The PO matchups from our division are here, the other side from the Okanagan didn't want to play games in our division this year, at least the majority of them didn't, so I have no idea how they will do... the numbers say Osoyoos, Summerland and Chase may win, but remember last year, no one I know was picking 100.
Fernie vs Kimberley
Last year in game one the Riders were blasted 6-0 by the Dynamiters, after that game the coaches convinced the boys to play a lot more physical and from then on it was much closer, but they still lost in five. I believe the lesson was learned... but we'll find out in the next week or so.
Both teams won 4 games this year and one of them even featured a line brawl that resulted in a few suspensions. So I expect some fan friendly action coming up.
Kimberley had an easier time scoring this year and have a better GAA but to me it is a 50/50 series, the Riders could even win 4 straight, or the opposite... who want's it more is the question... Kimbo is not as good as last season and Fernie is a little better equipped to win this season... but they sure could use a couple of D men back from the injury list.
That being said, first year HC Derek Stuart has done a great job of recruiting after losing the heart of his team last summer, I'd even consider him for Coach of the Year, if I had a vote, Creston's Jeff Dubois had a huge recruiting advantage being the Cyclone Taylor host and finished first, so he'll probably get the votes, and it will be well deserved.
Creston vs Invermere
The CVT just finished up the season with a pair of wins over CVR and only lost 1 game to them all year. The Rockies have played better lately but the numbers and a healthy Brock Lefebvre just scream Creston, maybe even in 4
Beaver Valley vs Grand Forks
The Hawks had a 16 game streak going then lost two in a row to Kimberley and Fernie. But like Creston the Hawks are a first place team, (first overall), and will probably roll over the Bruins quickly, plus they have Tallon Kramer in net, he had the best numbers for a goalie when you consider the number of games he played. The Bruins Brady Berger and Dylan Haney and BV's Sam Swanson are all suspended to open the series but the Hawks are deeper and will absorb that better than GFBB.
All you mathematicians can add this up, but remember the Bruins won a game and tied a game and went into OT as well.
Castlegar vs Nelson
Nelson, who are on a 3 game win streak were here in Fernie a few games ago so I got a look at them for the first time this season. They came back from the dead earlier in the season after trading I think 9 guys or something and have enough good players to surprise the Rebels... but they take too many PIM. They will start the series with three guys out with suspensions.
Meanwhile the Rebels who are on a 6 game win streak got away with one when their goalie Chandler Billinghurst speared a Bruin player (Grambo) in the face last Friday... the video was all over Twitter... There was no suspension... incredibly...
The Rebels also have top scorers John Moller and Logan Styler who won the KIJHL scoring title with 80 points and they beat the Leafs 6 times this year... Math geniuses say it adds up to a Rebels, BV Murdoch final.
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