(1) KELOWNA ROCKETS vs. (8) TRI-CITY AMERICANS
The Rockets took home the Scotty Munro Trophy as the best team in the regular season, and feature the second best offensive attack that is well balanced. Myles Bell leads the way with 42 goals. Defensively, only Edmonton and Victoria were better, and much of the credit goes to goaltender Jordon Cooke, though having the likes of Damon Severson and Madison Bowey also help. Tri-City was the third worst offensive team in the league, with Brian Williams being the only real scoring threat. Eric Comrie was undoubtedly the team's MVP, as he kept the team in many games, and for Tri-City to pull off an upset, he will have to be the difference maker once again.
Prediction: Kelowna in 4
(2) PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS vs. (7) VANCOUVER GIANTS
Surprise! The Winterhawks led the league in goals scored once again, and Nic Petan and Brendan Leipsic were two of the top three scorers on the team once again. This time though, they were joined by Oliver Bjorkstrand, who led the team in goals with 50. Defensively, they began to pick up steam once Matthew Dumba and Corbin Boes joined the team, and Boes joins Brendan Burke and Adin Hill as a formidable goaltending trio. The Giants struggled early in the season, but they picked it up just enough to make the playoffs. Carter Popoff enabled both Cain Franson and Jackson Houck to have productive years, as the latter two scored at least 30 goals each. Defensively, they could use some work, as Payton Lee is still maturing in goal, and that was evident in the team giving up the second most goals of all the playoff teams in the West.
Prediction: Portland in 5
(3) VICTORIA ROYALS vs. (6) SPOKANE CHIEFS
The Royals made a living on stopping the opposing team from scoring, and it showed, as they led the Conference in giving up the fewest goals. Patrik Polivka and Coleman Vollrath are a solid duo in goal, but their efforts would be going to waste if not for the team's balanced scoring attack. Brandon Magee and Austin Carroll lead the way, but the mid-season acquisition of Axel Blomqvist from Lethbridge has really helped. To say that the Chiefs are a one man show would be a mistake. Mitch Holmberg was the leading scorer in the league, but he had some help along the way, thanks to the likes of Mike Aviani and Reid Gow. Beyond those three, things get a little dicey, and that lack of depth combined with an ordinary defense could spell their quick departure.
Prediction: Victoria in 6
(4) SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS vs. (5) EVERETT SILVERTIPS
Seattle is not nearly the offensive juggernaut that they appear to be on paper. However, one would not be wise to discount their abilities, especially with Shea Theodore jump starting things for them. The ex-Lethbridge trio of Russell Maxwell, Jaimen Yakubowski, and Sam McKechnie have proven to be a formidable shutdown line for the Thunderbirds, and certainly, the addition of Taran Kozun as given them peace of mind in goal. The Silvertips are playing Kevin Constantine hockey in that their defense is carrying the day. That's great news for Austin Lotz, who has elevated his game this season after showing glimpses in the opening round last year. Offensively, they're balanced, but Josh Winquist is the clear leader of the group there, as he led the next best player (Ivan Nikolishin) by 34 points.
Prediction: Seattle in 7
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