Weekend Preview: VIU heads to Eastern for Beau Walker's final BCIHL game

Vancouver Island University already knows that they will be one of four B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League teams to challenge for a league title when the 2018 postseason begins on March 9th, and they're locked in to facing Trinity Western University in a first round showdown that will kick off in Langley.

But even with no opportunity to move up or down in the standings, they'll look to finish the regular season on a high when they hit the road this weekend to face Eastern Washington on Friday in Cheney and Selkirk College on Saturday in Castlegar.

Friday's game at Eastern marks the final BCIHL appearance for star forward Beau Walker, who will conclude his university hockey career as the league's fourth all-time leading scorer. The 25-year old has been particularly good despite his team's struggles this season and is finishing strong to the tune of 10 goals in seven February contests.

The Eagles will look to send Walker out with a win against a Mariners team they've been unable to overcome in four previous meetings. Only one of those games was played at EWU; a 6-5 win for the visitors back on October 20th.

On Saturday, VIU will head north to Castlegar in what could be a preview of the 2018 BCIHL Finals should the Mariners succeed in posting a first round upset over Trinity Western.

Selkirk is riding high following a big 3-2 overtime win over Simon Fraser that put the Saints in the driver's seat when it comes to clinching home ice over the Clan in the other first round match-up. Selkirk and SFU are tied heading into the final weekend of regular season action with matching 16-6-0-2 records, but the Saints are assured of second place with a Saturday win on account of their superior record in the head-to-head season series.

It would take an incredible single game performance from Walker or TWU forward Evan Last to put at risk Dallas Calvin's grip on first place in league scoring. The former Trail Smoke Eaters forward currently sits four points up on Walker and seven up on Last with each of the trio having one final game to play.

Friday's game at the EWU Recreation Complex is set for a 7:00 PM faceoff, as is Saturday's match-up in Castlegar. Both games will be broadcast live on Hockey TV.