans Prince Albert/Facebook)

By Logan Lehmann

Playoff fever

Playoff Preview: Vulcans head coach talks postseason ahead of round one

Feb 18, 2023 | 1:30 PM

After finishing the regular season at the top of the SU18AAHL, the Prince Albert Vulcans now turn their attention to the post-season and get ready to begin their quest for the cup.

The Vulcans enter the playoffs as the number-one seed in the Center Four (North) Division and are set to faceoff against the eighth seed North East, a team they’ve dominated all season having collected three wins against the NE while outscoring them 17-5.

Despite finishing first in the league, head coach of the Vulcans Derek Simonson said the playoffs are a whole new game compared to the regular season.

“Playoffs are a whole different season,” he said. “We have to be prepared to face anyone, whether it’s the eighth-place team or the second-place team, it’s going to be challenging.”

Character development was one of the main themes for the Vulcans this season where Simonson wants to see his players become good members of the community.

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When asked about the focus for the playoffs, he said it’s all about the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

“We really try to impress the importance of the intangibles,” he said. “Being prepared, being ready, having that drive and that passion to win, the work ethic. I think when you draw a parallel to teams that are successful whether it’s at the junior level, minor hockey level, or even the NHL, it’s the intangibles that really are the difference. The skill will only take you so far.”

Game one of the Vulcans journey to the championship begins tonight at 7:15 p.m. inside the Kinsmen Arena. Game two of the best of five is slated for tomorrow afternoon in Melfort at the Northern Lights Palace, before PA returns home for game three on Tuesday.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann