The stage is now set for the first round of the Central Interior Hockey League playoffs.
The Williams Lake Stampeders (13-5-0), who wrapped up its 18-game season on Jan. 8 by clinching second place overall, will meet the seventh-seeded Houston Luckies (8-10-0) in a best-of-three series.
Game one of the series goes Jan. 28 in Houston while game two and, if necessary, game three are scheduled for Feb. 4 and Feb. 5 in Williams Lake at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex; however, these times may change due to a scheduling conflict.
Other first round matchups include the red-hot Smithers Steelheads — who are coming off a perfect 18-0 season — against the No. 8 seed, the Prince Rupert Rampage (7-10-1).
Wrapping up third place overall were last year’s Coy Cup champion Kitimat Ice Demons (11-4-3), who will battle with the No. 6 Terrace River Kings (8-10-0).
And lastly the Lac La Hache Tomahawks, who surprised many around the league with an 8-9-1 campaign (good for fifth overall), will meet the fourth-place Quesnel Kangaroos (10-6-2).
