The BC Hockey League playoffs have been outstanding so far. From last-second goals and triple-overtime games to complete blowouts and goaltender battles.
With only four teams left, we are getting closing to crowing a Fred Page Cup champion for the first time since 2019. Let’s look to see how the conference finalists measure up.
Interior Conference
(1) Penticton Vees vs. (3) West Kelowna Warriors
The Vees are coming into another conference final, their seventh since 2012. Penticton is the far-gone favourite to win the Fred Page Cup this season.
So far the Vees have dispatched the Trail Smoke Eaters in five games, and the Prince George Spruce Kings in a four-game sweep. The next match-up for the Vees is their toughest yet with the West Kelowna Warriors
West Kelowna is coming in hotter than the teacher from Van Halen’s music video. The Warriors rattled off a 10-1 record in March heading into the playoffs.
West Kelowna dispatched the Vernon Vipers in five games and the Silverbacks in five games. The Warriors have scored an average of five goals a game so far in the playoffs and look almost unbeatable.
Prediction: West Kelowna in six
Coastal Conference
(3) Nanaimo Clippers vs. (4) Langley Rivermen
Nanaimo is coming into the Coastal Conference final on the strength of back-to-back sweeps of the Surrey Eagles and Chilliwack Chiefs. The Clippers breezed past the Eagles but were put to the test against Chilliwack.
Nanaimo was outplayed at times during all four games and if it wasn’t for Keighan Gerrie, Sean Donaldson, and goalie Cooper Black, the series could have been completely different. Three of the four games vs. the Chiefs were decided by just one goal.
Langley limped its way into the playoffs after leading the conference for most of the season. The Rivermen slipped from first to fourth and played Victoria in the first round, dumping the Grizzlies in five games.
The Rivermen played the Coastal regular season champs Alberni Valley in the quarterfinals. Langley fought hard and got past the Bulldogs in six games to make their first conference final since 2008 when the club was known as the Chiefs.
Prediction: Langley in seven
