Playoff Series Preview: Tugboats vs M Vikings
The second-seeded Mile High Mavin Tugboats face off against the third-seeded Manitou Vikings in a best-of-three series in the Rocky Mountain West Division playoffs. The winner will advance to the division final on March 9, 2025, against either the top-seeded Pikes Peak Thunder or fourth-seeded Golden Fire.
The Tugboats dominated the regular season series, winning all four matchups against the Vikings and outscoring them 22-5 in their last two meetings alone. However, playoff hockey is a different game, and the Vikings will be looking to pull off an upset with a strong defensive effort.
Regular Season Head-to-Head
Date | Matchup | Score |
---|---|---|
Mar 1 | Manitou Vikings vs. Mile High Mavin Tugboats | 0 - 5 (Tugboats Win) |
Mar 1 | Manitou Vikings vs. Mile High Mavin Tugboats | 1 - 7 (Tugboats Win) |
Oct 20 | Mile High Mavin Tugboats vs. Manitou Vikings | 7 - 4 (Tugboats Win) |
Oct 20 | Mile High Mavin Tugboats vs. Manitou Vikings | 3 - 0 (Tugboats Win) |
🔹 Tugboats have dominated this matchup all season
🔹 Vikings need to find an answer for the Tugboats' offense
🔹 Goaltending will be the key to any potential upset
Mile High Mavin Tugboats (2nd Seed) – The Offensive Powerhouse
The Tugboats enter the playoffs as one of the highest-scoring teams in the division. Their relentless attack and deep roster of offensive threats make them a strong contender for a championship run.
Key Players
🔥 Billy Fricke (#3, F) – The team’s leading scorer, Fricke put up 23 points (18G, 5A) in 18 games. If he gets going early, the Vikings could be in trouble.
🔥 Nick McDonnell (#85, D) – A two-way defenseman, McDonnell had 21 points (14G, 7A) in 16 games and provides a strong presence at both ends of the rink.
🔥 Aaron Pilkington (#1, F) – Another key playmaker, Pilkington recorded 16 points (9G, 7A) in 14 games, adding secondary scoring depth to the Tugboats’ attack.
Goaltending Strength
- Jeremiah Record (#39, G) – 10-1 record, 2.54 GAA, .836 SV%, 2 shutouts
Record has been one of the most consistent goalies in the division. If he continues his solid play, it will be tough for the Vikings to generate enough offense to compete.
Manitou Vikings (3rd Seed) – The Defensive Underdogs
The Vikings enter the playoffs as clear underdogs, but they have the talent to make this a competitive series. Their defense-first mentality will be critical to slowing down the high-powered Tugboats offense.
Key Players
⚡ Jason Ingrum (#12, F) – The Vikings’ top offensive weapon, Ingrum had 18 points (14G, 4A) in 17 games. If the Vikings want a chance in this series, Ingrum will need to step up and lead the charge.
⚡ Bryan Higney (#11, D) – A strong two-way defender, Higney recorded 17 points (11G, 6A) in 18 games. He will play a crucial role in shutting down the Tugboats’ top scorers.
⚡ Danny Anderson (#15, F) – A reliable forward, Anderson had 17 points (10G, 7A) in 18 games. He’ll need to find ways to generate offense despite Pikes Peak’s defensive pressure.
Goaltending Concerns
- Sean Oram (#1, G) – 6-11 record, 4.79 GAA, .737 SV%, 1 shutout
Oram has had an up-and-down season, struggling against high-powered offenses. He’ll need to elevate his game if the Vikings are going to pull off an upset.