It’s a do-or-die game tonight for the Prince Rupert Rampage who take on the Williams Lake Stampeders in game two of their round 1 playoff series tonight at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre Arena.
The Rampage enter the game looking to even the series 1-1 after losing 8-4 to the Stampeders on Jan. 27 in Williams Lake. Head coach Roger Atchison said the team did not play a complete game in that first game, and a full, three-period effort would be required for the Rampage to extend their season.
READ MORE: Rupert Rampage drop game one to the Stampeders
“Tonight we’ve got to come out, play a full 60 minutes and see where the cards lie,” he said.
With their game one loss, the Rampage have a 1-3 record against the Stampeders this season. However, each of the regular season games were overtime games with the home side coming out on top. Atchison said he hopes that playing in front of a loud home crowd will give his team the edge it needs to force a game three.
“I think we need a good effort and some good fan support and I think we’ll be in the battle,” he said.
READ MORE: Rampaging toward the playoffs
Atchison said goalie Dave Wood — who is currently nursing a groin injury — will participate in warm-ups and will be a game time decision for the start. If Wood is unable to play, Brett Roth will get the start.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre Arena. Game three, if necessary, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre Arena.
matthew.allen@thenorthernview.com
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