Belleville Senators getting ready for their first trip to the playoffs

The Belleville Senators are getting ready to embark on their first trip to the playoffs in their five-year franchise history.

Belleville finished off the regular season on Saturday with a 5-2 win against the Toronto Marlies.

The Senators finished off the regular season sitting in fourth in the AHL’s North Division standings . That sets them up for a first round series with the Rochester Americans who finished fifth. The playoff series between the two teams will be a best-of-three format.

The series will open in Rochester on Wednesday. Game two will take place in Belleville on Friday. Belleville will also host game three if it is needed on Sunday. The winning team will then move on to face the top ranked Utica Comets in a best-of-five matchup.

The Belleville Senators held a press conference this afternoon.

Head Coach Troy Mann said that from a franchise perspective, a trip to the playoffs has been a long time coming. He noted that the team has been battling for a playoff spot since February.

Belleville Senators Captain Logan Shaw echoed Mann’s comments.

“We still have a lot to prove. I think we finished the year off well, but we do have a young team and its going to be a challenging playoff run for us but I think we have the motivation and we have the guys in here that are looking forward to doing it,” said Belleville Senators Captain Logan Shaw.

The Belleville Senators also released a statement announcing who won their team awards.

Winners:

• MVP: Jake Lucchini, who was the only player to appear in all the regular season games this year.
• Defenceman of the Year: Lassi Thomson, who made his NHL debut in November and played 16 games for the top club.
• Rookie of the Year: Mads Sogaard, who made his NHL debut in April.
• Players Choice Award: Colby Williams, who is in his sixth AHL season.
• Coaches’ Choice Award: Mark Kastelic, who is in his second year in the league.
• Man of the Year: Frederic Lemay, video coach also acted this year as the services coordinator, dealing with booking accommodations and meals , and player moves between the two clubs.