Mooseheads set to embrace underdog role in Q playoffs

An underdog role isn’t phasing the Halifax Mooseheads.

The young team secured the last playoff spot in the QMJHL, and will face the defending champion Drummondville Voltigeurs in the first round.

The Herd finished 16th out of 18 teams in the league with a record of 19-35-8-2, and moved over to the Western Conference’s eighth seed.

Head Coach Andrew Lord says it will be a great experience for the team.

“Despite our record, lately we’re playing some great hockey. We’ve been in every game and lost a few heartbreakers. We’re going to do everything we can to put it all together here and make some noise at the right time,” said Lord, who’s in his first season as the Herd’s bench boss.

The first two games are in Drummondville Friday and Saturday, the series shifts to Halifax Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lord says the fan support at Scotiabank Centre has been amazing this season.

“It’s been awesome to have that every night, no matter the score or the situation. We’re really excited to get going here in playoffs.”

He says it will be a loud atmosphere in Drummondville, and he’s been preparing his team to match up against the elite team, captained by Bridgewater’s Luke Woodworth.

When looking to the future, Lord notes that the team has been growing throughout the year.

“Losing is never easy, but that being said, if you can separate that from our record, I think our growth has been fantastic. Our general manager and staff have done a fantastic job. This time next year, we’ll be applying all these lessons. Our players have grown since the start of the season, and I’m happy with our progress.”

Halifax will be led by over-agers, captain Brady Schultz, forward Braeden MacPhee and goaltender Jacob Steinman.