The Parkland Rangers finally know who they will face in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League quarterfinals.

The Rangers clinched fifth place, thanks to the Winnipeg Wild’s 5-2 win over the Southwest Cougars on Sunday, setting up a first-round match up with the Yellowhead Chiefs.

Game one of the best-of-five goes Thursday in Shoal Lake, with game two in Dauphin, Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Rangers head coach Tyler Carefoot is expecting a gritty, in-your-face type of series.

“The Chiefs have proven to be a tough out all season. They are used to playing tight games, 2-1 and 3-2, so we have to be prepared to get greasy,” he said.

Carefoot added the Rangers have the edge offensively with more scoring depth and he really likes his team’s defence.

“And if we get goaltending like our last game, we are going to be tough to play against,” he added. “This group of Rangers have put pride back in the jersey. Hopefully, we can go on a run to generate even more excitement for the program. We’re just happy to not only be in the playoffs, but I think it’s safe to say that we’re mostly happy to be facing our arch rivals.”

Yellowhead is a gritty team that is tough to play against. What they lack in offence they make up for with strong goaltending and defence.

“They’re always in your face, so we have to match that. I like our D. I think we’re a little more offensive minded than they are. But once you get into the playoffs, it’s about sand paper and grit and minimizing turnovers. So we’re going to have to do a better job of that,” he said. “I think it’s going to be close. I think they’re going to be close games and we have to expect that. Hopefully we find ways to score more goals than them.”

The rest of the best-of-five series has yet to be scheduled.