The second round of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s (KIJHL) Teck Cup playoffs begin on Monday.
Here are snapshots of the matchups in the Kootenay Conference.
Eddie Mountain Division Finals: Kimberley Dynamiters (1) vs. Columbia Valley Rockies (3)
How they got here: The Dynamiters defeated the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in five games, the final being a 7-3 decision, while the Rockies had the only upset of the opening round with a sweep of the Fernie Ghostriders. However, Rockies coach Wade Dubielewicz said “it wasn’t a swept series to be honest.” “The games were all extremely close and could have gone either way,” he says. “I’ve been on the back end of some of these too where you get swept, but it feels like a seven-game series.”
Players to watch: League MVP Brock Palmer collected four goals and seven points in five games. Beau Larson was right behind with six points. Erik Delaire and Jett Saharchuk, also scored four goals. Adam Anderson won three games with a 1.69 goals against average. Colby Phillips led the Rockies with four goals in the first round. Connor Davison, Hunter Rambow and Brennan Nelson all had five points. Bretton Park put up spectacular numbers in goal with a 1.75 goals against average and .952 save percentage.
Season series: The Dynamiters won all six of its games against the Rockies in the regular season, outscoring them 29-14.
Neil Murdoch Division Finals: Beaver Valley Nitehawks (1) vs. Nelson Leafs (2)
How They Got Here: Both teams swept their respective series – the Leafs versus the Spokane Braves and Nitehawks against the Castlegar Rebels. However, the Rebels pushed the Nitehawks with two games needing to be decided in overtime. The Leafs outscored the Braves 19-7, including a 3-0 Game 4 victory.
Players to Watch: Bradley Ross (four goals) and Simon Nemethy lead the Nitehawks with six points. Angus Amadio racked up five assists and Hunter Young carried the workload in net sporting a 1.98 goals against average with a .938 save percentage. Shawn Campbell and Aiden Jenner each have seven points, while Reid Wilson leads the group with four goals. Anderson Violette has three wins, while Tenzin Mint earned a shutout in his lone game.
Season Series: The Leafs won the regular season series with five wins (one in overtime) in six games. They outscored the Nitehawks 21-14.
