Taking Your Puck and Going Home

This holiday weekend has been rather odd in the hockey world, as two players were unhappy with their current situations and decided to walk away. It's safe to say that neither will be seeing anymore time on the NHL or AHL level, as both are repeat offenders.

First up, Alexander Burmistrov. You may remember him as a former first round pick of the then-Atlanta Thrashers in 2010 that left for Russia after the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season due to butting heads with then Winnipeg Jets coach Claude Noel. He returned in 2015 to the Jets, only for him to eventually butt heads with current Jets coach Paul Maurice. Last season, it came to a head, and he was sent down to Manitoba of the AHL, only for the Arizona Coyotes to claim him off waivers. He did not sign with Arizona after the season, opting to sign with the Vancouver Canucks prior to this season. Now, this bit of news from Pass it to Bulis, as Burmistrov was once again, unhappy with his playing time, and after getting scratched from the team's last game for a seventh defenseman, he has decided to retire from the NHL. Yes, at the age of 26, Burmistrov has decided to pack his bags and head back home.

Next up, Steve Moses. Undrafted after spending four years at the University of New Hampshire, he would begin his professional career in 2012-13 with Jokerit, and would play with them for three seasons, including their first year as a member of the KHL. In the off-season of 2015, he would sign a one-year deal with Nashville with the expectation that he would be on the NHL roster. However, prior to the start of the 2015-16 season, he was sent down to Milwaukee of the AHL, and was unable to get noticed enough to even crack the Predators' roster. That December, his contract with the team was terminated so he could return to the KHL, this time as a member of SKA-St. Petersburg. He would spend the rest of the 2015-16 season, as well as all of 2016-17, with the team until signing with Rochester of the AHL prior to this season. His time with Rochester would be short lived however, as he was suspended by the team recently for breach of contract, and as of right now, he is now signed with Jokerit again.

As odd as the two instances of walking away have been, it was hardly the first, as Vadim Shipyachov had been signed with the Vegas Golden Knights prior to the season, but was sent down to Chicago of the AHL. His complaining about not being in the NHL was fairly well-documented, and his NHL contract would be terminated soon after so he too, could return to the KHL.

I don't know what to make of this, but it is clear that the level of play between North American hockey and European hockey can be too much for certain players to take, and while it is notable that the players gave it a shot, leaving in the middle of a season does them no favors when it comes to future North American opportunities.

Mavericks Report: Stumbling out of the Gate

The Mavericks Report is back, although much like my laptop charger decided to take a dump over the weekend, so too did the Mavericks. In their season opening weekend in Allen, TX, the Mavericks picked up where they left off. Unfortunately, the last anyone saw of the Mavericks, they were getting kicked out of the playoffs by the Americans, who would go on to win the Kelly Cup. The Mavericks were never truly in the first game despite two goals from Radolslav Illo and a goal from Dane Fox, as the Mavs fell 6-3 on Saturday. Sunday wasn't much better, as the Mavs couldn't muster a goal in a 4-0 loss to the same Allen Americans.

The Mavericks play tomorrow at Wichita before coming home to open that portion of the schedule against the Indy Fuel.

Championship Weekend

It was a weekend for championship hockey to remember. Beginning Thursday, the ECHL crowned a champion, and it is the Allen Americans, who defeated the Wheeling Nailers in six games to claim their second straight Kelly Cup. For the Americans, their road to back-to-back wasn't easy, as they had to get past the regular season champion Missouri Mavericks in the Conference semi-finals. Sautrday in the AHL, the Lake Erie Monsters needed overtime to put away the Hershey Bears in the fourth game to claim the Calder Cup. Led by Playoff MVP Oliver Bjorkstrand, the Monsters claimed a championship for the city of Cleveland.

Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins finished off the San Jose Sharks in six games to claim their fourth Stanley Cup in team history and their first since 2009. Sidney Crosby was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP, and like his 2010 Olympic run, his biggest contributions came when it counted the most. Despite a rather pedestrian 19 points in the playoffs by his standards, he was a big contributor in the Finals, letting players such as Connor Sheary and Bryan Rust have the scoring chances.

Hockey season may be over for now, but it went out in a flourish and now, the wait for the next season begins.

Mavericks Report: An Obituary...and a New Playmate?

What was supposed to be a lengthy playoff run for the Missouri Mavericks this season instead ends in the Conference semi-finals, as the Allen Americans put an end to that dream in six games. At times during the series, the Mavericks' offense was nowhere to be found while their sterling goaltending suddenly had holes. Before pointing fingers, it should be noted that the Mavericks had a constantly changing roster due to injuries, call-ups, and PTOs with other teams in the AHL, as well as seeing two players make it to the NHL. So, while the season as a whole can be considered a wasted opportunity, there are still silver linings to be taken from a record-breaking season, one that will ultimately be a footnote in history rather than the cherry on top.

And now, for the other news making the rounds. In a move designed for the 2017-18 season, the Kansas City area will be getting a USHL team. Full details are at the Kansas City Star, but the gist is that owner Lamar Hunt Jr. is going to try his hand at the premier junior league in the United States. The site where they plan to play is going to be the BluHawk development area of Overland Park, KS, which places it around the 159th Street and Highway 69 area. No plans are being made to move the Mavericks out to that area, as well, but the arena that will be built will seat around 6,000 people, approximately 2,000 more than what the Mavericks' current home of Silverstein Eye Centers Arena seats for hockey.

What benefits will having a USHL team have for the Kansas City area? The USHL is rising in terms of visibility, buoyed by the fact that they are becoming a viable place for future NHLers to begin plying their trade. Like their Canadian counterparts, players can be up to 20 years old, but space for those players is generally limited to about one or two players. Unlike the major junior leagues in Canada, players can generally commit to colleges in the United States (the Canadian leagues are considered pro under NCAA rules). With the majority of teams in the upper Midwest, it only makes sense that Hunt Jr. would be tapping into the market where Kansas City hockey can continue to grow.

Mavericks Report: Regular Season Champions

The record-breaking season for the Missouri Mavericks gained another notch, as they claimed the Brabham Cup as the regular season champions. It happened on a Wednesday match-up with the Evansville IceMen, as they won 2-1 to become the regular season champions of the ECHL. With little to play for until the playoffs roll around, it could be forgiven if the Mavericks let off the pedal in their weekend tilt with the Allen Americans. That's what happened on Saturday, as they lost 4-1. However, they regained their composure and handed the Americans a 3-1 defeat on Sunday.

The Mavericks are home this week, as they look to finish the season with momentum, as they take on Quad City on Wednesday before a back-to-back with Allen on Friday and Saturday.

Mavericks Report: Falling at the Wrong Time

There was some good news and some bad news for the Mavericks last week. The bad news: they encountered consecutive losses for the first time this season, as well as losing to their rival Wichita in regulation for the first time. The good: they are the Central Division champions earlier in the week and got back on the winning track before the week ended. You could say the bad was sandwiched in-between the good.

The week began on the right note, as they trounced the Allen Americans on Wednesday 6-3 and claimed the Central Division title. However, the weekend didn't start off kind, as the Tulsa Oilers gave a rude awakening in a 3-2 loss Friday. In back-to-back games with Wichita, they lost the first game 4-2 on Saturday before exacting a little payback Sunday in a 3-2 win. That win pushed the Mavs over the 100-point mark with nine games to go.

The Mavericks return home for a Wednesday tilt with Evansville before heading back to Allen, TX for Saturday and Sunday games with the Americans.

Mavericks Report: Down a Man

The road to the Kelly Cup will not be an easy one for the Missouri Mavericks, as they learned this week that they will be without leading scorer Jesse Root for the remainder of the season. However, the season does not end for the Mavericks, as they continue their quest for the top seed in the ECHL playoffs.

Wednesday, the Mavericks traveled to Allen, TX to take on the Americans. The result was a 4-2 loss. Friday, the Mavericks returned home for a game with the Tulsa Oilers. This time, they were able to add to their lead thanks to a 3-1 win.

This week, the Mavs will hit the road for games on Wednesday with Allen, Friday at Tulsa, and a back-to-back with Wichita on Saturday and Sunday.

WHL Playoff Picture: Western Conference

In the WHL Western Conference, things are less certain as to who will make the playoffs, as every team is still in it, and only 12 points is all that separates the sixth spot from dead last.

VICTORIA ROYALS: Thought to have been nothing more than a middle of the road team prior to the season, they find themselves a point ahead of Kelowna for the Scotty Munro Trophy, thanks to the second best offense and second best defense in terms of goals for and against. However, Kelowna does have two games in hand over Victoria, so the Royals' historically great season will have to be just that for the remainder of the season.

KELOWNA ROCKETS: Just a point behind Victoria and with two games in hand, the Rockets were dealt a blow recently when their best player Nick Merkley was lost for the season to injury. However, the Rockets are still a balanced attack that can do some damage come playoff time.

PRINCE GEORGE: Third in the B.C. Division, they still have to look over their shoulder for Kamloops, who sit five points back for that final division spot.

EVERETT SILVERTIPS: The best team in the goals against category, the Silvertips are also the U.S. Division leaders and a win over their nearest competitor Seattle last weekend helped add to their slim cushion. However, they are tied for second fewest goals for, so they are banking on Carter Hart to carry the team, which could be a recipe for disaster come playoff time.

SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS: Thought to have been the favorite to claim the U.S. Division crown prior to the season, the T-Birds are instead trying to catch up to Everett while also trying to fend off the Portland Winterhawks and Spokane Chiefs, as five points is all that separates the three teams. Whether Logan Flodell can elevate his game in goal when the stakes get higher remains to be seen.

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS: A loss to Calgary last night did not help in their quest to stay within the division spots. Four points is all that separates them from missing the playoffs, as Tri-City sits that far back and with a game in hand.

SPOKANE CHIEFS: Holders of the first wild card spot, it's rather tenuous, at best, as Tri-City is just three points back. While the Chiefs are most likely going to be contenders next season, they have to deal with this season, which will be painful.

KAMLOOPS BLAZERS: Like Portland and Spokane, they also have to look over their shoulder for Tri-City, who are just two points back of Kamloops and with a game in hand. Of the teams in that block, Portland and Tri-City have been playing their best hockey in the last 10 games, and Kamloops cannot afford too many slip-ups if they want to avoid missing the playoffs for the third straight season.

TRI-CITY AMERICANS: They are just two points out of a playoff spot, but have also played their best hockey lately, going 7-2-0-1 in their last 10 games. They have a good chance to make the playoffs if they can do well against their division rivals.

VANCOUVER GIANTS: They sit 10 points out of a playoff spot, but are still alive, with games against division rivals still to go. If they can win games like last weekend, they could sneak in, but it won't be easy if only Tyler Benson is regularly contributing.

Mavericks Report: Changes Abound

With success comes teams inevitably knocking at the door, and that was the case for Josh Robinson, who was called up to Springfield of the AHL, where he made his debut this week. Unfortunately, he was on the wrong end of a 7-2 loss. With Robinson's call-up, that meant the Mavericks had to rely on the goaltending duo of Parker Milner and Steven Summerhays this week.

Milner got the first crack on Tuesday against Tulsa, and he made his time count, as he helped shutout the Oilers 3-0. Friday, the Mavericks took on the Allen Americans in the first of four home games that will be televised locally, and thanks to Milner, the Mavericks made this game a success, as they won 4-2. Saturday, the Mavericks began their back-to-back games with Evansville, and with Milner in net once again and a Sebastian Sylvestre goal in overtime, the Mavericks were able to escape with a 4-3 win. Sunday was a different story, as Steven Summerhays was in net and played well. However, an unlucky play resulted in the game winning goal for the IceMen as they would take a 2-1 win over the Mavs.

The Mavericks make an Indiana road trip this week, as they visit the Indy Fuel on Tuesday before games with the Fort Wayne Komets on Wednesday and Friday before coming home for a Sunday tilt with the Rapid City Rush.

Mavericks Report: Still Rolling...

2015 ended for the Missouri Mavericks the way they hoped, as they laid a 7-1 thumping on Wichita at home last Thursday.  Similarly, 2016 began as they wanted, as they put down Allen 4-1 on Friday before hitting the road on Saturday at Evansville.  They trailed entering the third period, but were able to force overtime, where they closed the deal 4-3.

The Mavericks continue their road trip, as they travel to Tulsa for a Tuesday night game before heading to Rapid City, SD for two games on Friday and Sautrday.

Mavericks Report: Ending the Year on a High Note

With a new winning streak that includes a 3-1 win over Allen on Saturday, the Missouri Mavericks will look to not only end 2015 on a winning note when they take on Wichita on Thursday, but also begin 2016 the same way with Allen coming into town on Friday before hitting the road to Evansville for a Saturday tilt.

Mavericks Report: Perfect at Home

The Missouri Mavericks' 14-game winning streak may have ended last week, but their home record was still perfect, and they were looking to keep it that way with three games over the weekend.

First up was the Cincinnati Cyclones on Friday and Saturday, and while they had their way in a 5-2 win on Friday, they had to hold off a furious charge late in the third period to secure a 3-2 win.  Against Quad City on Sunday, they found themselves down 2-1 early in the second period before coming up with three unanswered goals to come away with a 4-2 win and their home record still spotless.

Missouri hits the road on Saturday to take on the defending Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans.

2015-16 WHL Season: US Division Preview

Perhaps one of the most hotly contested division races year in and year out, the US Division figures to once again be anyone's for the taking.

The Everett Silvertips held off the Portland Winterhawks to claim the US Division title last year, but found themselves once again eliminated from the playoffs thanks to the same Winterhawks.  The good news is that defense will once again be a strength, as Carter Hart established himself as the goaltender of the present and the future.  Noah Juulsen is also likely to return, helping a strong blue line unit that will be searching for goals thanks to Nikita Scherbak's likely departure for the pros.  Seeing Auston Matthews sign with a team in Switzerland also hurts, as he could have swung the scales in the Silvertips' favor.

Portland saw their run of four straight Finals appearances end last season, and a weak blue line was the culprit.  This year, the blue line figures to be the strong point, with newcomers Caleb Jones and Jack Dougherty joining the team while Adin Hill will have a full year as a starter in goal.  The biggest question mark is how the Winterhawks will replace both Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nic Petan, which means Paul Bittner will have to step up his game.  Chase DeLeo could return as an overager, which will help out.

If any team could be considered a front runner in the US Division this year, it's the Seattle Thunderbirds.  Of course, they will have to find someone to fill Shea Theodore's shoes, as he made things go from the blue line.  They also lose Taran Kozun, who graduated, but were able to pick up Taz Burman from Red Deer.  Matt Barzal will return, which gives the Thunderbirds their best player up front, while Jamal Watson provides some leadership from his time in Lethbridge.

The Spokane Chiefs set themselves up nicely at the Bantam Draft.  The question is whether first overall pick Ty Smith will step in this season or if he waits until next season.  Even with that question, the Chiefs are in good position, as Kailer Yamamoto returns as the team's best offensive option.  Garrett Hughson is likely to return as one of three overagers, which will get the team set in goal for next season until Tyson Verhelst is ready to assume the starter's role.  The blue line will be one year wiser, as they were one of the younger units in the WHL, but will they be better?

The Tri-City Americans will once again be strong in their own end, as Evan Sarthou will step in as the starter in net and have Brandon Carlo and Parker Wotherspoon leading the blue line unit.  Sarthou held his own when Eric Comrie was away on WJC duty, something the Ams should feel comfortable about.  The major problem is that he will have to keep the team in it most nights, as they still haven't adequately addressed the problem of scoring goals, and haven't since the days of Brendan Shinnimin and Patrick Holland.

WHL Western Conference Playoffs Preview

Most of the WHL playoffs action begins Friday, and that includes most of the Western Conference.  Today, here is a look at the Western Conference.

(1) Kelowna Rockets vs. (4) Tri-City Americans

The Rockets are heavily favored to be the Western Conference representative in the WHL Finals this year, but the same thing was said last year.  However, last year's team didn't have either Josh Morrisey or Leon Draisaitl.  The Rockets still have enviable depth, and with both former Prince Albert players on the roster, the Rockets provide a scary proposition for any team to face.  The Americans needed all of the season to secure a playoff spot, and their reward is basically being the sacrificial lamb to the best team in the Western Conference.

Prediction: Rockets in four

(2) Victoria Royals vs. (3) Prince George Cougars

The Royals are a very good team that is well-coached, as evidenced by Dave Lowry being named head coach for next year's WJC and Team Canada.  The Royals won't wow you with spectacular offense, but they play a physical style that wears opponents out.  The Cougars are back in the playoffs after a four year absence, and if an upset has to happen, it could be here, as the Cougars have shown an ability to play a full game (see: last game against the same Royals).  However, the Cougars must cut down the goals given up, as only Lethbridge and Saskatoon gave up more.

Prediction: Royals in six

(1) Everett Silvertips vs. (4) Spokane Chiefs

The Silvertips needed the last weekend to hold off the Portland Winterhawks to win their first U.S. Division title since 2007.  There may be a bit of a goaltending controversy, as Austin Lotz is the usual starter, but Carter Hart has played well lately.  If a team is going to beat Everett, it will have to be five-on-five, as the Silvertips were the second-least penalized team in the league.  The Chiefs are still a young team that isn't likely to challenge for an upset here, but the play of the Yamamoto brothers (Kailer and Keanu) plus a few others put the Chiefs comfortably into a wild card spot.

Prediction: Silvertips in six

(2) Portland Winterhawks vs. (3) Seattle Thunderbirds

These two rivals square off for the first time in the playoffs since 2006, and it's a little more even this year than in recent years.  The Winterhawks have two of the most prolific scorers in Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nic Petan, but don't forget about either Paul Bittner or Chase DeLeo.  Adin Hill has seized the starting goaltending job, but this will be his first time playing in a pressure-packed situation.  The Thunderbirds actually won the season series this year, and with Matt Barzal not having hit his full-stride, it's possible the Thunderbirds will have a second gear coming soon.  For Seattle to win, they do need to expose the lack of defensive depth on Portland's side, and that begins with Shea Theodore needing to be the offensive catalyst he's always been.

Prediction: Winterhawks in seven

The Fight to the Finish

It's the last weekend in the 2014-15 WHL season, and there are spots left to be filled before the playoffs begin.  The Central and U.S. Division winners will be determined this weekend, as Calgary and Medicine Hat are looking to claim the top spot in the Central while Everett and Portland will be fighting for the U.S. Division crown.  Meanwhile, three spots remain, as the last spot in the East Division and a spot in the B.C. Division and the last wild card in the Western Conference have to be filled.  In the East Division, Swift Current holds a two point lead on Moose Jaw, with Swift Current having a home and home with Lethbridge while Moose Jaw has a home and home with Brandon.  Conventional wisdom favors Swift Current here, but Brandon has everything sewn up as far as home ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.  In the Western Conference, the last B.C. Division spot is up for grabs, as Prince George and Kamloops duke it out with each other this weekend, and Prince George is close to claiming that spot, as they only need a point to secure that spot.  Meanwhile, Kamloops could still claim the last wild card spot, but they also have a game less to play than Tri-City, who have games against Portland and Spokane this weekend, with the Portland games being a home and home tonight and Sunday.  Vancouver is all but eliminated, as they would need to win out and have both Tri-City and Kamloops lose in regulation to force a tiebreaker.  Their path to a miracle goes through a home and home with Kelowna, who themselves are assured of home ice advantage in the Western Conference.

WHL Playoff Picture: Western Conference

With a couple of big trades in the NHL in the last week, I had not been able to get to the Western Conference playoff picture in the WHL.  With a flurry of deals expected between now and the March 2 deadline, right now is the time to do it, so before it gets out of hand, here is what the Western Conference looks like right now:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

U.S. Division

1. Everett Silvertips: They hold a six point lead over Portland, but Portland has played well since the turn of the new year and there is the matter of division games to be played for both teams.

2. Portland Winterhawks: A slow start at the start of the season is the only reason why Portland is not leading the U.S. Division right now.  However, they are a hot streak away from taking the lead, as they are just six points back and have not yet peaked this season.

3. Seattle Thunderbirds: Eleven points back of Everett in the division, the Thunderbirds have done fairly well considering the injuries at various points in the season to their two best players in Shea Theodore and Matthew Barzal.  A lack of offense likely means they will have to start on the road for the first round of the series.

B.C. Division

1. Kelowna Rockets: 24 points clear of the next best team in the division, the Rockets are the only team in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff spot, and given that they're also 16 points ahead of the next best team in the conference, home ice advantage may not be far behind.

2. Victoria Royals: Comfortably in second place in the division, the Royals are looking to gain momentum heading into the playoffs, and not having much at stake could present issues once the Royals get to the playoffs.

3. Vancouver Giants: Their hold on the last guaranteed spot in the division is a tenuous one, as one point is all that separates them from Prince George and Kamloops, who are both on the outside looking in at the moment.

Wild Card

1. Spokane Chiefs: Seven points behind Seattle for the last guaranteed spot, the Chiefs are woefully short on depth, and as such, their hold on a playoff spot is also tenuous.

2. Tri-City Americans: The worst offensive team in the league, the Ams hold a five point lead over the two teams outside the playoff picture right now.  However, not beating Portland this season is doing them no favors right now.

3. Kamloops Blazers: Just a point behind Vancouver and five behind Tri-City, the Blazers can still make the playoffs.  The good news is that they will have games against Vancouver and Prince George, the two teams they're fighting with over the last guaranteed playoff spot.

4. Prince George Cougars: Like Kamloops, the Cougars are fighting for their playoff lives.  However, they give up the most goals in the league, and that has been their undoing the last few years.  At this rate, it may be that way again this year.

Winterhawks Weekly: Don't Look Now, But...

The Portland Winterhawks are officially on a winning streak.  Coming off of two straight victories the previous weekend against Kelowna, the Winterhawks were looking to achieve their first winning streak of more than two games this season.  By the end of this weekend, the Winterhawks ended up with a five game winning streak and counting.

Tuesday, the Winterhawks overcame a 2-1 deficit after one period to overtake the Victoria Royals at home in a 4-2 win.  Friday, the Daylight Classic happened, and the Kootenay Ice were the opponents in a game where the curtains to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum were pulled back.  The Winterhawks turned a three goal second period into a 5-2 win, with Adin Hill getting his second victory of the week.  Saturday, the Winterhawks traveled to Kennewick, WA to take on the Tri-City Americans for the first time this season, and while the Winterhawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead at one point, they had to hold off an Ams comeback in the end to preserve a 3-2 win for Brendan Burke.

The Winterhawks will be a busy team this week, as they look to extend their winning streak at Victoria on Tuesday and at Vancouver on Friday before coming home to take on Everett Saturday and Medicine Hat Sunday.

WHL Western Conference Playoff Preview

The WHL begins their playoff season this weekend, and while the Portland Winterhawks are looking to defend their title, there are fifteen other teams looking to knock them off.  The Eastern Conference is still waiting for their eighth team, and that will be settled in a tie-breaker game tonight, as the Prince Albert Raiders take on the Red Deer Rebels for the right to face the Edmonton Oil Kings in the opening round.  Until then, this will be about the Western Conference.

(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

Winterhawks Weekly: Time to Defend the Crown

The Portland Winterhawks will be starting their title defense this Friday as they begin a best of seven series with the Vancouver Giants, and they are coming in hot.  Wins on Wednesday against Tri-City, Friday and Saturday against Seattle, and Sunday against Everett have given the Winterhawks seven wins in a row and 28 in their last 29.

The WHL playoffs preview will begin tomorrow, with the Eastern Conference being delayed a little while the tie-breaker game between Red Deer and Prince Albert takes place tomorrow.  Future Winterhawks Weekly for the playoff season will happen after every series for as long as the Winterhawks are still in it.

Winterhawks Weekly: One Week to Go

The Portland Winterhawks are heading into the playoffs with some momentum, and it appears that they will hold down the second place spot, since Kelowna needs just one more point to clinch the Scotty Munro Trophy and the home ice advantage.  Wednesday, the Winterhawks became the second team in league history to notch four consecutive 100 point seasons (the Kamloops Jr. Oilers/Blazers in 1983-86 was the other team), as they handled the Tri-City Americans 5-1.  Friday, the Winterhawks exacted some revenge on Seattle for breaking their 21-game winning streak with a 7-3 win, but it did not come without a price, as Corbin Boes left the game and Adin Hill had to fill in.  Saturday, the Winterhawks made it 50 wins in a season in a 4-1 win over Vancouver in what is likely a preview of the first round match up for the Winterhawks.  Hill got the start and was impressive in his second career start.

The Winterhawks conclude the season with a home game on Tuesday against Tri-City, a home and home Friday and Saturday against Seattle, with the Winterhawks home for the Saturday game, and they will conclude the season at home against Everett.