Players, coaches and fans right across Ontario are counting down the hours before the puck drops at Sadlon Arena on Tuesday night.
The head coach of the Barrie Colts, Marty Williamson, told CTV News before Game 1 that the series was a ‘coin flip’.
This is Game 7. Fans anticipate the seventh and deciding game—excitement is certainly starting to brew as the final hours tick down.
Hockey fans will get to enjoy the experience on Barrie’s home ice. “We’ve seen what works against these guys, so we just gotta kind of stick to that and see what happens,” said one Colts player entering the ice for practice on Tuesday.
The excitement surrounding the ‘do-or-die game 7’ has everyone buzzing in the city. Some fans picking up their tickets early Tuesday morning, ready for the intense atmosphere.
“Game 7, it’s the ultimate. I mean, crash and bang and shoot and score,” shared a Colts fan.
Coaches and players were on the ice for an early morning practice on Tuesday. The players say they have dreamt of this moment for years and can’t wait to do it at home.
“We’ll feed off their energy for sure. I think the fans have been amazing all year. The support we get from these fans in Barrie all year has been unbelievable. You know, we’re excited to be here at home and play in front of our fans tonight (Tuesday night),” said one Colts player, ready to bring the evening heat.
“There’s heroes, there’s villains, there’s everything that happens in a Game 7—you know, happens in 60 minutes or longer. And that’s what makes it so exciting. Everything is about tonight. (Tuesday night) You know, there’s nothing about Game Four, there’s no other game after that. Everything is about tonight,” said Williamson.
Sam Hillebrandt is expected to get the start in net for Barrie. The players say they know the Colts and Kingston are a close matchup.
Coach Williamson telling CTV News Tuesday that this is a big opportunity for his players, and he can’t wait to get the game started—admitting even after all his years in hockey, he still gets a little excited and nervous for Game 7’s.
Barrie Colts and Kingston Frontenacs hit home ice on 7 p.m., Tuesday.
