Playoffs Set in Mainland Division
Before I get going here, I want to apologize for the huge delay in blog updates. I have been extremely busy with family, work and hockey that time has been in short supply.
The Mainland Divisional playoffs have been set and will be very hotly contested. The front running Powell River Kings secured themselves a first round bye with some stellar play for the first two thirds of the season and built a lead that was too big for the other three teams on the board.
As for second and third place, well, that is yet to be decided. The Langley Chiefs and Surrey Eagles will battle to the final week of the season to decide who gets home ice in the first round.
The Burnaby Express made things interesting for a while but couldn’t string enough wins in a row to get in to the dance. They will be a team to reckon with for next season with all the young talent and players to come in future considerations. The Trainmen also could have a big hand in who will be the second seed. Burnaby plays Langley twice and Surrey once before the season ends.
Back to the Kings, who will not have to leave Powell River until the second week of March. They play all their games in February at home and will start the second round at the Powell River Recreation Complex. As for things to be decided for the Kings this season is whether or not Darcy Oakes will take back the scoring title from Mark Zengerle before the regular season is complete.
The Chiefs and Eagles have a huge home and home series this coming weekend. Surrey built some momentum over their archrivals with a 4-3 OT win last Friday in Langley. The Birds will still have one game in hand before the weekend. I will break down the Chiefs and Eagles a little more once the season series is over.
If you want to watch some intense hockey this weekend come out to the South Surrey Arena on Friday or the George Preston Rec Centre on Saturday.
ctiggelaar@surreyeagles.ca
