SEASON SERIES: As mentioned yesterday, the Kings took all six games in the regular season against the Grizzlies. The last encounter was a 7-1 win on January 30th at the Hap Parker Arena. However this Victoria isn't the same team we saw in late January.
Since majority owner Len Barrie has joined the coaching staff, the Grizzlies are 8-2, including their five game series win over Nanaimo. Victoria finished the regular season on a three game winning streak and a 4-1 run in five games.
PLAYOFF HISTORY: These two teams last met in the 2009 Coastal Conference Finals, with the Kings winning in seven games. Chad Niddery, Jason Yee and Andrew Pettitt are holdovers from that season. The Grizzlies have two; Madison Dias and Sean Robertson.
TEAM PULSE
VICTORIA- Some could argue the Grizzlies have the upper hand in the fact they have five games under their belt this post-season. However, it could also be argued that the Kings have an advantage in that they're rested and healthy for game one, something the Grizzlies can't quite say.
The Grizzlies had to play a hard fought five game series versus Nanaimo. At one point in the series, Victoria had six regulars out of the lineup. I would expect them to be almost fully healthy to start the series tonight.
One player who is playing, and playing well, is Joel Lowry. The Calgary native led his team in scoring, collecting 10 points in five games against the Clippers, good enough for sixth in BCHL playoff scoring. Lowry was a force in the offensive zone and, paired up with Madison Dias (3+4=7), made for a lethal duo.
POWELL RIVER- Between the end of the regular season and tonight, it will be 16 full days since the Kings have played a game. However, the coaches and players won't use that as an excuse. In fact, the consensus was the break went by quicker than originally anticipated.
The team took four days off before they resumed daily practices which included a day trip down to sechelt for a practice. The Kings held an intersquad game at the Hap Parker Arena that was open to the public on February 26th.
Teagan Waugh is the only player on the Kings that will be out due to injury. His return is not known at this time.
WHO'S HOT: Chad Niddery ended the regular season on fire. The fourth year King ended the regular season on a 13 game point streak, which saw him collect 10 goals and 24 points. Matt Garbowsky finished the regular season on a five game point streak and three game goal streak.
As mentioned, Joel Lowry led the Grizzlies in scoring against Nanaimo. Lowry scored three goals and collected 10 points in five games. Madison Dias wasn't too far behind with seven points in five games. Dustin Johnson, as an AP, scored five goals and collected six points in only three games. Johnson was playing for the Nelson Leafs in the KIJHL. He started the year with Merritt before being traded to Victoria. Johnson didn't last very long in Victoria before ending up in the Kootenay's
STAT PACK: Victoria scored the opening goal in four of the six regular season games against the Kings this season.
PUCK DROP: There will be a tailgate party outside of the rink starting at 6pm. The team will be putting on a BBQ by donation. Also playoff t-shirts will be available for purchase at a cost of $15 dollars.
My 1st and 2nd intermission guest will be Dan Marshall, the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers.
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