LUCAN – The Lucan Ilderton Jets lead the Tillsonburg Thunder three games to one in their second-round playoff series after a pair of weekend games, and can put the series to rest with a win tonight (Wednesday) on the road.

The Jets dropped a 5-3 decision Friday night in Lucan but bounced back with a 2-0 win Saturday night in Tillsonburg.

Tillsonburg finished first in the WOAA South Division during the regular season while Lucan Ilderton was fourth.  

Friday's game was tied 1-1 after the first period, with Joey Pikul scoring the lone Jets goal.
Lucan Ilderton jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the second period due to shorthanded goals from Derek Whitehead and Pikul.

The Jets committed seven penalties in a row to close the third period, and surrendered four goals in the final seven minutes, suffering the loss.

"They were playing our goaltender (KJ Robinson) very aggressive," said Jets general manager Rob Andrews in an interview. "KJ's been playing really well, and to try and get him off his game they've been trying to keep pretty close to him, which led to our guys to trying to move them out.

"Right or wrong, we paid the price in the end."

The Jets regrouped in Saturday night's game, leading 1-0 after the second period thanks to a Whitehead goal and winning 2-0.

Scott Mezenberg scored the Jets' other goal, and Robinson shut the door the rest of the way.
"We definitely feel a lot better now than if we would have come out of Tillsonburg on the weekend being tied at two games apiece," Andrews said.

"Hopefully the guys will come with the right attitude for Wednesday night ...  But they didn't finish in first place for no reason. They're a good team. We have to be prepared, we have to play our systems the way our coaches have put in place, and outwork them."

Andrews said the Jets outworked Tillsonburg Saturday night, despite having a short lineup.  He tipped his hat to Jets player Ryan Fletcher, who logged heavy minutes in the victory.

If tonight's game ends in a Tillsonburg win, Game 6 will take place Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre.

Visit www.woaasrhockey.com or www.lijets.com to learn if Game 6 will take place.