This is posted on the Junior Hockey.ca website:
DAILY DISH: BCHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW - 1st ROUND Canadian Junior Hockey News
Published: Tuesday, 27 Feb 2018
By: Stephen Heisler, JuniorHockey.com
Canada’s British Columbia Hockey League pairings for the 1st Round of the Playoffs are set so today we’ll get a closer look and even make some not so bold predictions. Let the fun begin!
MAINLAND DIVISION
#1 Prince George Spruce Kings vs. #4 Chilliwack Chiefs – On paper this matchup looks like it would be very easy to assume that the Spruce Kings have the advantage. That’s the thing about hockey; games are not played on paper. I still can’t figure out how such a talent rich team like Chilliwack could get their way to the playoffs as a #4 seed. The other issue I see is the fact that the Chiefs ticket to the Royal Bank Cup has already been punched as the home team. There’s a ton of hockey that could be played before now on then so maybe Chilliwack puts the pedal to the metal now that the playoffs are beginning. MY PICK: Chilliwack
#2 Langley Rivermen vs. #3 Surrey Eagles – The Rivermen and Eagles know each other about as well as twin brothers could. It’s going to be difficult for either team to pull a surprise on the other and that means it’s going to come down to what team wants it more. MY PICK: Langley
ISLAND DIVISION
#1 Victoria Grizzlies vs. #4 Alberni Valley Bulldogs – No team should ever go into a playoff series suffering from over confidence. This is certainly one match-up where Victoria has to stay focused and refuse to allow the Bulldogs to stay in it. MY PICK: Victoria
#2 Nanaimo Clippers vs. #3 Powell River Kings – This is going to be one of the most exciting series to watch. Like Langley-Surrey, these teams know each other a little too well. That’s not only the players, but also goes for the staffs, parents, and supporters. When bitter rivals go at it in the playoffs, the intensity rises to even higher levels. I am literally tossing a coin for this one. MY PICK: Nanaimo
INTERIOR DIVISION
#1 Penticton Vees vs. #8 Coquitlam Express – This is a series that has to be played…and one I have to pick. MY PICK: Penticton
#4 Trail Smoke Eaters vs. #5 West Kelowna Warriors – Only ten points separated these two teams during the regular season, but the gulf between these two teams is much wider than that. MY PICK: Trail
#2 Vernon Vipers vs. #7 Salmon Arm Silverbacks – The Vipers are one of junior hockey’s best teams this year…at any level. I’m sorry, but Salmon Arm will need to surgically attach plexiglass to the backsides of their netminders to get past Vernon in this series. MY PICK: Vernon
#3 Wenatchee Wild vs. #6 Merritt Centennials – I know Wild Head Coach Bliss Littler well enough to feel that his team will not be overlooking Merritt. The Centennials will give it their all, but I’m afraid their chances are not realistic…yet. MY PICK: Wenatchee
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