Playoff Preview: Saints host UVic to begin quest for BCIHL three-peat

Selkirk College will begin their quest for a third straight British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League championship this weekend as they take on University of Victoria Vikes in a best-of-three series beginning Friday at the Castlegar Recreation Center.

The Saints clinched home ice in the first round by defeating the University of Victoria by scores of 7- 1 and 6-2 two weeks ago on Vancouver Island. However, those games appeared closer than the final outcome.

"Those victories over the Vikes this month were not easy," says Saints Head Coach Alex Evin. "They are a hard working team and definitely had their moments to keep the game within reach. Fortunately for us our special teams were clutch and out goaltender was sharp or it would have been a lot closer."

The Saints have a 4-0-0 record against the Vikes this season, but every contest has been hard fought and intense. Back in late-November, the Saints came from behind to win in a shootout 5- 4.

The following afternoon they needed late game heroics to tie the game in the final minute before Lucas Hildebrand scored the winner in overtime, completing back-to-back come from behind wins.

"We understand as a group that this series will be tight and whichever team makes the greater sacrifices will hopefully advance to the finals," Evin says.

The Saints are looking to capture their third title in as many years, a rare feat for any franchise. Battling through many injuries and inconsistent play early on this season, the Saints have won six of their last eight games and are the hottest team heading into the playoffs.

Rookie Vikes forwards Carsen Willans and Linden Horswill return to the Kootenays for their first BCIHL playoff action. Both are Nelson residents who used to play for their hometown Leafs in the KIJHL.

SAINTS KEY PLAYERS: Logan Proulx (28 points), Ryan Edwards (33 points), and Darnell Dyck (36 points) all sit in the top ten in league scoring. The line has proven to be a threat to score every shift and is the nucleus to the recent explosive Saints offense that we are all used to. The Saints also have six healthy veteran defensemen who were all part of the 2014 championship team. Goaltender James Prigione led the BCIHL in Goals Against Average (2.33).

VIKES KEY PLAYERS: Adam Klein led the team in goals (17) and points (30). Other key veteran forwards include former BCIHL all-star Shawn Mueller (26 points) and Evan Warner (26 points). There is no question that the Vikes are a talented, hard-working, offensive team but allowed 106 goals in the regular season to finish second to last in this category. Dylan Hykawy led the BCIHL in goals by a defenseman with 10 and is a big threat to score from the point.

SERIES SCHEDULE:

Game 1 – Friday, 8:00 p.m
Game 2 – Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Game 3 – Sunday, 5:30 p.m. * if necessary
All games are at the Castlegar Rec Center

Advanced tickets will be available at Mallard’s in Castlegar. Adults $10, seniors and Selkirk staff $7, youth $5, children under 6 free. For the first time ever free tickets will be available for Selkirk College students. They can be picked up at the Castlegar Gym with college ID. General admission tickets will also be available at the door on game night.