Every week during the BCHL season, local hockey guru Jacob Bestebroer drops by to discuss the Chilliwack Chiefs and goings on around the junior A circuit.
After Tuesday night’s 4-3 overtime win over Salmon Arm, things are looking good for the Chiefs in their chase for a playoff spot.
The Chiefs can punch their ticket to the dance by earning six points in their final six games.
They could even get in with less if Vernon loses any of their final games. But strange things happen in the world of sports. It’s unlikely, but certainly not impossible, that Vernon wins all five of their remaining games and it’s certainly not impossible for the Chiefs to not earn six points in their final six games.
It’s not impossible for the Chiefs to grab third place either.
The Penticton Vees (49-3-0-2) are obviously locked into top spot and the second place Merritt Centennials (30-17-2-6) have clinched a playoff berth.
With five games remaining against Trail (three times), Penticton and Salmon Arm, the Cents seem to be in good shape. But Merritt could still stumble all the way down to fourth place.
The Prince George Spruce Kings (30-19-2-4) hold third place with five games remaining against Trail (twice), Vernon and Penticton (twice).
The Spruce Kings need just two points to clinch a playoff position, but they should get them sooner rather than later as their final two games are against the Vees.
Chilliwack’s position is clear.
They have six games left against Westside (twice), Penticton, Coquitlam and Trail. Six points gets them into the playoffs and if PG stumbles at all, the Chiefs can still overtake them for third.
The Vipers, three time defending league champions, are the team in serious trouble, and will need help to get to the post season.
They will likely have to win all five of their games (certainly no less than four) to have a chance to get in.
Two wins by Vernon this weekend will make next Tuesday’s Vipers versus Chiefs game in Chilliwack very interesting.
A reminder that the final Chiefs home game on March 11 against the Trail Smoke Eaters is Fan Appreciation Night.
More details will be coming out over the next week.
The relationship between the Chiefs and the city of Chilliwack has been awesome this year. Chilliwack hockey fans have been great in their support and the Chiefs have done an awesome job of reciprocating that support to local organizations including Chilliwack Minor Hockey. March 11 will be a chance for both sides to say thank you to each other for their loyalty and support.