Bogatyrev pleased with Seattle run

[Bojovnik 487]

The Seattle Bears have made the VHL Playoffs. For many, this was to be expected, although for many on the Bears, the past two seasons have characterized by struggles. After a late-season surge that followed the tread deadline acquisitions of Vasile Lamb and Tavish DeGroot, the Bears secured fifth spot in the North American Conference, setting up a Wild Card match-up with the Chicago Phoenix.

 

The series was a back and forth affair, unlike the European Wild Card matchup that saw the Riga Reign sweep the Warsaw Predators. Both teams traded games at home to leave the series tied 2-2 heading into the all-important decider, that was held in Chicago.

 

In Game 4, the Phoenix dominated the Bears 5-0, leaving many pundits expecting the Illinois side to secure a convincing victory and march their way to a match up with the Vancouver Wolves. However, Seattle goaltender Dusty Wilson had something to say about that. The Seattle shot stopper made a total of 26 saves in regulation to keep his shutout intact. It just so happened that Cole Pearce in the Chicago net did exactly the same, sending the game into overtime with the score at 0-0.

 

The Bears dominated in the extra frame, outshooting the Phoenix by a tally of 15-6, and with two minutes left to play in the first overtime, rookie forward Randy Bobandy fired home to win the game, and the series, for the Seattle Bears.

 

With the win, the Bears go one step further than they did last season, when they were swept out of the Wild Card round by the eventual Continental Cup winners, the Vancouver Wolves.

 

“It’s a fantastic experience to win this series and to make it into the playoffs. For us, it’s been a grind all season, but now we’re starting to see the rewards for our hard work. Management took a risk and gave us the help we needed with the new guys strengthening the roster, and I think we’re now playing the best hockey that I’ve seen us play since I joined the team for S86,” Russian forward Yaroslav Bogatyrev said.

Despite the optimism, the next stage will spring many challenges for the Seattle Bears. They are set to take on the Vancouver Wolves, the dominant team in the North American Conference in the regular season. However, Bogatyrev said that the Bears were out for revenge after the beating put on them this time last season.

 

“We know that Seattle are a great hockey team, but we have a point to prove. No-one was happy with how last season ended, and now it’s time for us to regain our pride. At the end of the day, I think that if we give 100%, and if every player is committed, we can match up against Seattle well. Of course, if Dusty continues to play as he’s been doing, we have a chance in every game. The opportunity is there for us to really go on a big playoff run this season, and we simply have to take it, no questions,” Bogatyrev added.