The KIJHL playoffs have arrived.
Both first round Eddie Mountain Division series get started Friday, with plenty of local hockey action through the weekend.
The Fernie Ghostriders have their sights set on a lengthy playoff run, they face the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in game one Friday night.
Fernie coach Ty Vallin knows his blueline will need to be strong against Creston’s potent offence.
“They’ve got some guys that can put the puck in the net,” Vallin says. “Playing a good defensively-minded hockey game this time of the year is how any team has success in the playoffs.”
Game two goes in Fernie Saturday, the series shifts to Creston Tuesday and Wednesday for games three and four.
Meanwhile, the Kimberley Dynamiters begin their quest for a second straight KIJHL championship.
Their playoff drive opens Friday night versus the Columbia Valley Rockies.
Nitros coach Derek Stuart says the club is ready to go the distance in the playoffs again after a second place regular season finish in the Eddie Mountain Division.
“We had some ups and downs and tough stretches and also had some good ones, including our last seven games,” Stuart says. “We’re looking forward to getting the playoffs started, we’re playing good hockey right now.”
Games one and two of that series are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Kimberley Civic Centre.
– Ty Vallin – Head Coach, Fernie Ghostriders
– Derek Stuart – Head Coach, Kimberley Dynamiters
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