WHL Playoff Manifesto

March 28^th, 2008

For What it's Worth: $88.90-This year's WHL playoffs will be one for the ages, so get involved already.

First off, I apologize for the delay between posts. But it's been mad crazy at Global Lethbridge Sports. March always brings the close of the WHL season, high school basketball zone and provincial tournaments, minor hockey playoffs, and various other events. It's the perfect storm of activity here in Southern Alberta. I'm always surprised our huge (2-man) department covers as much as it does. However, here at Global Sports, our theme song is BTO's Takin' Care of Business.

Heading into the WHL playoffs, it seemed like there were 8 or 9 teams with a legit shot at winning the title. And now a week into post season, I have no reason to think it's not the case. In the Western Conference, Tri-City, Vancouver and Spokane all look like their dominant selves in the first round. It'll be interesting to see who survives the second round, with the Giants most likely matching up against the Chiefs. While the Americans get to face the winner of the 4-5 match-up, Kelowna or Seattle. A big edge to the Amerks. Tri-City will probably have a much easier road to the conference final while Vancouver and Spokane will battle, in what should be a 6 or 7 game series.

In the Eastern Conference, it was conceivable that every quarterfinal series could see an upset. Remember, after the regular season, only 11 points separated the top seed from the 8^th. However, Calgary, Lethbridge and Kootenay have all ran out to big leads in their respective best-of-7's. Only Regina and Swift Current were tied at two wins apiece after four games.

Still, I wouldn't count out Moose Jaw, Brandon or Medicine Hat on making a big come back and taking a series in 7 games, doubtful, but the Boston Red Sox, circa 2004, gives everybody hope.

As for the Hurricanes, they're trying to win their first playoff round in 11 years. In a decade's worth of post-season failure, the club has mostly limped into a first round match up against one of the Dub's top teams, and then lost in four or five games. However, it's different this time around. The organization is on the rise, looking like a contender not just for this year, but the years to come.

Matching up against Brandon, the ‘Canes shook off some nerves in the first period of Game 1, and rallied for the victory. In their 3 wins over the Wheat Kings, Michael Dyck's crew won the special teams battle. The club's power play looks vastly improved from the regular campaign, and the penalty kill came up clutch against the Wheaties.

While the sweep was on the table, it was never really in the cards. Brandon is a good side, a nice blend of experience and youth, and an impressive 15 games over .500 at home. Plus, in their 3 defeats, the Wheaties had a lead in each one, before losing by one goal.

From the start, I thought this series would go 6 or 7 games, and if the Hurricanes can close things out in 5, more power to them. But Brandon now has some life, with the next game at the Keystone Centre. It certainly won't be a shock to see both teams return to the ‘Bridge for game 6. If that happens, the ‘Canes must keep their composure, remembering it's a tough match-up all along.

And then it's up to the city to get on board. I understand that many Lethbridge hockey fans are wary to get excited about the WHL playoffs, 11 years of ineptness will do that. But to have a thousand less people at the Enmax Centre for Game 1 against Brandon, than the biggest crowd of the regular season, is disappointing.

Everyone loves a winner. So, the way I see it, there's no excuse not to pack the "Old Sportsplex." Why? That's easy. You can root for this year's edition of the Hurricanes, whether they advance to the second round or not because these kids are winners. A fine group of young men, solid citizens in the community, that just so happen to be ranked 10^th in the Canadian Hockey League. If you can't cheer on this team, then it's simple, junior hockey isn't for you.