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Quest for Teck Cup begins tonight
The quest for the Teck Cup, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) playoff championship, begins tonight (Feb. 28).
The KIJHL has released a series preview for all divisions.
Here’s a look at the Eddie Mountain Division.
Kimberley Dynamiters (1) vs Creston Valley Thunder Cats (4)
(Season series: Dynamiters were 5-0-1-0.)
Storylines: The Dynamiters seek redemption after last year’s first-round exit. With an experienced lineup and strong goaltending, they aim for a deep run. The Thunder Cats clinched their spot late and will rely on goalie Brendan Smith, the Eddie Mountain Division’s Top Goalie, to continue his excellent play.
Players to Watch: Former KIJHL MVP Tristan Weill, a proven playoff performer (30 points in 37 career games), returned to win another Teck Cup. He had nine points against the Thunder Cats this season. Liam Munro, the Thunder Cats’ top point producer, looks to make an impact after going pointless last season. He had eight points against the Dynamiters.
Game one: Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Kimberley Civic Centre.
Game two: Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at Kimberley Civic Centre.
Game three: Monday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Johnny Bucyk Arena.
Game four: Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Johnny Bucyk Arena.
Fernie Ghostriders (2) vs Columbia Valley Rockies (3)
(Season Series: 3-3-0)
Storylines: A rematch of last year’s second round, which Fernie won in six games. This time the Ghostriders will Eric Martin, the Eddie Mountain division’s Top Defenceman, who missed their entire playoff run due to injury. Martin established a new season high for points by a Ghostriders defenceman with 59. The Rockies head into the playoffs having won six of their last 10 and on a three-game winning streak. Head coach-general manager Tayler Sincennes told e-KNOW he is pleased with the team’s performance.
“We have to be really sharp, minimize large mistakes and execute at a really high level throughout our playoffs,” he said. “Our guys are aware of that and our game had reflected it for the most part in the last couple of weeks.”
Noah Asmundson had seven points against the Ghostriders.
Players to watch: Ghostriders captain Taylor Haggerty. He had 15 points in 21 games, look for him to be a factor again. He had six points against the Rockies. Honourary mention to Martin. Third-year Rockie Teo Fath had five goals and seven points in 10 playoff games last season.
Game one: Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Fernie Memorial Arena.
Game two: Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at Fernie Memorial Arena.
Game three: Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m. at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.
Game four: Tuesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.
The Revelstoke Grizzlies are the defending Teck Cup champions.
Read series previews for the rest of the league.
