Above Photo: Kyle Robinson Photography
Victoria, BC ~ With a 4-0 game seven win over the Prince George Spruce Kings, the Chilliwack Chiefs set up a over-the-malahat Coastal Conference Semi Final meeting between the Victoria Grizzlies and Cowichan Valley Capitals beginning Friday in Cowichan.
Victoria, who had been waiting patiently since Sunday night to find out their next opponent, will take on a Cowichan Valley team who they went 3-2-2 against this season. Incredibly it is just their second meeting in 25 years in the postseason and first time going hammer and tong in the playoffs since 2009. The Grizzlies won that series in seven games on home ice but quite clearly historical data will play no part in this series.
The only history that could rear its head is the fact that these two squads do not like each other and had a season series as close as can be while also having some penalty filled affairs. Victoria outscored Cowichan 22-19 in their seven game season set while they combined for 476 penalty minutes in just seven games. You can hang your hat on this being a chippy and feisty series.
The Capitals will look to Camden Bajzer, who leads the Coastal Conference in playoff points so far this season with nine in just five games. The Grizzlies will counter with the fact that they have gotten offense from everyone to kick off the playoffs. Victoria have just four players who have not registered a point so far.
With Alberni Valley, Victoria and Cowichan all in the second round, it marks the first time in BCHL history that three Island based teams have been past the opening round. Alberni and Chilliwack are the other series in the Coastal Conference. On the other end of the bracket, the Penticton Vees will dance with the Cranbrook Bucks while Sherwood Park and Brooks will do their own version of the “Battle of Alberta”.
The “Battle of the Malahat” series begins on Friday at the Cowichan Community Arena and will be followed by game two the day after at the same venue. Games three and four will be on Tuesday the 22nd and Wednesday the 23rd at the Q Centre in Victoria both of which at 7:00 PM. A possible game five would be on Friday the 25th in Cowichan and then an if necessary game 6 would be the next night in Victoria at the Q Centre at 6:00 PM. Game seven of course, if needed, would be in Cowichan Valley on Monday the 28th.
