The Okanagan/Shuswap Conference Final is going to be a clash between the first overall Osoyoos Coyotes and Kamloops Storm.
The Storm defeated the 100 Mile House Wranglers in five games, while the Coyotes needed six games to disperse the Summerland Steam out of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League playoff picture. The Coyotes won both their meetings against the Storm, 2-1 in overtime in Kamloops and 4-3 at the Osoyoos Sun Bowl.
“Kamloops is a big, strong team with speed and they have skilled players,” said Coyotes coach Ken Law, adding that the Storm improved their goaltending with the acquisition of Jacob Mullen from the Grand Forks Border Bruins. “They are well coached.”
Law wants to see his team continue to play a physical game, but within the rules. Law said what will bring his team success is a strong compete level and a willingness to battle.
The Coyotes will also rely on a power play that struck for 12 goals in 70 chances.
In the Kootenay Conference, it’s the Beaver Valley Nitehawks against the Kimberley Dynamiters and Penticton’s Eric Buckley. In 11 games, Buckley has five goals and seven points.
Game 1 between the Coyotes and Storm is 7:35 p.m. today at the Osoyoos Sun Bowl and 8:05 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.
