vees:blog

The 2010-2011 season came to an end too soon the Vees players, fans, and management alike.

While Salmon Arm (and particularly Kris Moore - who is now on his way to Western Michigan as a result of his stellar post-season play) certainly deserves some credit for the Vees early golf season, where should the club focus their energies to improve the club for next season?

It was a very close season series, and these teams haven't seen each other since December 11th.

Two weeks of rest. Not much for a prize fighter, but an eternity for a hockey team; and that's what's on the line for those battling for top spot in the Interior Conference.

But it's not the time without games that's attractive, it's the injuries not sustained and the miles not put on the odometer that hold the value in earning the bye. Don't forget the bumps and bruises that seem to disappear over two weeks without a game.

With just 18 days remaining in the regular season, let's assess the chances of the teams in the thick of a battle for an Interior Conference Bye.

First off, while not mathematically eliminated from the race for top spot let's count out Trail and Westside, strictly due to the amount of ground they have to cover and number of teams they have to pass.

Trail is eight points back with just seven games to play. Even if the Smokies run the table, they'd fail to earn top spot if any of the three teams above them play JUST .500 hockey. Same story for the Warriors who are fourteen points back with just nine games to play.

Sooooo... It's a three horse race in reality.

HORSE #1: Vernon Vipers - 2 POINT LEAD

- 8 Games Remaining: vs. NAN, vs. ALB, vs. PEN, @ SA, vs. MRT, @ MRT, vs. TRL, vs. QUE

- 6 Home Games

- Opponent Winning Percentage: .512

- BIG Games: vs. PEN, @ SA, vs. TRL

NOTES: The Vipers finish the season with a bunch of games at the Wesbild Centre, but they're the only team in the BCHL that's better on the road then they are at home. Weird.

HORSE #2: Penticton Vees

- 8 Games Remaining: vs. TRL, @ VRN, @PG, @ QUE, @PG, vs. WS, vs. PG, vs. QUE

- 4 Home Games

- Opponent Winning Percentage: .406

- BIG Games: vs. TRL, @ VRN, vs. WS

NOTES: A Vees win in Vernon would do wonders for the Vees odds of earning the bye. The Vees own the tie-break with the Vipers (more wins), should the teams finish tied in points at the end of it all. Easiest schedule left of the three teams too.

HORSE #3: Salmon Arm Silverbacks

- 9 Games Remaining: vs. CV, vs. AV, vs. VRN, @ TRL, vs. TRL, @ PR, @ LNG, @ SRY, @ COQ

- 4 Home Games

- Opponent Winning Percentage: .588

- BIG Games: vs. VRN, @ TRL, vs. TRL, @ PR

NOTES: The Silverbacks finish their season with four games in five days on the road; furthermore the final three games fall over 48 hours. That's a tough run to end the season.

It was a thrilling win on Saturday night in Trail. Thoughts?