CLIPPERS & SMOKIES DONE
The Trail Smoke Eaters did it again last night, losing their 13th straight game to end a disappointing season that started with such promise (sound familiar?). While the Smokies can return up to 15 players, I’m not sure reuniting a team that couldn’t beat Merritt down the stretch is the best idea since the internet.
The Nanaimo Clippers are in terribly unfamiliar territory. The perennial Island power-house not only missed on a Bye, but hosted just a single playoff game and have been swept. Nanaimo’s Coastal dominance was impeded by RBC Cup hosting Victoria, and a strong Cowichan club that dispatched of the ‘08 Conference Champions in 3 games. Clippers fans are pinching themselves, hoping it’s a bad dream.
SPRUCE KINGS BEAT VEES (SERIOUSLY)
It took 9 tries, but the Spruce Kings finally beat the Vees this season. Last Night’s home win for the Kings not only kept the Caribou club alive in the post-season, but gives the team momentum heading into tonight’s 4th game of the best-of-five. The Spruce Kings dictated the pace of play last night for the first 52 minutes of the game before the Vees took over in the final 8 minutes, potting a pair of goals with an empty net behind them.
2nd ROUND SCHEDULING
No matter who wins the best-of-five between Penticton and Prince George, they won’t have much time to prepare for the bye-rested Vernon Vipers. Game 1 of the 2nd round best-of-seven is Friday Night in Vernon. If Game 5 is played Wednesday in Penticton it will mark the 5th game in 6 nights on top of 1500 km of bus travel since Game 1 puck-drop.
