|
Statistically, the Michigan Warriors, Coulee Region Chill and Aberdeen Wings all have a mathematical chance to qualify for this season's North American Hockey League playoffs.
Realistically, the Warriors are a longshot to make the North Division playoffs while reality should have already set in for the Chill and the Wings in the Central Division.
But fading out of contention or not, someone is always watching and someone is always judging.
To be sure, the way they approach the final six weekends of the regular season could well determine the future for a multitude of players with the Warriors, Chill and Wings.
Michigan hockey boss Moe Mantha, Coulee Region interim coach A.J. Degenhardt and Aberdeen headmaster Travis Winter will no doubt be looking at their potential returnees for next season to see if they continue to give it their all on every shift, even if making the playoffs is not a likely possibility.
Likewise, methinks the college scouts will be watching and judging potential recruits to see what resolve they show when the chips are down.
Right now, for so many players on Michigan, Coulee Region and Aberdeen, it's a matter of showing character and determination even if time may be running out on the regular season.
There's still much to play for, if not for this season, then certainly next.
A lot is on the line for a lot of players, regardless of whether their team makes the playoffs.
In more ways than one, it's never over until it's over.
NET GAINS
Three goalies who were involved in transactions at the February 6 trade deadline are off to good starts with their new NAHL teams.
Paige Skoog made his Soo Eagles debut on the weekend and made 42 saves in a 3-2, shootout win over the Port Huron Fighting Falcons. Making Skoog's performance even-more impressive was the fact that it was his first game since December 29, 2012, when he was with Aberdeen.
Meanwhile, fellow 1994 birth year goalie Zach Nagelvoort, who was traded from the Soo to Aberdeen for Skoog and defenceman J.D. Cotroneo, is unbeaten in two starts with the Wings. Nagelvoort has a 2.40 goals against average and .917 save percentage in his two wins for Aberdeen.
And 1992 birth year goalie Tim Shaughnessy, acquired by Coulee Region from the Jamestown Ironmen for future considerations, has made four starts for the Chill and has a 3-1 record, 2.75 goals against average and .927 save percentage.
| 
