Load management.

With two lines worth of players 'resting', the remaining contingent of 6 poor souls were left to hold down the fort against the Richmond Hill Riot. As it turned out that number would be reduced to 5 before the end of the first period but more on that later.

The Riot clearly had an edge in speed but some unusually consistent defensive lapses kept the Attack in this one up until the final buzzer. Mark Kealey took advantage burying 4 goals in what turned out to be a 4-5 loss. Those 4 points all put secure the division scoring title with just one game left to be played between the Dirty Schwas and the Bastone.

Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives to take away from this one. The dedication and commitment on display for the full 45-minute battle demonstrated the character of this team - no matter how many bodies show up. There isn't any quit in this team and even with the loss the Attack can head into the playoffs with confidence. Kealey, Koven, Ball, Pospisil, Smitty and Ison made the Riot earn this one - imagine what the game looks like with a couple of fresh legs on the bench.

Ison's status is not looking good - the defenseman went down in the first period with a lower body injury and will not be available for the duration of the playoffs. Should the Attack qualify for the provincials, Ison will be re-evaluated.

The playoff match ups are set with Attack of the Team taking on Team Sleazy in the semi-finals. The winner of that series will play either the Durham Dirty Schwas or the Richmond Hill Riot in a 'best of 3' final.