Week 16 Preview: Crucial matchups in the 15 Only division

ASTON, Penn. — It should be a weekend of hotly contested action in the 15 Only division. With the playoffs finally appearing on the horizon, each game has never been more important as teams will have to play their best hockey to make a push down the stretch. 

New Jersey Jr. Titans vs. Philadelphia Little Flyers (Premier)

This matchup features two clubs that are each in very different positions, but this game is equally important to them both. The Titans are currently in fourth place in the division, and just one game back from third place. This game represents an enormous opportunity for them to make up that gap and push for pole position in the playoffs. For the Flyers, they’re currently towards the bottom of the leaderboard and short on time. If they’re going to make a run, they must start putting some wins together soon. 

New York Saints vs. Long Island Royals (Premier) 

These two teams are in similar need of a winning streak if they want to make some noise in this division. The 1-13 Saints have a long, long climb ahead of them, but the Royals have a clear path to the top of the division if things break right for them. They’re 6-8, good for eighth place, but they’re only one game out of seventh and potentially, two games out of fifth. If they can get a win streak going, this weekend could serve as a season-saving catalyst for the Royals. 

WB/Scranton Jr. Knights vs. Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier)

The Knights are on a roll. They’re currently 10-4, third in the division, and have scored 75 goals while allowing only 31. They’re still two games out of second place, but they’re making a real push to unseat the Junior Flyers for that number two spot. To do that, they’ll have to avoid the upset against the Philadelphia Hockey Club. The PHC are 4-9, so they’ve clearly got some ground to make up in the division, but a big win over a top rated adversary could be just what the doctor ordered to spark some momentum. Can PHC score the upset? Their season may depend on it.