The Pembroke Lumber Kings have clinched a spot in the 2025 CCHL playoffs ending off a season of ups and downs, the biggest blow coming just this past week with the untimely death of longtime team supporter and broadcaster Jamie Bramburger.
Alex Armstrong wears many hats as Head Coach, General Manager and Team Owner and Armstrong know only too well that making the playoffs isn’t just the end of the regular season, but the start of where the hard work begins. Armstrong has been at the helm since taking over the team from Dale McTavish in 2019 after having skated with the Trenton Sting, The Smiths Falls Bears and a handful of other teams.
The Pembroke Memorial Centre has seen a lot of hockey since its first game in 1951, and Armstrong acknowledges that playing at home, especially during the playoffs, can be daunting for players and coaches alike:
The Kings are set to play their final regular season game on Sunday March 16th as they host the Carleton Place Canadians where The Kings are poised to finish in third place in their division only one win behind second place Smiths Falls. Always an offensively tough team, The Kings have a handful of standout players this year but topping the list of snipers is Jason Alegria who scored his 50th regular season goal this past week – no small task says Coach Armstrong
Anyone who knows the game of hockey is well aware that the balance of offense and defense is critical with solid goaltending often becoming the make or break factor. Michael Modelski has been solid between the pipes this season with a 21 and 13 record and an impressive 2.5 GAA ( goals against average) as well as leading the League in save percentage. Modelski will have his work cut out for him as the playoffs tend to turn the heat up on everyone on the ice:
The Playoff schedule for the Kings and the remainder of the League will be posted as soon as the rest of the teams finish up their regular season games by the end of this coming weekend. Fans are encouraged to come on out and support the team throughout this years playoff run. Go Kings Go!
(Written By: Richard Evans)