By Justin Pelletier,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Due to a winter storm that moved across the region Tuesday afternoon, both Class A regional hockey final games were postponed to this evening.

Contrary to a plan previously outlined by the Maine Principal’s Association, the games will both be played at the Cumberland County Civic Center, beginning at 6 p.m.

“At the time we made the schedule, we didn’t know that the Civic Center would be available, so we scheduled around it,” said MPA hockey committee chairman Mike Haley of Leavitt Area High School. “When we found out that it was available, it was an easy decision. It keeps things neutral for all of the teams.”

Originally, the MPA had scheduled the Eastern Class A final to move to the Colisee in Lewiston, while the Western Class A final was going to Bowdoin College.

Greely and Cape Elizabeth will play for the Western B title tonight at the Colisee.

With the extra day off, both Lewiston and St. Dom’s practiced for an extra hour Tuesday afternoon, fine-tuning a few things before their big games.

“We basically just went over the same things we did yesterday,” said St. Dom’s coach Bob Boucher. “As far as an advantage, both teams get the extra day, so I don’t think it’s going to make a difference.” Lewiston also had a full practice, acting on theories the coaches had explained the day before.

“We were able to fine-tune everything,” said Lewiston coach Tim Smith. “We got a few extra things in on the ice that we had only had a chance to do on the chalkboard, so it was beneficial in that way.”

With the early cancellation (MPA officials called off the game before 10 a.m.), Bangor, which was going to make the trip regardless and stay overnight if necessary, remained at home.

“We get to have the same schedule (today) that we had (yesterday),” said Bangor coach Dan Kerluke. “Both teams I am sure were prepared for yesterday, and at this point in the season you’d hope everyone is ready to go. It’s just an extra day, an extra day to rest and an extra day to get excited.”