Powell River Midget Reps Kings recently advanced to the semi-finals of the 2019/2020 Vancouver Island Minor Hockey Association Tier 3 playoffs.
The first round featured a round-robin with three teams vying for two positions in round two: the Midget Kings, Tri-Port and Oceanside.
Powell River defeated Oceanside 5-3 at home on January 26, then waited for the result of the Tri-Port versus Oceanside game one week later. Tri-Port won that contest 6-5 on February 2, eliminating Oceanside from further playoff action and setting up a showdown with the Midget Kings for the first seed in the north heading into the next round.
With each team guaranteed one home game in round one, Tri-Port hosted the final game in Port McNeill on February 8, but home ice turned out not to be an advantage. Powell River skated to a 7-2 win, earning top spot in the round-robin and the right to host the second seed from the south in a single-knockout game in the semi-finals.
Powell River will take on Peninsula in round two. The Saanich-based team advanced as the second seed out of a group that included Kerry Park (eliminated) and Port Alberni (first).
Game time is 1:45 pm on Sunday, February 16, at Hap Parker Arena.
The winner of the Powell River/Peninsula game will meet either Tri-Port or Port Alberni in the Vancouver Island region final, with a berth in the provincials on the line in a best-of-three series. Home ice advantage for the final will be determined based on results of the semi-final games.
Powell River Midget Reps are led by head coach Chad Van Diemen. Scott Mastrodonato and Mike Mastrodonato are his assistants.
BC Hockey Midget Tier 3 Championships take place in Summerland from March 15 to 20. Powell River finished fourth at the 2019 provincials in Mission, losing to the host team in the semi-final before falling to Squamish in the bronze medal game.
Powell River last won the provincial title two years ago, when the tournament was held in West Vancouver. That team defeated Mission by a score of 3-1 in the championship game.
