Kamloops Storm Clinch Division Title

Last Playoff Spot Still Up for Grabs

Congratulations to the Kamloops Storm as they clinched the Okanagan Shuswap Division title Saturday night with a big 7-1 win over the Princeton Posse and a subsequent loss by the Sicamous Eagles at the hands of the Creston Valley ThunderCats.

Although I didn't get a chance to get to the game in Princeton, I did have a look at the box scores and broke out into a belly laugh when I saw the penalty totals. Just another night at the fights in Princeton... I wonder when they'll learn that the intimidating brand of goon show they bring to the league each year dosn't win championships anymore. It shows disrespect to the parents and fans who would rather have a winning team and boys with teeth in their smiles.

Sicamous has pretty much clinched a playoff spot although they didn't play well this weekend and Chase is comfortably in 3rd place.

That leaves Princeton (36pts), Revelstoke (36pts) and Summerland (34pts) to scrap it out for the last 2 playoff spots. Then, the top 5 engage in a crazy first round robin format to eliminate 1 team to set up the division semi-finals. Play0ffs are due to start Feb.24.

KIJHL - Okanagan Conference Playoff Format

Five out of Six teams advance to playoffs

Round 1: A Home & Home round robin involving all five teams

Round 2: Top four teams from round robin play Best of 5 series. 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3

Round 3: Series winners play Best of 7 Conference championship.

Round Robin Format: each game worth 2 point for win and 1 point for a tie. No overtime or shootouts. If a tie in round robin standings, the tie-breaker is goals for and against, then plus-minus rating for the team thru round robin play, then penalty minutes against (least wins)

Here are is the link to the complete 2009 KIJHL Playoff Format.

If I was to guess who the odd man out will be, I think it will be the Summerland Sting. They haven't impressed me at all this year. I think they don't have much team speed and by this time of the season, it's speed that you need to compete with the top teams.