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After dropping a hard-fought contest in game one, Carter Cowlthorp and the Boissevain Border Kings are looking to even the series against Hartney Sunday.
"I think it was a really good game," Cowlthorp said of game one of the best of five Western Semi-Final. "I thought we played really well, we had some chances and we stuck to our structure. We played how we wanted too. It came down to some bounces that went their way, but overall, we were pretty happy with how we played. If we continue how we played heading into the rest of the series, we'll be okay."
Often times in the playoffs, games can be decided by special teams and that's an area where Cowlthrop believes his team can take a step heading into Sunday's contest. "If you can get the power play rolling, it can make the difference. We want to capitalize on the opportunities we get. On the flip side, we have to stay out of the box. If we can limit their chances, it can go a long way."
Three different goal-scorers found the back of the net for Boissevain in game one and for Cowlthorp and company, the depth on their team maybe isn't respected like it should be. "I think it's something that get's overlooked," the local product says. "We're a young team but we are deep. We like to think we have four lines that can play and it makes a difference when you have all four contributing, it can be a difference maker."
Alongside Tyler Dittmer, Cowlthorp says that connection has grown and he's learned from the veteran forward. "He's been great," Cowlthorp says with a smile. "He's been in the league for quite some time, he played a lot of hockey, so he's a lot of fun to play with. He's a smart player and knows a lot. It's been great getting to play with him and hopefully we can keep it going for a few more weeks here."
In his first year in the Tiger Hills Hockey League, Cowlthorp enjoyed a strong regular season and he's happy to be back home. "It's been a lot of fun. My first year in the league and just getting to come back in the town in, grew up in with guys I grew up with, it's been amazing. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to keep doing it. It makes it easy when you enjoy coming to the rink every couple of days with the guys. It's been a fun year."
Growing up in the area, there's some built in rivalries with communities and players that go back years, something that players like Cowlthorp and others in the THHL really enjoy about the league. "Honestly, it's so much fun. It also speaks to the strength of the league. There are no easy nights in this league. It makes it fun when you're competing every night with guys from local communities who are bought in. They want to represent their community like we want to, makes it great."
That community support means the world to Cowlthorp and his teammates. "It's been so huge," he says proudly. "It makes a huge difference for us when people buy in and want to support us. It's my first year in Boissevain but it's been so great and it means a lot."
With game two set for Sunday, a cool and calm Cowlthorp believes his team doesn't have to change too much to find success. "Just stick to what we do, stick to our systems and we'll be okay. If we play hard and capitalize on our opportunities, I think we'll be okay."
Game 2 is on Sunday in Hartney at 8:00 pm.