With the first round of the Long Lake Hockey League (LLHL) and provincial “C” playoffs behind them, the Davidson Cyclones senior men’s hockey team is set to face off with opponents much more difficult to handle.

The Cyclones recently made short work of the Nokomis Chiefs in the first round of the LLHL playoffs beating the club two games to nothing in a three-game series. The first round of provincials last week against the Loreburn 19ers wasn’t much different as Davidson crushed their neighbour to the west by a total of 17 goals to three in a two-game total goals wins series.

Now it gets interesting.

The Cyclones (13-9 during the regular season, finishing third in the LLHL standings) will face the LeRoy Braves (13-7-0-2, second in the LLHL) in the second round of the LLHL playoffs. In the second round of the provincial playoffs, Davidson is taking to the ice against the Kyle Elks (17-2-0-1 in the Sask. Valley Hockey League) in a rematch of the provincial “C” championships of last season.

“It’s going to be a tough series (against LeRoy),” said Jason Shaw, head coach of the Cyclones. “They’re a good hockey team. Hopefully we get some guys back and give them a go. With playing them and Kyle, they are both good teams, so we’ll have to play well to beat them, but I think we have as good a chance as any.”

Shaw said the club would have to get some players back from injuries and suspensions as well as just ice a full lineup if they hope to have a chance against LeRoy and Kyle.

Davidson has failed so far throughout the season at times to dress the needed, at least, nine forwards and five defencemen to make a good showing in tough games.

Cyclones forward Pat Cey is expected back for the second game against the Elks Feb. 22 at the Davidson Rink, but Kevin Johnson’s status is still up in the air. Johnson received an indefinite suspension after a fight in the 19ers game and it is not known when he might be allowed back.

As for injuries, Cyclones captain and second leading scorer Derek Allan is still out with a knee injury and there is no timetable for his return.

“We’re had to move some defencemen up to forward (against Nokomis Feb. 12) because of injuries and suspensions,” said Shaw. “We’re just trying to put together the best lineup we can and see how it goes.”

The two-game provincial “C” total goals wins series against the Elks goes this week, while there is no schedule set for the Cyclones three-game series against the Braves as of yet.