The C-Hawks, who posted a 16-2-0-0 regular season record, were to open their division quarterfinals series against the 2-16-0-0 Souris Elks on Feb. 15, after the Empire-Advance deadline.
If needed, a third and deciding game would be held on Feb. 18 in Elkhorn. The C-Hawks are the defending THHL champs.
“The team works hard all year to get to this point and there is nothing more exciting than playoff hockey,” C-Hawks goalie Cory Gardham said. “This year has been a bit different than last year so I think we are looking forward to the challenges that playoff hockey throws at you and how we can work through them in order to succeed.”
The 13-4-0-1 Oil Kings open their first round series on Feb. 16 in Deloraine (5-13-0-0). Game two is the next day in Virden. The Oil Kings would also host the third game, if necessary, on Feb. 19. The Oil Kings enter the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak.
“With the intensity increase playoff hockey brings we will need to manage our composure through the ebbs of flows of games,” Oil Kings general manager Ryan Mathieson said. “We have a lot of confidence in this group and that comes with high expectations for a deep playoff run, and with the first round being a best of three it doesn’t leave room for error. Deloraine’s veteran core knows how to win, and they will be motivated for an upset. We have plenty of playoff experience ourselves, along with the momentum of a nine-game winning streak heading into playoffs so we will look to keep that going.”
Oil Kings vs Royals
Ty Lewis and Devon LeBlanc finished second and third in the league in scoring with 50 and 49 points, respectively. Each lit the lamp 22 times. In net, Tristin Rinn had a 7-3-0-1, while his cousin and goaltending partner Kyran Gerring was 6-1-0-0.
For the Royals, Ty Moffat led the team with seven goals and 18 points in 14 games. Mitch Olson and Moffat each recorded 11 assists. Goalie Billy Patmore recorded three wins, while Nick Schoonbaert had two.
C-Hawks vs. Elks
This winter Brad Bowles led the THHL in scoring (61 points), goals (23), and assists (38) in 17 games. His teammate and brother Jason Bowles was second in assists with 29 in 18 games. The C-Hawks boasts five of the league’s top 12 scorers: Brad Bowles, first; Jason Bowles, fourth, 49 points; Zeanen Zimmer, 10th, 38; Josh Martin, 11th, 37; and Taylor Sanheim, 12th, 33. Goalie Cory Gardham led the C-Hawks with a 9-1-0-0 record.
Zach Edmunds paced the Elks with 17 points and 11 assists in 17 contests. Callum Fortin led Souris in goals with seven. Dane Fortin backstopped the Elks to both of their wins.
