Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

Hartley Miller's Slap Shots - January 27th Edition

By Hartley Miller

When the BCHL’s Langley Hornets move to Westbank next season, the Interior Conference will grow from eight to nine teams. As long as the league's playoff format committee gives its approval, eight of those nine will make the playoffs. As well, the Coastal Conference will shrink to eight teams, and the preliminary plan is to have all eight make the playoff derby. This season, 14 of the 17 teams will qualify for the playoffs (6 in the Interior and 8 in the Coastal Conference) and next season that number will rise to 16 of 17. This is not a wise move, unless the league properly rewards the higher seeded regular season team.

The BCHL has decided to take this course of action mainly because of economics. In short, more teams, mean more revenue. In other words, the more the merrier in the post season party. The other factor that comes into play is that teams generally don't want a first round bye because of the amount of idle time between games.

The increase of playoff teams minimizes the importance of the regular season. After completing 60 regular season games, an extra home game (at most) is not nearly enough reward for the higher team in the standings. There has to be enough incentive to do well in the regular season, but on the other hand, all teams need playoff revenue to help with the bottom line

So, what's the solution? After careful consideration, I suggest the following plan of action that maybe even other leagues may want to implement:

The first round would be a best of seven with team 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5.This is a given. The big difference with my plan is that it would not be a traditional 2-2-1-1-1 home ice format or even 2-3-2. Rather the first two games of the best of seven would be played in the lower seeds home, and the remainder of the series, possibly as much as five games, would be played in the higher seeds home. This scenario covers all the bases in that each playoff club is guaranteed two home dates, travel costs would be reduced, and there is significant reward for placing higher in the standings, especially knowing you would have to be beaten at least twice in your rink.

Based on the current Interior Conference standings, the match ups under my proposal would have #1 Salmon Arm vs #8 Quesnel; #2 Penticton vs #7 Williams Lake; #3 Vernon vs #6 Prince George; and #4 Merritt against #5 Trail. So, the Spruce Kings would host the first two games at the PG Coliseum, and the balance of the best of seven (anywhere from two to five games) would be played in Vernon. The four winners advance to the conference semi-finals. The second round could be similar to the first, although you do have the option of going back to the more traditional 2-2-1-1-1 format. Spruce Kings Governor, Adrian Vander-Velden, admits there is merit to my plan and will present it as an option to other league representatives.

Will it get serious consideration? I'm not sure. After all, it simply makes too much “cents”. 

From the quote rack:
• "The NFL is ending their three-year deal with Levitra. Apparently there are no hard feelings.'' NBC's Jay Leno.
• “Will this be the year someone explains why there are 11 teams in the Big Ten?” Jerry Greene of the Orlando Sentinel.
• “Left hand, right hand it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.” Former NC State center, Charles Shackleford, on his ambidexterity.
• "People in Ohio still are paying money to see Maurice Clarett. Except now they're doing it at gunpoint." Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, after the ex Ohio State running back was charged with armed robbery.

• "And Mrs. Van Pool is the lady who drives all the neighborhood kids to school”. Bud Geracie of the San Jose Mercury News, after hearing that Ron Van Pool is the President of USA Swimming.

And, how was your week?

-Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97FM. He also writes for the PG Free Press. 



Previous Story - Next Story



Return to Home