WELLAND - Allan Cup Hockey fans who plan to head down to the Whale Tank Saturday night can expect to see an intense battle between the Welland Whalers and Whitby Dunlops.

This weekend’s matchup is not only the final game of the regular season for the Whalers — it will also give Welland a chance to play in a wild card series against Orillia and, ultimately, a chance to compete against Brantford Blast, the first-place team in the ACH league, Welland team owner Tim Toffolo said.

This year’s playoff structure is different from previous years, said Toffolo, who learned that if the fourth- and fifth-place stand within five points of each other, they’ll have a shot at the playoffs.

Orillia stands fourth in the league with a record of seven wins and 15 losses for a total of 14 points.

Following closely behind is Welland with four wins and 18 losses for a total of nine points.

If Welland wins Saturday night’s game, the team will advance to host Orillia Monday at Orillia with the puck dropping at 2:30 p.m.

“This will be a great game,” Toffolo said about the Whalers’ battle against Whitby.

“Fans should be paying attention to find out what happens to see if they advance to Monday’s game.”

Reflecting on the first season for Niagara’s newest hockey team, Toffolo said he is pleased with Welland’s performance.

“We’ve had a great competitive year — all of the men on our team have shown that they can compete.”

Toffolo said the team “has been on the wrong side of a few losses” but the Whalers have come a long way since they started in October.

“The teams have commented to us that when they play us, they have to work hard to beat us.”

About whether Welland would have a chance to compete in the playoffs, Toffolo said he wasn’t sure.

“Come out and attend Saturday’s game because it’s going to be a good one,” he said.