The Victoria Grizzlies have joined the ranks of the playoff-bound teams in the B.C. Hockey League, becoming the fifth team in the Coastal Conference to punch its ticket to the post-season at 25-20.
The status became official after weekend results.
The Langley Rivermen, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Chilliwack Chiefs and Nanaimo Clippers had already clinched within the confernce. Looking to do so next are the sixth-place Surrey Eagles, who were visiting Langley on Tuesday night.
There is a long drop below that in the battle between three teams for the final two playoff spots in the conference. The Coquitlam Express have 34 points with six games remaining, Cowichan Valley Capitals 33 points with four games left and the Powell River Kings have 31 points with four games remaining.
The Grizzlies and Bulldogs, meanwhile, have the luxury of using their remaining regular-season games to prepare their post-season strategies, including tonight when Victoria travels up-Island to meet the Bulldogs (30-13-4) at Weyerhaeuser Arena in Port Alberni. The Bulldogs lead the season series against the Grizzlies 4-1-1. Alberni Valley is tough at home at 17-3-2. The Grizzlies have a losing record on the road at 9-13.
Victoria rookie sensation Matthew Wood leads the league in scoring with 75 points with Grizzlies captain Ellis Rickwood tied for second in the league with 70 points. The Bulldogs spread it around more with leading scorers Stephen Castagna on 46 points and Josh Zary with 45. Zary on Tuesday committed to play NCAA Div. 1 hockey at Long Island University.
Meanwhile, the situation will be urgent for the Kings when the Grizzlies pay a visit to Powell River for games on Friday and Saturday nights that will mean a lot for the host club’s playoff hopes at Hap Parker Arena.
