The Quesnel Kangaroos and Williams Lake Stampeders ignite their regional rivalry this weekend for the Central Interior Hockey League’s (CIHL) Eastern Division Final.
The best-of-three match-up begins tomorrow (Feb. 22), at the West Fraser Centre in Quesnel. Game 2 will be held next week in Williams Lake at the Cariboo Memorial Rec Complex. Game 3, if needed, is being played back in Quesnel.
The ‘Roos, got a bye week to start the playoffs, finishing first in the East with a 14–13–1 record during the regular season. The second-place Stampeders (12–4–2), swept the Smithers Steelheads in the first round of the CIHL playoffs last weekend.
The Kangaroos have had the Stamps’ number this year, winning two out of three of their regular season matchups.
Quesnel’s Head Coach, Jordan Draper, says he and the Roos have been preparing for an exciting and intense potential few hockey games.
“Anytime we play Williams Lake, they’re really good hockey games,” says Draper. “I wouldn’t be surprised if [the series] goes the distance. That’s what happens when you got two good teams.”
When asked what he believes will be the Keys to the Game for this series, Draper says they will stick to their game plan, and let the team’s line depth show its strength.
“To play four lines is a luxury not every team has in this league. It gives us an advantage, especially in games two and three where they’ll be back-to-back nights.”
Both teams have strong offenses and can bury the puck in the net. But Draper is confident in the Roos’ ability to play strongly at both ends of the ice.
“I don’t think there’s another team in the league that has the type of defense we have. If we play the way we have all year, we should be successful.”
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
