Newfoundland Growlers begin ECHL playoffs on home ice with a win

The Newfoundland Growlers are back in the hunt for the Kelly Cup, as the team returns to the ECHL playoffs this weekend for the first time since winning the championship in 2019. 

"You work all year for this time," said Coach Eric Wellwood. "We finally made it to the dance, and we're looking forward to it."

The St. John's-based team is facing off against the Trois-Rivières Lions in a first round playoff series, with the Growlers winning Friday night's opening game at Mary Brown's Centre by a score of 7-4.

The Lions are a familiar opponent for the Growlers, with the teams having played against each other 14 times this season, and while the Growlers may have won 10 of those games, Wellwood said the Quebec team looks totally different now.  

"Throughout the year, their lineup has changed drastically. Coming into this series, they've added a lot of key guys that are very, very good." Wellwood said

The coach said it's going to take some adjustments to win against the new Lions lineup, but he said his team is looking forward to the challenge.

"Even though you're in the playoffs, it's still another long ways to go and it's going to be a grind of a battle just getting through these guys. So, the boys are looking forward to it."

Wellwood said it's a big deal to be able to start the playoffs on their home ice. 

"It's nice to be sleeping in your own bed right now, knowing the arena staff," he said. 

Although the Growlers had a solid regular season on the ice, the team was rocked by the death of mascot Chris Abbott. Wellwood said they're dedicating the playoffs to 'Abbo,' who played Buddy the Puffin for more than 27 years.

"He played such a key role in this community," he said. "I was only able to know him for four or five months,