For all but one of the 17 teams that make up the BC Hockey League, the regular season is merely a precursor to the ultimate goal for teams in any sport: a lengthy post-season run.
After each team played 58 games during the 2018/2019 schedule, the lowly Surrey Eagles, who finished the season with a paltry 30 points, are the only club on the outside looking in. That’s a lot of hockey to eliminate one team from the race. Imagine if 30 of the 31 teams in the NHL made the playoffs, especially with that regular season already too drawn out, leading to meaningless games near the end of the season for many teams (at least in the Eastern Conference this year).
For any athlete, the playoffs, medal round or championship is the reason to compete. They make a round-robin tournament, qualification games or regular season worthwhile. Not having a chance at the big prize is disappointing, and somewhat embarrassing, especially if you’re the only individual or team left out. Too bad, Surrey, but there is a bright side; you have roughly a 94 per cent chance of making the playoffs next year. Can’t miss, right?
BCHL players develop and some draw attention from university, college and professional scouts, and fans are entertained throughout the season, for the most part (every team has a few off nights here and there). But there is nothing like the atmosphere playoff hockey brings, from the perspective of the player, coach or fan.
Coaches work on systems and special teams throughout the season, making sure players are on the same page when the inevitable moment arrives when “backs are against the wall” or it’s “win or go home” time. Aside from individual goals, everything a team goes through all year – ups, downs, wins, losses, injuries, milestone celebrations – lead to those moments. Lessons learned during those times can be the difference between winning and losing a deciding game, but so can a bad bounce.
Finishing high in the standings and earning home-ice advantage can make a difference come playoff time, but from a team standpoint, the BCHL regular season is nothing more than extended practice time for the big show (playoffs), and the big prize at the end (Fred Page Cup). Having the extra game at home does not guarantee success.
Powell River Kings battled for first place in Island Division standings with Victoria Grizzlies all season. In the end, all that was on the line was who plays Alberni Valley (fourth place) and who plays Nanaimo (third place). Kings fell short and finished second, despite dominating Victoria in head-to-head action all year, and will face Nanaimo in the first round.
Do regular season standings matter? Kings finished third in their division last year but defeated higher seeds (Nanaimo and Victoria) before falling to Prince George in the semi-final round. Since there is always a “but,” let’s not forget that Nanaimo and Alberni, who finished 16 and 26 points behind Powell River, both earned wins over the Kings on the last weekend of the regular season. Momentum and confidence can alter fortunes quickly, but so can the return of a top player. Welcome back, Ben Berard.
If both favoured teams win their first-round series, Kings should feel comfortable with their win/loss record against the Grizzlies heading into the next round. Neither team should look past the first round, though, for the reasons mentioned above.
Fans will be on the edge of their seats, anticipating every shot, save, hit and goal. Players will “go to the wall” for each other. Coaches will do everything in their power to draw the best from their team, and to earn favour from officials.
Is there anything better than a best-of-seven series? Bring on Nanaimo. Go Kings Go.
Powell River Kings host Nanaimo Clippers in games one and two of the BCHL Island Division semi-final at Hap Parker Arena on Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2.
