The second round of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Teck Cup playoffs begins tonight, with Grand Forks Border Bruins and Beaver Valley Nitehawks battling it out for the Neil Murdock Division.
Season Series: Border Bruins won 4-1-1.
Series storyline: Both teams have been amongst the best in the KIJHL all season with the Border Bruins finishing first overall. The Border Bruins will be looking to advance to the Kootenay Conference championship for the first time under head coach-general manager Dave Hnatiuk. The Nitehawks look to return to the Kootenay Conference championship, which they lost in last season to the Fernie Ghostriders. In goal, the Border Bruins used both goalies – Jasper Tait and Eric Kahl – in their sweep of the Castlegar Rebels, while the Nitehawks leaned on Connor Stojan – the Neil Murdoch Division’s Top Goalie.
Players to watch: Keenan Holland netted three goals, including a winner, and two assists for the Border Bruins. He’s continued his strong offensive play from the regular season. Roan Crowe, who had nine goals in 34 games for the Nitehawks during the regular season, has four goals, including a winner.
Schedule
March 14 @ 7pm : Grand Forks – Jack Goddard Memorial Arena
March 15 @ 7pm : Grand Forks – Jack Goddard Memorial Arena
March 18 @ 7pm : Beaver Valley Arena
March 19 @ 7pm : Beaver Valley Arena
In the Eddie Mountain Division the Kimberley Dynamiters will go up against the Columbia Valley Rockies.
Season Series: Tied 3-3-0.
Storylines: Last season, the Rockies stunned the Dynamiters with their first round series win. The Dynamiters likely haven’t forgotten that and will be looking to return the favour. The Rockies power-play is something to watch. It was lethal in the first round going 5-for-12 for 41.7 per cent. Carter Velker has two of them, and they are game-winners.
Players to Watch: Danik Reeves, the Dynamiters rookie, had eight points in their series against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats. Goalie Hunter Arntsen was key to the Rockies’ first round sweep and posted a 2.75 goals against average with a .923 save percentage.
