Playoffs!

The Trail Smoke Eaters made it into the big dance. In a season filled with massive challenges I think that qualifies as a nice accomplishment. There is no question that some fans expected them to be top 3 in the conference. Same can be said for Merritt, tonight's opponent for the Smokies at Cominco Arena. Predictions are an inexact science obviously. The Smokies battled through some really tough tests to get where they are today. January was so tough.. That schedule was brutal on top of the lost players and injuries.

However, after all that, I think they've found something new. The trip to Vancouver really seemed to do something to their mentality. I think the win against Burnaby could stand up as the moment when the Smoke Eaters finally found their identity as a team. They won that game with hard work, two-way play, driving the net and strong goaltending. That's the formula that is going to win this team hockey games. They know how to play at both ends of the ice. There's a lot of speed and grit on the team. They're strong penalty killers. I don't think this Smokies team is ever going to score a ton of goals each game but they're a team who can win with playoff style hockey.

After the big 2-1 win in Burnaby and fighting through some adversity in Surrey, I think they came out of the road trip a more confident and united group. It showed in two strong games against Prince George last weekend. The Smokies secured their playoff spot by using that same hard working, hard nosed style with more great goaltending. It's a recipe I think that they could have some success with come playoff time.

For a long time this year people called them disappointments. Now they're underdogs. Nobody expects anything from the Smokies now, and they may just surprise you. This team is more united than they have been all season long. I have a good feling that we're going to see their best hockey when the puck drops on the post season.

Tonight against Merritt is a good chance for the team to stay hot. Lets see if the put in another strong 60 minutes. Here's hoping. It's fan appreciation weekend so there are all sorts of deals tonight and Sunday afternoon at 3 against Salmon Arm. Season ticket holders can use any left over tickets to bring friends. Also some nice deals at the Sud Shack! Come on out and join us

After the game we'll be at Rave's for our post game show.

KIJHL

...The KIJHL playoffs start today in Fruitvale as the Beaver Valley Nitehawks host the Castlegar Rebels in the first game of a best of five series. These two teams are so close. BV had 72 points to Castlegar's 71. Just how close was the Neil Murdoch West Division? Nelson won it with 73 points. That's a three point seperation with the top three teams. Nelson gets the bye. It's a huge shame that either of them will be eliminated in the first round. The Nitehawks beat Castlegar in 7 games in last year's first round as well. Game two is tomorrow night in Fruitvale so all Smokie fans who went to today's game can head on down to the BV Arena. Then on Sunday the Smokies host Salmon Arm. The KIJHL series starts up again in Castlegar on Monday and Tuesday. Lots of hockey for local fans!

UPDATES

...Kevin Limbert has two goals and Koopman the other. Fights for Martin and Corcoran. Good game so far. Lots of fire. BV and Castlegar are tied at 2 after one.

...5-1 in the third period. Limbert has 2, Koopman has 2, Corcoran has the other one. Raley may be hurt. Hopefully not serious as he's really been fitting in well of late. Good game so far by Barclay. Apparenly 3-2 for BV after the 2nd period in Fruitvale.