BRIGHTON -- The Campbellford Rebels fell short of the playoffs, but east Northumberland won't be without representation in this year's Junior C post season dance.

Brighton native Adam Vandertoorn has captained the Port Hope Panthers all season, his fifth and final year of junior hockey after stops in Trenton and Colborne. Port Hope finished third in the six team Empire B Junior C Hockey League, setting them up for a first round battle with the second place Amherstview Jets.

The two teams met on Saturday, Feb. 13, in Port Hope in a preview of what will surely be a hotly contested series. The Jets managed a 7-6 win, clinching home ice advantage for the first round in a game that was dominated by aggressive play. Five on five play was rare in the game as both teams took turns filling their respective penalty box.

The Panthers and Jets have been at each other's throats all year. Combine that with the high stakes of the playoffs, and you can be sure that the coming series will be a war.

"Every time we play, there's always stuff going on. Sometimes guys get a hate on for each other. That happens in hockey," said Vandertoorn. "It will make for an exciting series."

Both teams played with fire on Saturday night, but it was the Panthers who paid the price. Four of the Jets goals were scored on the power play, while one was shorthanded. Even if both teams shore up their disciplinary issues in time for the series, special teams will surely be a factor.

"We need to stay out of the penalty box or we're going to lose (the series)," said Vandertoorn.

That's where his role as captain comes in. The Brighton native hopes to use the experience and reputation he has earned in his five years of junior hockey to steer his team away from trouble in the coming battle.

"The captain's role changes a little bit (in the playoffs). I need to step up a little more and try my best to keep the guys focused," he said. "(But) the plan is still the same. We all know what we need to do."

Vandertoorn played four years of Junior A hockey for the franchise formerly known as the Trenton Sting, the Quinte West Pack and the Trenton Hercs. When the Hercs folded before the end of last season, Vandertoorn had the opportunity to finish the season with another Tier Two team, but instead opted to move down a level to the Junior C Colborne Cobras. Doing so made him eligible to finish his junior career this season in Port Hope, and now that the season is nearing its end, he has no regrets.

"I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'm glad I made the move," he said. "It gave me another year of hockey with a great bunch of guys."

And now, like any hockey player facing his final shot at glory, he has only one thing on his mind.

"I want to go the whole way. We have what it takes."