BCHL team reports
February 22, 2013
Posted in BC Edition, Junior A
By / Brent Mutis
All but two playoff teams have been determined with the Langley Rivermen currently fending-off the Coquitlam Express for the final spot in the Mainland and the Salmon Arm SilverBacks trying to maintain their grasp with the Trail Smoke Eaters closing in. The red-hot Merritt Centennials have won five straight and have closed to within six points of first-place Penticton and the Cents have two games in hand.
ISLAND DIVISION
Alberni Valley Bulldogs – Just three points back of Nanaimo, the ’Dogs could secure home-ice in the first round of the playoffs in they finish well. Alberni seems to be getting it’s house in order defence-wise as they’re now on the plus side of the goal differential. Hunter Stewart has an impressive seven goals in five games.
Cowichan Valley Capitals – Not surprisingly, on Feb. 16, the Caps were the first BCHL team eliminated from playoff contention. Cowichan Valley was competitive in two of three recent road games but blown leads cost them both times. Garrett Skrbich’s six goals in six games have not been enough to keep the Caps afloat.
Nanaimo Clippers – Without the services of Aaron Hadley and Michael McNicholas in recent weeks, the Clips have still managed to maintain their grip on second in the Island Division. Hometown boy Greg Fraser has picked up the slack in a major way with 12 points in his last seven games.
Powell River Kings – Recent results have been alarming for the Kings with 15 goals against in two home games but the sheer lack of games left eliminated Cowichan Valley, handing the Kings a playoff spot. They’re almost guaranteed to face Victoria and will need superhuman efforts from forward J.P. Villeneuve and goalie Jonah Imoo if they’re to threaten the Grizz.
Victoria Grizzlies – It’s been win one, lose one for the Grizz through February but they’ve almost wrapped up first place anyway. Losing Myles Fitzgerald for the last week due to injury has hurt as he was the hottest player in the league and briefly held the scoring lead. Victoria has also been without Gerry Fitzgerald since Jan. 20.
INTERIOR DIVISION
Merritt Centennials – The Cents’ five-game winning streak has included two wins over first-place Penticton and they’ve got the Vees looking over their shoulders. They’ve only allowed seven goals against during the streak and goalies Tyler Steel and Russell Sanderson have each posted shutouts along the way.
Penticton Vees – They’ve beaten everyone not named Merritt in February and have racked-up 28 goals in their four wins this month. Wade Murphy has 16 points in his last six games but was held off the scoresheet by Merritt both times they played. Penalty killing has been strong and the Vees have gone shorthanded less than any other team.
Salmon Arm SilverBacks – Losses in five straight have made it pretty hot under the Gorillas’ collars and Trail has closed to within two points. The ’Backs’ March schedule is no picnic either with all five games on the road. Goalie Adam Clark will need to rediscover the form he’s had most of the season to give this team a shot.
Trail Smoke Eaters – The Smokies are fortunate Salmon Arm did nothing with all the games in hand they had and they now have a realistic shot at the postseason. Despite the fact four of their five final games are at home, four are against Penticton and the other is against Merritt.
Vernon Vipers – Though they’re mathematically still alive, it’s looking like a second straight year with no playoffs for the Snakes. Some bright spots include the production of Mason Blacklock since arriving from Surrey and Dexter Dancs has been decent too since coming over from Penticton.
West Kelowna Warriors – The Tribe secured their playoff berth with a win on Feb. 16 but it looks like they’ll finish third in the Interior, which means they’ll start the postseason on the road. Marcus Basara has been heroic down the stretch with 14 points in seven games. Captain Max French also has 10 points in his last five.
MAINLAND DIVISION
Chilliwack Chiefs – Wins on Feb. 15 and 16 appear to signal the Chiefs have righted themselves after losses in four of five to begin February. Especially big was the Feb. 16 win over Surrey, sending the message the Chiefs can handle the team that recently overtook them. Austin Plevy was big in that victory with three points.
Coquitlam Express – The role of spoiler goes to the Express as it looks like they won’t make the postseason despite the mathematical possibility. They’ve been pretty good at raining on some parades too with recent wins over Chilliwack and Surrey. Will Cook’s recent return in a positive.
Langley Rivermen – Langley has looked great at times and struggled at others in February but the fourth and final playoff spot is theirs if they can make the most of the remaining schedule. It’ll be a challenge with four games against Chilliwack and two others in Prince George. Mario Puskarich is in the driver’s seat for a scoring title right now.
Prince George Spruce Kings – P.G. seems destined for third place as they’re eight points back of second and eight points up on fourth. They’ll finish the season with four straight games at home including two against rival Langley. Cam Lawson has been on fire lately with eight points in three games.
Surrey Eagles – An Island road trip plus another game against Cowichan Valley seem a favourable finish to the season for Surrey and if they can make good, they should host Games 1 and 2 of the first playoff round. The season’s final days would be a good time to ramp up the 14th-rated powerplay.
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