The Acadie-Bathurst Titan, with three Newfoundlanders in prominent roles in the lineup, take on the Hamilton Bulldogs tonight in Regina, with a place in the Memorial Cup final on the line.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Titan, who take a 2-0 record into their final preliminary-round game against the Bulldogs (1-1), are already guaranteed a berth in at least the semifinal game, but could get a direct bye into the championship contest with a victory over the Ontario Hockey League representatives from Hamilton.
Bathurst’s goaltender is St. John’s native Evan Fitzpatrick, while Gander’s Jordan Maher is a fourth-year centre with the team and overage defenceman Adam Holwell has a plus-three rating through the Titan’s first two wins.
Rookie defenceman Zach Bennett of Bay Roberts is also on Bathurst’s roster, but hasn’t played in the team’s post-season run or at the Memorial Cup, the championship tournament for major junior hockey.
The tourney’s preliminary round ends Wednesday when the host Regina Pats (1-1) take on the Western Hockey League champion Swift Current Broncos (0-2).
Bathurst would have secured a place in Sunday’s championship match had the Broncos defeated the Bulldogs Monday, but Hamilton came away with a 2-1 decision.
Titan, with Newfoundland trio in the lineup, look to clinch spot in Memorial Cup final tonight
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